The Ladies of Stoke by Nayland came out in force to host this year’s open, from meeting and greeting the 72 ladies that took part, to organising a great raffle raising funds for the Lady Captains charity – Little Lifts, onto providing a fantastic array of culinary delights at the halfway hut.

The players came from across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent and all finished their day off with a two course meal.

There were many compliments all round and also on the condition of course given how much wet weather we have all had.

Special thanks to Diana Harris for organising such a brilliant day, Janet Hodge for the halfway hut and all involved in helping out.

The winners were a team of ladies from Seckford.

Here are just two example of emails received following the day:

• “I just wanted to thank you and all the Stoke Ladies for putting on such a wonderful day for us yesterday and what an absolutely fantastic time we had. Also, the greens team, the course was in a wonderful condition, the hospitality team for looking after us all so very well, the chef for the wonderful meal and the Pro Shop team, who were also so very friendly and helpful”.

• “We all had a very enjoyable day together and very much enjoyed playing the course. The food both at the halfway hut and meal afterwards was both plentiful and delicious. Also, everyone we encountered were very friendly and welcoming”.