IT was a case of “golf glorious golf” rather than “food glorious food” when Ballards Gore’s first ever husband and wife captaincy team of Bob and Penny Paton drove themselves into office as characters from the musical Oliver.

The duo wore costumes kindly loaned by the Southend based Theatrical Costume House in Brunswick Road and are being used in the forthcoming production of the musical.

Bob (61) , dressed as Fagin, and 62-year-old “Nancy” Penny were reviewing the situation before the latter, after at first being given a dummy ball which exploded on impact, hit a good drive.

Sadly Bob, who had to consider himself an also ran on the day as he put his effort straight into a lake, wasn‘t able to follow suit!

The celebrations were attended by 200 enthusiastic members and even the weather was reasonably kind to them Without Fagin even having to ”pick a pocket or two” nearly £200 was raised for Bob’s chosen charity, the RNLI.

Fagin and Nancy were ably assisted in full costume by seven little ragamuffins, namely Callum and Sophie Paton, Jordon and Alisha Innell, plus Josh, Beth and Liam Evans.

The all arrived on the tee on the back of a tractor in straw bales.

The whole occasion further helped to lift spirits at the club following the devastating fire which burnt down their clubhouse and destroyed trophies and club records only a month ago.

Celebrations were held in a marquee and Bob said: “It was quite a challenge for the staff, but one they met and dealt with in a professional manner.”