Bungay and Waveney Valley Golf Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year but members are also looking to the future with a number of schemes to attract younger players.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Bungay and Waveney Golf Club Pro Andrew Collison teaching the juniors on a Saturday morning.Bungay and Waveney Golf Club Pro Andrew Collison teaching the juniors on a Saturday morning. (Image: © Archant 2014)

As part of the celebration, the club also organised a match against Fakenham Golf Club, which is also 125 years old, and held a dinner dance in July.

Club professional Andrew Collison said: “It’s nice to be celebrating 125 years and there is a great feel about the club at the moment.

“However, as well as looking back we are also looking forward and have put in a number of discounted membership schemes to attract new players.

“We are particularly keen to see young people take up the sport of golf.”

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Bungay and Waveney Golf Club Pro Andrew Collison teaching the juniors on a Saturday morning.Bungay and Waveney Golf Club Pro Andrew Collison teaching the juniors on a Saturday morning. (Image: © Archant 2014)

There is no charge for children under 11 years old to play golf at the club as well as a big discount for players under the age of 18.

Discounts are also available for players under the age of 40 and those who can play on a Sunday afternoon.

“The Sunday afternoon scheme is proving popular with people who work during the week and can only play at weekends.

“They can play a top golf course when it is quiet on a Sunday afternoon,” said Mr Collison.

The golf club was set up at Outney Common in 1889 following a meeting by six local men in the King’s Head in January that year. They were FL Morrice of Ditchingham Hall, AH Jenney of Ditchingham Lodge, HJ Hartcup of The Bank House, CH Collison of Mettingham, Capt JP Meade of Earsham Hall and RC Mann of the maltsters Richard and William Mann.

At the inaugural meeting the chairman Mr Morrice said the object of the meeting was to “consider the advisability of establishing a golf club.” After explaining the royal and ancient game of golf he briefly set out the probable requirements and expenses, and said it would benefit the town and provide a source of enjoyment for the neighbourhood. After obtaining permission from the owners of Bungay Common, it was unanimously resolved to form a golf club.

A president, captain, honorary secretary and treasurer were elected and the entrance fee and annual subscriptions were set.

By June 1889, the membership stood at 57, with two honorary members, 35 men and 20 women.

Today the club has about 700 members and plays host to a variety of matches.

For more details visit www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/bungay or telephone 01986 892337.