Longstanding competition takes a final bow

John PhilIips Trophy

September 2024 The curtain was finally lowered on a series of matches between WIGS and the Insurance Golf Society golf that has been played every year since 1996 (with the exception of 2020) at Worplesdon GC. This follows the decision by IGS to wind up at the end of this year.

There was a large turnout with 24 members from both sides taking to a course which provided an excellent test for all participants with all matches keenly contested to their individual conclusions.

Following limited success in recent years for the John PhilIips Trophy, the Insurers ensured that their involvement would finish on a high with a decisive 5-1 win.

As is customary both sides enjoyed an excellent lunch and post match drinks with both Captains Nick Hughes and Richard Bucknall making short speeches to highlight the various contributions made by both teams to ensure such an enjoyable event.

The positive outcome prevailed again in the following week as we secured an honourable draw against our strongest opponents from Lloyd’s thanks to the efforts of Messrs Charteris-Black, Newman, Martin and Smith.

Mixing competition and relaxation on the golf course

July 2024 The match against the Actuaries at Beaconsfield was played in ideal golfing weather against competitive opponents who were keen to retain the Quaich trophy. This they were able to do by a margin of  2.5  to 1.5 with only Messrs Davies, Lancaster and Bower emerging with some credit for the Insurers. Nevertheless, it was a highly enjoyable match with a return booked for next year.

Captain’s Day at Highgate was much more relaxed day with WIGS members and their guests (27 attendees in all this year) looking forward to 18 holes of golf after lunch at one of the closest golf courses to the City, as the picture shows.

The only uncontrollable factor was the weather and this year after an excellent lunch all 27 started off in what turned out to be continuous rain. The course held up very well in the circumstances as did most of the golfers who finished their rounds with some very good scores. The individual winner was Gordon Ireland (Captain of IGS) with 39 points closely followed by WIGS Mike Yardley on 37 points. The Stableford winners were Gordon and his partner Richard Bucknall with 44 points, followed by Mike and his partner Charles Thomson on 39 points.

There were other prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin winners as well as for our two ladies who played on the day, Alison Wood and Wendy Price.

All the prizes were generously donated by Captain Nick Hughes who also provided wine at lunch as well as putting in significant work in organising the highly  successful day – weather apart.

Nick Hughes installed as Captain as season opens

May 2024 Nick Hughes (pictured below) was installed as Captain of WIGS for the 2024/25 season at their AGM held at their opening meeting of the season at New Zealand GC earlier this month 

Nick has been an active member of WIGS since 2015, regularly representing the Society in various livery matches and competitions. As a past Master of the Solicitors livery company he brings wide knowledge and experience to the role. 

Along with other WIGS members he enjoyed fantastic weather for the Neave and Hart competition trophies. Two performances stood out on the day with Peter Ambler triumphing with 42 points to win the Neave Trophy closely followed by Nick Stretton with 40 points on win the Hart Salver.

The two winners, along with Messrs Bucknall, Jerrum and Yardley, who were winners of the Frank Morgan (2022 & 2023) and G.W. Bridge trophy (2023 ) were presented with inscribed tankards by newly installed President Bob Beckett.