About
Welcome to Foresters Golf SocietyFounded in 1975
The Foresters Golf Society was formed in the mid 1970s by John Becvar, who farmed at Framfield and was also a fine rugby player for Lewes.
The society's name was derived from The Foresters Arms public house in East Hoathly (which sadly has since permanently closed it's doors in July 2017).
A group of guys including John used to meet at Seaford Head Golf Club every Wednesday afternoon and would then return to the Foresters Arms after to discuss their game of golf that day.
The group mainly comprised of local farmers, Lewes rugby club members and a couple of local butchers.
John ran the very informal society for a number of years until Brian Williamson took it over in the late 1980's. It used to have 4 meetings a year including a 2 club challenge (not necessarily including a putter) 'Turkey Trot' held at Seaford Head in December. The winner then had to collect the turkey from one of the member's farms - at least one person failed the breathalyser on the way back!
After Brian Williamson, Peter Ball took over the running in 1995 to 2006, followed by Terry Hughes until 2011 and then Andy Williamson (Brian’s son) until December 2024
When the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry used to have a 7:30 am boat returning at 8:30 pm the society went on a golfing day trip and played at Dieppe a number of times. At least one member had to be carried off the return ferry! After the early ferry crossing times ceased the a 3-day ‘International Trip’ was introduced, the first to Arras, then Rouen followed by Trouville for a number of years and then one at Lille...& even Mallorca! The ‘International’ became a very popular annual trip and has continued to this day, with frequent trips to Le Touquet, Arras, Bruges, Oostburg and with Mallorca back on the calendar and planned for 2027.
When Andy Williamson took over as Secretary and the running of the society he, with the help of then Captain Phil Simpson increased the meetings to 10 a year including the International. In 2025 the calendar was increased again and is now 12 meetings a year!
The society has had over 100 members at its height. It still does, although we have sadly now said good bye to some of the older ones and original founding members. We have regularly added new members along the way and have a core 50 members that turn out for at least 2 or 3 meetings each year. We have averaged 32 players at our meetings in 2025, peaking at 40 at one meeting and had 8 new members joining, all which helps keep the society going ever strong!!
If you love your golf and would like to join this wonderful and friendly society please drop me a line via the 'contact us' page.
Paul Little
Honory Secretary.
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