A GALAXY of stars will be descending on Richmond Golf Club next month to mark the centenary of the Stage Golfing Society.

December 4 is the anniversary of the organisation’s foundation, and the golf course at Sudbrook Park has been its home for over 50 years.

The society’s members are all from the entertainment world.

The names of past and present members reads like a Who’s Who of the theatre, film and TV professions.

Among these names are Lord Olivier, Lord Attenborough, Sir John Mills, Sir Sean Connery, Sir Tom Courtenay, Sir Harry Secombe, Christopher Lee, Ronnie Corbett, Albert Finney, Alan Price, James Bolam, Gareth Hale, Philip Glenister, Scott Dougray, Rick Wakeman and John Hannah.

The Stage Golfing Society was originally founded for those working in the theatre because it was felt that playing golf before the evening performance was a more worthy way to spend the day than in a bar or billiards room - now some members manage to fit in all three!

The society plays against many other well known clubs and raises money for charity, with the Born Too Soon unit at Kingston Hospital being very close to their hearts.

The celebrations on December 4 begin with a golf competition, the first playing for the Centenary Cup.

All the players will don Edwardian attire to acknowledge their founding fathers.

Afterwards, salvers will be given to all winners of competitions this year.

The evening will be given over to a dinner/dance with the Elastic Band providing the musical background.

Veteran comedian Eric Sykes is to be the guest speaker at the event, while the society’s president and captain, Garfield Morgan and John Baddeley, respectively, will also speak.

The society welcomes new members. The only qualifications required are an interest in the game, being part of ‘the business’ and the wish to have a good time.

For more details, call 8940 8861 or email hineofham@talk21.com