Popular Knowle secretary-manager Mike Harrington was given a rousing reception after leaving the club at the end of March. A special farewell presentation evening was packed with members and friends.

He had been at the club for six years, but sadly the cancer that he hoped he had conquered nine years ago returned.

Club captain David King said: "Mike has been so brave and he's battled on, coming in to work whenever he has been able. That's the sort of dedicated person he is. We shall certainly miss him here."

Mike, aged 58, is held in high esteem throughout the West Country, particularly at Cumberwell Park. He was the banker who bailed the club out during the critical construction period a dozen years ago.

He defied his bosses and released sufficient money for the project to be completed. Cumberwell is one of the biggest success stories in West Country golf.

It cost Mike money for the bank cut his bonus. It was some compensation to the former Lansdown player that he was awarded honorary membership at Cumberwell.

Mike, who comes from Yeovil, played less and less off his handicap of 12. His last significant performance was winning the regional qualifier of the IMS tournament at Teignmouth in 2002.

He went on to finish second in the final at Seacroft in Skegness in the 12-15 handicap division.