Island open enjoyed by all

SCORCHING sunshine, pristine fairways and quick greens welcomed more than a hundred golfers to Alderney at the weekend.

This year's open attracted players from as far away as America and Portugal, as well as the usual suspects from Guernsey and Jersey. Not one of them left disappointed.

The weather during the entire tournament didn't flinch for a second, the island's picturesque nine-hole track remained in superb condition throughout and everyone enjoyed a small dose of Alderney's famous hospitality.

Malcolm Hart, managing director of sponsor Aurigny, told the Guernsey Press that everyone had enjoyed a marvellous long weekend and praised islanders' hospitality.

'The weather has been superb and everyone has had a wonderful time. The people of Alderney are always welcoming and this year has been no exception,' said Mr Hart.

'I'm sure those who were visiting for the first time will come back in the future.'

He also confirmed that the airline would be delighted to continue its association with the event.

'Aurigny would love to continue sponsoring the Alderney Open – so hopefully the committee will have us back.'

The tournament was won by 16-handicapper Les Stewart, who has lived here for six years.

Mr Stewart, who was born in Scotland but lived in Zimbabwe for a number of years, said having last year's winner caddying in his group helped him succeed.

'I played with two young guys who are definitely champions of the future and I think the recipe for success must be to have a caddy in the group who was last year's winner,' he said.

Mr Stewart, 66, admitted feeling nervous down the final stretch.

'I got a little jittery towards the end of the round as I knew I was on for a good score but luckily I did enough to win.'

The island's's Animal Welfare Society has celebrated its 50th birthday.Margaret Cosby, who founded the AAWS with her husband, the late Brigadier Noel Cosby, attended a party at the Georgian House to mark the occasion.

Mrs Cosby, 91, said the AAWS was set up after residents began asking her for advice about their pets.

She said: 'When I came to Alderney from Jersey, people who knew I was handy with animals, brought me a cat with ear mites and the society grew from there.'

Brigadier and Mrs Cosby left Alderney in 1979 but the AAWS has remained intact ever since.

Mrs Cosby, who has since returned to live in Jersey, said: 'I'm very proud that the AAWS is still going strong. It's a wonderful organisation and does a lot for all the wonderful pets and wildlife in Alderney.'