Proud Ann calls it a day at Sheringham

Sheringham members will mark the end of an era this weekend when they say farewell to assistant secretary Ann Williamson. She has retired after 18 years in the post and will be honoured at the club's annual meeting.

Sheringham members will mark the end of an era this weekend when they say farewell to assistant secretary Ann Williamson.

She has retired after 18 years in the post and will be honoured at the club's annual meeting. During her time at Sheringham, Ann has become renowned for her people skills - she knows almost all the members by name - loyalty and unflappability.

She returns the compliment: 'I've had a very happy time at Sheringham and the members have been absolutely supportive of me in every way. I've been lucky to have worked here and I've always been proud to be assistant secretary.'

Ann has worked with three secretaries: Max Garrett for 10 years, Chris Davies for 18 months and Peter Mounfield for the past seven years. There's been two professionals: Richard Emery and Mike Jubb, who currently holds the post. And each year there's been a new club captain.

There have been changes over the years, including the recent addition of an excellent dining room to the clubhouse and, out on the course, the growing strength of the junior section.

Much of Ann's job was admin, including book keeping - and she reckons she was well prepared by her upbringing in East Bilney Post Office, which her mother ran for 50 years.

Despite spending so much time at the golf club, Ann has yet to become a golfer.

'I did have some lessons a few years back,' she said. But she could soon be on the fairways: husband, Michael, began playing about three years ago and is encouraging her to join him.