When a group of us sat down in 2003 to discuss the formation of a former players association, we hoped that 20 years later we might still be meeting up to enjoy each other’s company. That hope has turned into reality and on Monday 27 th June we celebrated our 20th annual golf day at the home of WBAFPA golf days – Walsall Golf Club.

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The golf day has grown over the years but many from that day in August 2003 are still with us now and we thank them for that support. Unfortunately, over this period we have lost a few of our friends and colleagues.

19 teams took part and 14 former players competed for the Player of the Year Trophy. A bright and warm day welcomed us, though we could not be sure the day would stay dry, fortunately any showers did not develop.

It is worth mentioning that Walsall Golf Club was in the best condition we have encountered since that first day in 2003, many congratulations to those involved.
Leading up to this day we received terrible news that 3 Albion stalwarts including a legend and FA cup winner had died. Dr John Evans, former Secretary, died a few days prior to Monday, Joe Brandrick, anAlbion Director, that morning and that winner Bobby Hope some 16 days earlier. Tributes were made to Bobby by our Administrator Geoff, with our President Brendon speaking about Dr John & Joe, we then raised a glass to all 3. Bobby had been at our 1 st day back in 2003 as was Joe.
Our thanks go to our main sponsor Con Cunnigham from CPC CIVILS Ltd, course prize sponsor Tony Sammon SOLIHULL ROOFING Ltd and Neil Bettridge AMROS GOLF PROMOTIONS our prize sponsor.

So, who won the prizes:
Team:
4 th The Marleys Bob Marley, Tim Lewis, Mike Ashton & FPA member Carl Heggs 80 points
3 rd Route 39 Steve Saul, Carl Smith, Phil Priest & FPA member Mark Grew 81 points
2 nd M3 Agency Nick Lovett, David Lawrence, Harvey Leonard & FPA member Joe Mayo 82 points
1 st Creative Mark Read, Simon Leary, David Ashman & FPA member Geoff Snape 84 points
Nearest the Pin 7 th David Butler
Nearest the pin in two on 9 th Ian Carr
Nearest the pin in three on 18 th Harvey Leonard

FPA GOLFER OF THE YEAR Joe Mayo 36 points (beating Mick Fudge on back 9)

Our thanks must go to Walsall Golf Club, the catering staff, the green keeping staff, the administrative staff especially Jayne Nightingale, the Pro Shop and our starter and former Professional Richard Lambert. Thanks to photographer Laurie Rampling and Sue Ball & Helen Allport for their administrative help.

To all our teams and sponsors a huge thank you.
A special mention to Baden Klein who has spent the last 4 months attending everything Albion and delayed his flight home to Canada so he could be with us.
Our thanks to Kidderminster Supporters Branch for their kind donation to the Association of £305, Amanda Haden presented the cheque, along with Sharon Cartwright, to Ray Wilson & Norman Westbury.
Those attending: David Butler, Darren Bradley, Kevin Kent, Don Goodman, Nick Cross, Bruce Collard,
Paul Raven, Carl Heggs, Chris Brunt, Mark Grew, Stewart Phillips, Mick Fudge, Kevin Summerfield, Joe Mayo & former coach Richard O’Kelly.
We were joined by committee members Brendon Batson, Ray Wilson, fpa members Ally Robertson, Tony Brown, Stan Jones, Campbell Crawford & Kenny Foggo.
We look forward to seeing you all on Monday 26 th June 2023.