With a record entry of 24 teams and a whole squad of Rugby stars joining them, some different (and occasionally indifferent) golf was assured. As ever, the competitions, though taken seriously, took second place to good companionship, raising funds and enjoyment of the glorious weather and spectacular surroundings.

My own experience centred on my usual problem: my idea is to play the 18 holes each day while Angi visits historic Cartagena, enjoys a treatment or a tennis lesson, or just enjoys swimming and lazing by the pool. I plan that at approximately 2.00pm,having played my best, I will take a swim, a light lunch, return to our room for a short nap, take a refreshing shower and prepare for the evening's entertainment. Fond hopes! Every day as I trudge wearily back past the pool and its neighbouring bar, comes a shout of "Hey, Jonesy - how did you get on? Come and have a drink". Well, of course, one has to reciprocate, so the swim, the nap, the shower all take second place to yet another cerveza or Vina Sol and I usually just have time to dress about 20 minutes before the evening 'do'. That said, my play improved every day so some part of the revised programme must have worked!

The evening entertainment was great fun - the surprise appearance of Riccardo our singing stalwart of earlier years, was a huge success, especially for the ladies whom he serenaded with his cleverly- chosen 'special' songs in very manly style (according to Mrs Jones, you understand). For the Rugby enthusiasts there was a forum chaired by Dick Greenwood, former England player and coach, in which several important Rugby questions of the day were addressed to the panel. The International panellists responded in a variety of ways, providing opinions that ranged from the unintelligible to the downright libellous but Dick held the whole thing together, ensuring an entertaining hour for afioionados and occasional Rugby fans alike.

The barbecue on the second night was a splendid affair - Patrick and Bridgette Field once again very generously providing us all with a sumptuous open-air meal with beer, Sangria and wine in the garden of their delightful home in the village. Now we know why people like to live in La Manga!

On the last night we were treated to more musical entertainment by the relaxed and relaxing Paul Doby His easy-going manner and mastery of the guitar in a variety of styles contrasted perfectly with the raucously funny Gary Marshall Whose hilarious act led us straight into a very successful auction organized by the tireless Bob Harris - all in all, a very successful Spoon fundraising night

Spoon La Manga 2010 fully lived up to the reputation established in previous years and must now be considered one of Spoon's key events. It has all the elements; like-minded, sport-loving people who get along well together and want to help improve the lives of less privileged children and young people. It's keeping the fun in fundraising - long may it continue.

Muchas Gracias to those whose tireless efforts made it all so enjoyable:
Tony Richards - Master of the Revels
Mike Laney - Mr Fixit and Organiser supreme
Bob Harris - the Welsh Wizard
Lydia Foulkes- Lady in Red
All the celebrities and players whose participation made the event very memorable

For results please click here.

Next year's event is scheduled for 18-22 May 2011. We do hope you can join us again next year.