Walsall golf club veterans celebrate milestone

They have been teeing off for more than 300 years between them and now a group of veteran golfers are celebrating reaching a milestone.

Walsall Golf Club members Jack Harper, Leslie Tinkler, Bill Mason, Ken Banting and David Jeffries all celebrated turning 90 this year while Ken Perry turned 91. Today, as they looked forward to another year of golfing, the group recalled fond memories of the Broadway-based club.

Member of 54 years and retired engineer Mr Harper was handed a life membership about 20 years ago after spending a long period on the committee.

The great grandfather-of-three, of Park Hall, said: "I made a lot of friends. It was a big part of my life."

Mr Tinkler, of Sutton Road, who joined in 1967, was forced to stop playing in April last year when he had a heart attack but hopes to be able to pick up his clubs again in the future.

Great grandfather-of-two and retired builder Mr Mason, of Norman Road, joined the club in 1963 and retired superintendent of Walsall Police Mr Perry joined in 1977.

The members were guests of honour recently at a special three-course lunch held at the club to mark their birthdays and long-time membership.

Mr Banting, 58, of Elizabeth Road, said: "I didn't expect the lunch. I was delighted. I've made a lot of friends."

By Lisa O'Brien