HEAD greenkeeper Adrian Wiltshire's retirement from Bramshaw Golf Club marks the end of an era.

Adrian's father, Wilf, started work at the club in 1945, first as a greenkeeper and then as the club professional for 45 years.

Between them they have given over 92 years of service to the Crosthwaite-Eyre family, who have managed the course for some 100 years.

Adrian retired at the end of last month, after more than 47 years' service.

He has seen huge changes over his five decades of employment at Bramshaw, including the addition of a second 18-hole course, The Manor, in 1971 which was designed by his father.

Adrian has used his extensive knowledge of all aspects of New Forest life to manage the club's original course, The Forest, which dates back to 1880, and is the oldest golf course in Hampshire.

Described by colleagues as a "real Forest man" always ready with an entertaining anecdote, Adrian has many strings to his bow. He is also a talented sportsman, achieving a high level in golf and football at both county and national level.

His greenkeeping role at Bramshaw has meant that he has not been able to play golf as much as he would have liked in recent years, but this should change with retirement.

And he has plenty of other plans to keep him busy in his retirement - he plays snooker in a local league team and has an allotment to tend in Lyndhurst.