The South West & South Wales BTU The South West and South Wales branch was constituted in 1961. Alan Shipman our President moved from Merseyside to Bristol in 1958 and had previously been a member of the North Western Branch. As there was no branch south west of Birmingham he had the foresight and energy to gather together a number of people in the Industry with a similar interest and formed the South West Branch. An Inaugural meeting was arranged at Long Ashton Golf Club and the following founder members attended. Ronnie Legg, Colin Taylor, Bill Edney, and Jack Buchanan. In the beginning there were more Welsh members and fixtures were arranged both sides of the Channel. This was before the bridges were built and travel across the water was by ferry or Campbells Steamer. Over the years membership has built up to ninety but now stands at about seventy-five with an average meeting attendance of twenty-five to thirty. Highlights of the season are our annual matches with the Southern and Midland Branches, which generate plenty of friendly rivalry and have formed many personal friendships. We have a Charity Day each year at Christmas and are proud to have raised over £20,000 for various charities. This year we celebrate our forty-fourth year and with a sound enthusiastic membership we look forward to the future. To add to this brief history the first President was Ronnie Legg who remained in office until 1967. Jack Buchanan succeeded him in until 1977 when he handed over to Alan Shipman. Sam Kellow was treasurer after the inaugural meeting but later became Secretary in 1969. He Served in this post until 1972.Unfortunatly he died at a B.T.U. meeting being held at Porthcawl whilst playing golf. John Knight was then Captain and invited Gordon Kingston to become Secretary, which he did and Ron Pope became match Secretary. Ron stood down in 1990 and Phil Mayne took on the task of arranging fixtures until 1998 when Don Irving took over his position. On Don’s retirement to Spain, Barry Mansfield who was appointed Secretary and Dave Higgins and Gordon Kingston were appointed Vice Presidents. The Society has been fortunate in having many valuable trophies donated and continues its tradition of keeping to successful venues both sides of the water. Long may it continue that we enjoy this wonderful game with good company, good food and good fellowship. Return to top of page