When The Boat Came In

HMS Ark RoyalDurham City GC had the honour of hosting a match against crewmembers of HMS Ark Royal recently when the ship returned again to the Tyne, the river it was built on thirty years ago. The Fleet Flagship came alongside at North Shields in February after exercises in the North Sea and before heading off to Norfolk, Virginia via Norway.
 
The match result ultimately bore little significance, although that’s easier to say when you win. What should be noted is that all those involved endeavored to adhere to the ship’s motto of ‘Zeal Does Not Rest’ as the 27 players from HMS Ark Royal whole heartedly enjoyed prize presentations to the ship’s top golfers and after match hospitality with the Durham City club members.
 
The gesture of offering our facilities and hosting a match against the crew of Royal Navy ships visiting the region is a simple one. It does however offer our servicemen an all too rare opportunity to enjoy a round of golf whilst on their travels and is something the club members at Durham City are honoured to do.
 
In appreciation of an event that made it a magnificent start to 2008 for the club, the Royal Navy chaps made a very generous donation to the club Captains Charity, the British paraolympic Association. HMS Ark Royal golf society organiser, Mark ‘Fish’ Fisher also presented DCGC with an insignia on behalf of the ship’s crew. This will be proudly displayed alongside one from its sister ship HMS Invincible and that of HMS Bulwark, whose crews have also visited the club in recent years.