BOB John has stepped down as secretary of the Northumberland and Durham Alliance 25 years after he volunteered to step in and fill the post “on a short-term basis.”

“I joined the Alliance in 1968 and met and played with many good golfers, also meeting many interesting and very friendly people,” said Bob. “In 1990, I volunteered and was appointed to carry out the role of secretary/treasurer only for a year until a full time officer could be found.

“Now it’s 25 years later and, happily, someone has been found at long last to replace me!”

The new secretary, Alan Liddle, a member of South Moor, takes over the role this month and a presentation was made to Bob on his retirement at the Alliance’s annual meeting in the Red Lion, Chester-le-Street, by President George Rennie.

In his retirement speech, Bob thanked all members past and present and all the golf clubs that have helped make his time pleasant, enjoyable and very worthwhile.

“I did think it would be hard to say goodbye and I was right,” he added. “It is extremely difficult as I will miss the banter, chats, fun and even the ‘aggro’ and, most of all, your friendship. Thank you very much gentlemen and I wish the NDGA all the very best for the future.”

ENGLAND Golf has become the representative body on the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) for disabled golf in England.

It has taken over from BALASA, the charity which promotes golf for all disabilities. BALASA will continue to run its own events and host EDGA events.

Jamie Blair, the England Golf disability manager, said: “I look forward to working with EDGA and to learning from my colleagues in Europe, not only improving the opportunities for talented golfers but also on getting more disabled people into the game.”

A new process is in place for disabled golfers who meet the required level of impairment and wish to participate in the EDGA Access, Challenge and Premier events.

To access EDGA competitions players must hold an approved EDGA Medical Pass, an active CONGU handicap and enter ballots through the EDGA website.