Walton on The Hill ... Surrey

22nd December 2019 (Sunday)      19.00 .... The inclement weather we have been enduring
James Braid's house - Walton on The Hill, Surrey.
in the South East relented today and this has been the most fantastical day:  'JB' and I went to Walton on the Hill (Surrey) where Earlsferry's most famous son, James Braid worked as the golf professional  on the local Walton Heath Golf Course from 1904 until 1950.   Maggie always wanted to visit Walton Heath but we were unable to do that.... so today I finally plucked up the courage to do so;  it was an emotional day for me.

 We got photos of James' house, named "Earlsferry" after his beloved village, and of his and his wife Minnie Alice's headstone in the local St Peter's churchyard..... and finally photos of Walton Heath Golf Club and course.     In all we 'took' 366 photos (with two cameras).... so I have much to 'play' with when I get back to Ivy.

Maggie and I have copies of both James Braids 'Advanced Golf' (1908) and of  Bernard Darwin's book 'James Braid' (1952) and from them we were able to deduce that James was extremely fond of Walton Heath Golf Club .... and the Members of the Club.    This feeling was reciprocated as the Members loved James, their quiet, but extremely successful Professional from a the tiny village called Earlsferry in the County of Fife.  Even today their pride is still obvious;    I can well understand why James loved and remained at Walton for 45 years.    I have had a most enjoyable day though it was sad without Maggie who, like James Braid, had a fanatical love for 'her' wee village... and would have enjoyed this 'pilgrimage'.  

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