The words "stalwart" and "veteran" crop up from time to time in the pages of the Magazine but they are fully merited in the case of Clifford Barcroft who, at the age of 85 this year, has decided to stand down as President of Rawtenstall, Conservative Club, Lancashire.

He has held the position for 48 years having joined the Club in 1942 before he went to France in the Army at the age of 19.

Mr Barcroft has been a pillar of the Conservative Club movement and is well-known, and respected, not only in his own area but throughout the A.C.C. having been a prominent member of the Council.

His service to the community is equally outstanding having been a councillor (and Alderman) from 1960 to 1974 in Rawtenstall; a County Councillor from 1966 to 1974 and a Magistrate from 1972 to 1994.

Mr Barcroft agreed to be President of Rawtenstall for just one year back in 1960.......

In addition he has been President of Rossendale Football Club for ten years and of Rawtenstall Cricket Club for five years.

Clifford Barcroft, who is retiring as President of Rawtenstall Conservative Club after 48 years, is pictured in 2004 receiving a presentation from the Mayor of Caen, in Normandy, in recognition of his service there in 1944.

COLCHESTER ASKS: ANYONE FOR GOLF?'

Pictured are the first trophy winners of the Colchester, Essex, Conservative Club Golfing Society. The Society started in March 2007 and had four golf days during the year. There are 16 members and they would appreciate more.

The Society would also like to try to organise a tournament with other Conservative Clubs in the area and would invite any Clubs interested to contact the Club Secretary, Tom Wright on 01206 766420.

In the picture are (left to right): Alan Barrett (first Trophy); Peter Warner (Autumn Trophy); Paul Flynn (Championship Trophy). The Summer Cup was won by Scot Tucker (not pictured).