CIRENCESTER Golf Club's seniors section has a fine tradition of celebrating the 80th birthdays of its members.

On Monday, September 15 the clubhouse was full to see Paul Horrell and David Fletcher presented with the customary tankard by seniors captain Clive Bennett.

As members enjoyed a celebratory glass of wine Clive provided an entertaining account of their lives.

Fletcher was born in Yorkshire but brought up and educated in Lancashire. Nobody was surprised to hear that David came from a distinguished sporting family. His father represented England at rugby and David played for Yorkshire and Lancashire, county rugby being the highest level below international level at the time.

One of David's sons went on to play for Harlequins and Middlesex.

David and his wife had long and successful careers in education. On retirement they came to Cirencester where David took up golf and not surprisingly became quite good. He served on the seniors committee and was seniors captain in 2006.

Horrell joined Cirencester Golf Club in the early 1980s and has been on the seniors committee for more than 10 years. He usually organises these birthday celebrations but for once he was the recipient of the bonhomie.

His role on the committee is treasurer – a role which comes naturally for a qualified accountant who has held senior finance positions and directorships in newspaper publishing and engineering.