Bradford Teachers' Golf Society are seeking to boost membership in their ranks and are appealing to local teachers - past and present - to join the historic society.

The organisation was founded in 1916 and continues to flourish today, however secretary Alan Brett is keen to increase the current membership figure of 36.

He said: "We welcome all ages and playing standards and are constantly seeking to encourage new members to join.

"We use various means to do so, such as sending regular newsletters and flyers to schools in the Bradford area.

"Hopefully, developing our own website will help us to publicise our activities yet further. However, essentially, as we are a non-profit making organisation and are in need of further sponsorship and funding.

"Capita Education Resourcing have been great and have donated many golf balls and gift vouchers to us."

The society offers members an attractive range of activities to participate in, such as the members' in-house Championship, which Alan describes as "the pinnacle of the season" and the Fourball Betterball Matchplay Men's tournament.

Another eagerly awaited contest is the annual tournament against local rivals, The Leeds Teachers' Golfing Association.

The local derby match was played last Sunday at Bradford Golf Club and Leeds were the eventual winners, tipping the scales in their favour in the overall match series, which they now lead 3-2.

Brett said: "There is a strong local rivalry when we play each other but after the game, we all have a drink and a meal together in the clubhouse and the atmosphere is very friendly and the banter light-hearted."

The society recently held its own championships at Bingley St Ives Golf Club and the Men's Championship was won by John Pilkington, who finished with 36 points, with Peter Kewley as runner-up.

Trevor Loft finished in third place but went on to lift the Men's Best Gross Trophy and the Ladies Rosebowl was won by Virginia Young.

Such events provide an excellent opportunity for teachers to hone their golfing skills and engage in an active social scene.

The cost of membership for a one-year subscription is a mere £5 and in accordance with the growth in awareness of the society, membership should also increase, adding to the existing eclectic mix of members.

"We have a real cross-section of membership, with trainee teachers in their early twenties, right through to older members who have retired from their teaching careers. The more members that we can attract, the better", added Brett.

Membership details can be obtained from secretary Alan Brett (01274 771928) and treasurer Russ Shimmin 01274 551889.