The great and the good gathered at Sarisbury Social Club last night for the Southampton & District Social Clubs League annual presentation.

Veteran Sid Hunt was guest doorman for the night and woe betide any gate-crashers attempting entry without the £3.50 ticket (free sausage and chips if purchased seven days in advance).

I had my first taste of the smoking ban, grouped together on the pavement outside of the club. Lucky it was a fine evening.

Sarisbury recently fought off a proposed buy out by a developer. The members voted overwhelmingly to resist the offer which would have netted each of us a few thousand pounds. Two snooker tables lovingly maintained by captain Doug Scott and a top Premier league team was enough to buy my vote.

But there was much concern, soon after the vote, when a portacabin was installed in the car park and banners and flags announced new houses for sale. Members rushed in demanding to know why the club had gone behind the member’s backs.

Steve the barman had to reassure the angry voices that the prime location on the A27 was being used as a sales centre for a new development just up the road. And the club raked in a tidy sum every month.

Alex picked up the F Mintrum Snooker Individual Championship (otherwise known as the Town Championship), presented by two young ladies in matching pink dresses.

This particular trophy dates back to 1977 and carries such famous names as Ken Jones, Dave Mumford, Chris Holland and Alex’s doubles partner Jeff James. Also a certain D. Zagaroli. Spelt with one L as opposed to last night’s Premier Championship trophy which had two Ls.