OWERMOIGNE’S Mike Smeaton is the latest name to be engraved on The Society of Dorset Men’s Hambro Challenge Golf Cup, competed for annually since 1938.

He was presented with the 77-year-old silver cup by society president Lord Fellowes of West Stafford DL at the county dinner, held at the George Albert Hotel near Evershot.

There were early showers at Dorset’s own birthplace of the Ryder Cup, Came Down Golf Club, but the sky soon brightened as a record 26 members set out to compete in the 2015 Society of Dorset Men competition for the famous Hambro Cup.

Peter Fry and John Holdaway, both previous winners of the trophy, led out the field at 9.30am and some fine golf was played.

Frank Skinner played three shots on the long 14th and after what was at first a fruitless search, the ball was found in the hole for an eagle three.

More good golf was needed to win prizes for nearest the hole in two on the third – Skinner won that one and nearest the pin on the 10th went to Smeaton.

Lunch was enjoyed by all competitors as was followed by the prize presentations.

When all the cards were in and added up, society secretary Hayne Russell handed over the accolades for nearest the pins and for first, second and third places.

Just missing out were three fine rounds of 33 points each, but, with 35 points each, Charles Cooper just pipped Holdaway on countback for second place.

With 39 points, Smeaton was the clear and deserving winner of the annual event, which is organised by John Rousell.

Captain Angus Hambro (1883- 1957), from Milton Abbas, was a leading member of The Society of Dorset Men.

He served as a junior member of the government in the First World War, the Conservative MP representing Dorset South from 1910-22 and Dorset North from 1937-45, while he was a captain in the Queen’s own Dorset Yeomanry.

The Society of Dorset Men was founded 111 years ago and has a long and rich history.

Today, there are around 1,200 members throughout the UK and all over the world.

Membership of The Society of Dorset Men costs £10 a year.

For further information, visit societyofdorsetmen.co.uk/page8.html or telephone membership secretary Peter Lush on 01305 260039.