EAST Berkshire got their 2019 playing year underway with the traditional drive-in by the in-coming club captain, Peter Stevens.

He was joined on the first tee by ladies’ captain, Donna Hunt on a sunny Good Friday. Both drove off in front of more than 100 club members, family and friends.

Stephens and Hunt are already putting their year’s efforts into fund-raising for their chosen charities – Camp Mohawk, a day centre for children with special needs and their families based near Wargrave, and the Sandhurst Stroke and Disabled Club who offer friendship and support for affected people.

Last year, members at the Crowthorne club raised £19,000 for Daisy’s Dream and Headway Thames Valley.

Stevens commented: “The generosity of members and the fun they have raising the money in a variety of golfing and non-golfing ways is all part of the friendly spirit of East Berkshire.”

“Our big fund-raising weekend is the club charity weekend in July with a mixed charity four-ball event scheduled on Friday, July 26, with non-members welcome to enter a team of four at a cost of £200 per team which includes a competitive round of golf and a two-course lunch and prizes."

In addition to the drive-in, East Berkshire also staged a Shotgun mixed greensomes competition with 88 players taking part.

The best ladies' prize went to Gabi Heuchel and Christine Ross with 39 points, while 41 points earned Sam Mulrooney and Dan Bailey the men's award with Terry Sparkes and June Ganley the mixed winners on 43 points