On a cool Tuesday morning, Bristol Airport was greeted by 28 intrepid souls from Farrington Park. Our destination was La Zenia on Spain's Orihuela coast. Our mission was to enjoy our golf and sample the ambience of the local area.

Our first game was at Hacienda Requelme. By popular opinion, the most heavily bunkered course any of us had ever encountered! Estimates of 250-300 bunkers were not wide of the mark. Charles Romaine top scored on the day with an impressive 32 points three clear of Mike 'Hooky' Henton.

Our second venue was La Finca, an impressive course with excellent facilities and superb greens. A truly hot day with the mercury hitting 23 degrees ensured that much liquid was consumed on conclusion of the round. Jim Wring top scored with 32 points, two ahead of Rob Thain, Jeff 'sat nav' Kelly and Seniors Captain, Jim Farmer.

The third day was judged by the majority to be the most impressive course of them all, Las Colinas (The Hills) and they were certainly alive with a number of sounds! There was much puffing and panting from those brave enough not to take advantage of a buggy. A beautiful course obviously suited the junior member of the group with Alan 'The Boy' Skivington romping home with a superb 42 points, three clear of Mike Hedges.

Saturday was a rest day with various breakaway groups doing their own thing. A contingent ventured locally to Cartagena, a pleasant city with lots of archaeological sites, historic buildings and interesting museums. It is believed a number of bars were also on the itinerary!

Our penultimate day was at the Las Ramblas golf course, situated only eight miles from our hotel. One of the vehicles decided to use up much of the already-paid-for fuel by arriving some eighty minutes after leaving the hotel. Satnav obviously not used! Mike Henton top scored with 31 points. Joint second place went to Ralph 'Canny Lad' Tilbrook and Alan Skivington on 30 points.

Our last venue was the disappointing Villamartin Golf Club. A tired course which failed to impress many of our group. Up for grabs on the day was the Mike Hedges Cup for individual Stableford. Fittingly, this went to our splendid organiser, Ian Clement, coming in with a best of the day 36 points – he liked it! Just two behind on 34 points was Rob Thain – he didn't!

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable trip and, as always, a huge thanks to Ian Clement, Roger Stone and Adrian Miller (thanks for coming, aah!)

The Romaine Team Cup winners were the Green Team, with an unbelievable 26 points out of a possible 28. The team of Phil Thompson, Tony Clement, Tony James and Bob Wright (plus two wild cards!) The Millers Mug for best combined scores over the five games went to Alan Skivington, with 151 points. The Kantoaui Camel presented to the best two players in the worst team went to Tim Waller and Jeff Kelly.

Next year, we are off to Marrakesh, in Morocco, and look forward to more fun in the sun with the Seniors. M'a ssalama!