Dear Mr President, Vice-Presidents, SEJs, ex-SEJs and friends of the SEJs,

As another eventful SEJ year draws to a close, it gives me great pleasure to look back on a hugely successful 12 months for the society. My year as Captain has been thoroughly enjoyable, thanks in no small part to a romantic valentines golf lesson with last year’s Captain Ned (don’t ask), is there a better way to start the term? That aside, this year has given me the opportunity to work with an amazingly enthusiastic and diligent committee, play a whole host of world class golf courses and make many more friends for life.

The Society continues to expand at a rate only matched by my waistline during a Denham lunch, with a growing number of both active members and fixtures. 2014’s highlights included a Summer Tour to Devon, with the now famous ‘Folder of Fun’ – a must for any tour organiser, our largest winter meeting in memory at Littlestone with over 40 players braving the links, and a victory in the Walton Heath Triangular for the Truett Trophy. On the social side, the Annual Dinner in March saw yet another record attendance, shortly followed by a hugely successful SEJ Ski Trip. We celebrated the engagement of ex-SEJs Dale Johnstone and Emma Coe, before adding the inaugural Thompson Tennis Tournament to the summer sporting calendar.

In 2015, we can look forward to two additional fixtures at Royal Blackheath and St George’s Hill, alongside the first Spring Meeting at Rye and the return of the Worplesdon Scratch Mixed Foursomes, not to mention a plethora of other sporting and social activities run by the Captain and committee.

With that, it is my pleasure to announce that Chris Robinson has been elected as Captain for 2015, the 59th year of the Society. Despite sustaining season restricting injuries from both the SEJ Ski Trip and a Croatian boat party, Chris has been a hugely committed member and has worked diligently as this year’s Treasurer. I have no doubt that he will prove to be an excellent leader, and will, with the help of his committee ensure that our traditions are maintained, new members welcomed and the society continues from strength to strength.

Before I sign off, I have two reminders, both of which I am sure are already firmly inked into your diaries:

Thursday 11th December 2014 – SEJ Christmas Drinks

The Folly, Monument from 6.30pm. Current SEJs, prospective members, alumni and friends are extremely welcome and we would love to share a festive drink with you all.

Friday 27th February 2015 – SEJ Annual Dinner

Le Méridien, Piccadilly. Full details to follow shortly, but expect it to be one of the best yet. I know Niamh O’Connor is planning to sell out all 200 seats…

Thanks again, and best wishes to Chris and his committee for the year ahead!

James

James Pearson
SEJ Captain | 2014