End of an era as Joan steps down

Women’s golf

IT’S the end of an era with Joan Hirst announcing she is retiring as president of Oldham Ladies Golfers Association after nine years.

The 87-year-old from Grasscroft will stand down at the end of the season after her Charity Cup is held at Oldham.

It was back in 2000 that OLGA was formed to organise the Chronicle Cup and other women’s events in Oldham.

And in recognition of her many years of voluntary work in local women’s golf, Joan was invited to become the inaugural, and so far only, president of OLGA.

Joan, who used to be a keen badminton player, took up golf in the early 1970s after deciding she was no longer going to be a golfing widow - husband Harry was a member at Saddleworth at that time.

Joan has always been a member at Werneth, where she was lady captain in 1985.

But, after having a double hip replacement, Joan’s playing days came to and end, though she remained actively involved in administration, helping Harry organise the men’s and women’s Chronicle Cup.

Joan said: “I thought the time was right to stand down, especially as Harry and I have not been in the best of health.

“I have enjoyed my nine years as president and shall miss it, though I intend to keep in touch with everybody involved with OLGA.”