Pictures and report from the Baltic Golfing Society about last week’s Annual Dinner in London can be read here. 

The Baltic Golfing Society’s Annual Dinner was held once again at the iconic Honourable Artillery Company HQ in City Road, Moorgate on Thursday 20 October. It was very well supported, but due to the dreaded Covid we had a few drop outs at the last moment which resulted in a final head count of 110.

Baltic Exchange Golfing Society members young and old enjoyed a few pre-dinner drinks in the Medal Room & Member’s Sutling Bar together with their guests as well as the four representatives from the Cardiff Exchange. Time flew by as matches and rivalries were discussed and soon it was time to sit down for the dinner in the Long Room where the skipper Simon Cox welcomed everyone and then handed the microphone over to his vice-captain Anthony Grenfell to say the Grace. As ever the food provided by the HAC was excellent and the service very attentive.

Click here to view all photos from the evening. 

With the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen, this was our first dinner where the Royal Toast was The King which was performed by our ex President Bob Childs. The next official task fell to our current President Robert Gemmell who had the honour of awarding the Gold Cup, which is the society’s annual knock out singles tournament and considered to be almost as prestigious as the old Volvo World Match Play Championship. Played over 36 holes, this year the final was between Nigel Whaler and Jeremy Brewer (the 2010 winner), with Jeremy managing to win after the match went beyond the 36th hole. Jeremy gave a small speech and congratulated Nigel on a well-played match as well as the very sportsmanlike spirit. Well done to both players, especially Jeremy.

The Cardiff Exchange Captain Phil Johnson then gave a speech. This usually includes a reference to the Six Nations rugby, however as England managed to win this time, it was a more muted reference. Maybe better luck next year either in the Six Nations or World Cup (football as well as rugby). Phil ended by proposing a toast to the health of the Baltic Exchange Golfing Society.

Our Captain Simon Cox then gave a brief but witty speech. He gave a quick resume of how BEGS faired in the various matches & meetings. The Spring Challenge was well attended and the foursomes won by Jamie Freeland & James Campbell, whilst Jim Stewart won the Singles Cleek. In May we played the Cardiff Exchange for the first time at Dartmouth, courtesy of the Baltic Exchange CEO Mark Jackson who is a member there. Everyone had a tremendous time. The food & accommodation were top notch and the Baltic managed to win. Next came the Summer meeting at Thorpeness, which is now in its 62nd year. Overall winner was Neil Harper and the Noddy Collins award went to Graham Baldey. We played a strong Stock Exchange team and despite many matches going to the 18th, we failed to win the overall match. Sadly, our match versus Lloyd’s was not played due to lack of numbers. The Company Cup was played at Moor Park in early October and last year’ runners up Ed Preston & Sam Round managed to win this year, now representing D’Amico Bulk. Our final match was versus the Japanese which was held in mid October at West Herts and the Baltic narrowly edged the win to retain the William Adams trophy. Simon stressed the importance of the various Baltic Exchange Societies including sailing, golfing & tennis and pointed out that may brokers had benefited from the relationships forged in a society match or society meeting and encouraged all present to get involved in any Baltic society and taking part in their events. He made the point that for the golfing society if it would have him as member then clearly the “ability” hurdle was very low and encouraged anyone interested in golf to join and see for themselves. The final official task was for our captain Simon Cox to reply on behalf of the BEGS and propose a toast to all the guests.

Once the meal had ended everyone returned to the bar for a few more discussions before heading home around 11:30 p.m. Another excellent evening completed.

The final event of our season is the Grand Finale at Chislehurst, which Trevor Marsh is managing.