Mixed emotions as greenkeeper hits retirement
GOLF club members have said farewell to a greenkeeper who is retiring after 40 years.
A £3,000 cheque was presented to Robin Smith at a surprise leaving do at Limpsfield Chart Golf Club, off Westerham Road, last Thursday. Members said an emotional farewell to the 65-year-old, at a celebration in the club house. Mr Smith was aged 25 when he took over the job from his brother, who was emigrating to Canada.
And the trade certainly runs in the family as Mr Smith's daughter Elaine Kelley also worked at the nine-hole golf club as a greenkeeper.
Mr Smith said: "I remember when I took the job here, my rent was seven guineas a week. My brother worked in this role before me but went to live in Canada so I was interviewed for the job and got it.
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"I'm retiring really because I think 40 years of hard work is enough. I have loved every minute but I'm physically fit and healthy still, and can have a good active retirement.
"It makes more sense to me than waiting until I'm worn out but I still have very mixed emotions."
As well as the cheque, Mr Smith was also presented with a "this is your life" book and a five-year membership to the Bluebell Railway Club in Sussex as he has a keen interest in steam trains.
He added: "My wife Celia and I are moving to Hailsham in East Sussex, and so the £3,000 will be fantastic for renovating the new house. And it will be great to have the time to visit the Bluebell Railway and to spend as long as we want in Canada visiting my brother."
Golf club member Peter Carrot told the Mirror: "He really is going to be missed. Particularly by all the ladies as they're all in love with him."
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