Sidmouth Golf Club's Captain for 2008 is Neil Faulkner, writes Terry Carter.

Sidmouth Golf Club's Captain for 2008 is Neil Faulkner. Neil took on the role following the club's annual general meeting last Friday, and carried out his first official task when he addressed a packed clubhouse following the traditional drive-in on Sunday.Born and bred in Sidmouth, Neil is the son of Anne and the late Ernie Faulkner, and attended St Nicholas Church of England Primary School before moving on to Sidmouth Community College. His children, Chloe (17) and Max (14), both attend Sidmouth College, and were with Neil's proud mother Anne to join in last weekend's celebrations in the clubhouse. On leaving school Neil took an apprenticeship with Crusty Cob bakery in Ottery St Mary, and was apparently the last person in the West of England to qualify as a baker under the old apprenticeship format. In 1985 Neil and his friend Mark Thomas started their own bakery when Brian and Val Thomas created the opportunity for Neil and their son Mark to open their first shop in Woolbrook. Around that time they also introduced Neil and Mark to golf at their local club Sidmouth, where they have played ever since. Eventually Neil became sole owner of the business, which he has continued to develop over the years as The Upper Crust Bakery. Throughout this time Neil has consistently supported the golf club, and his business has been a regular sponsor of club events. Playing off a handicap of 10, he was B Team captain from 1990 to 1994, and has captained the club's league team for the last two years. He now looks forward to a busy year in his role as club captain, and intends committing himself fully to the task on behalf of all the sections of the club.The charity that Neil has chosen to be the focus of his fundraising efforts during 2008 is Wooden Spoon. This is a charity with a refreshing and energetic approach to its task, which is to support mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children and young people. Neil is specifically supporting the Devon branch of the national charity, and all funds he raises will be matched by the national committee for the benefit of the Devon region. READY TO DRIVE IN TO OFFICE: New captain Neil Faulkner takes over at the helm. Picture: Alex Walton. ref. 5893-05-08AW.