Hanford honoured with life membership of Eagles

Waahi Taakaro stalwart Ian Hanford has been made a life member of the Nelson Marlborough branch of the Eagles Golf Society.

The richly deserved honour was bestowed at the recent AGM of the Nelson Marlborough branch held at Totaradale on March 22.

Ian has held virtually every position since accepting nomination to the society in the early 1900s, including serving as branch president for two years, vice president, secretary and two terms as club captain totalling 10 years. He still serves on the Nelson committee.

Nelson Marlborough is one of 14 regional branches of the Eagles Society in New Zealand that have collectively raised more than $6.2 million for the Halberg Foundation since 1969.

Nelson Marlborough’s annual charity tournament at Motueka – which Ian and his team ran last year - raised just over $10,000 for the Halberg Foundation, an impressive effort.

The branch also raises money for junior golf, runs under 17 and Future Golf tournaments and makes annual visits to almost all golf clubs in the region. The Eagles annual fundraising raffle will be doing the rounds of clubs shortly.

A former Waahi Taakaro president, Ian continues to play an active role in our club, serving as Old Hickory selector and captain. He was a key member of the team that last year won the Club of the Year trophy for the second time in three years.

Congratulations Ian on your award. You are a volunteer extraordinaire.