NEVILLE Ovens has taken over as captain at Ross-on-Wye Golf Club for 2004 to complete a rather special family double, with his wife Jean having become ladies' captain last November.

Ovens, a native of Kington and an old boy of Lady Hawkins Grammar School, returned to the county after retiring from the Police as the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire.

His interest in golf started on Bradnor Hill over 50 years ago and he is still a member of Kington.

On moving back to Herefordshire in 1993, he joined Ross, subsequently playing a significant part in the management of the club, and serving as honorary secretary for two years until they appointed a full-time administrator.

However, one of his most important undertakings was as chairman of a sub-committee which, under his astute direction, planned last year's extremely successful Club Centenary Year.

At the annual meeting tribute was paid to retiring treasures Tim Bayley. In an upbeat report he was delighted to announce to members that 2003 was financially the best year during his nine years in office.

Tom Haskett was elected for a fifth term as club president, Geoff Baker will continue in his capacity as chairman of the general committee, and Mike Cooper was elected as club vice-captain.

The announcement of honorary life membership to Bob Beavis was greeted with universal approval. A great stalwart of the club, he has served as captain and president, and also as president of the Gloucestershire Golf Union, and is president of the Society of Gloucestershire Golf Captains for the current year.