Our History
The Corporation of Insurance Brokers (CIB) London and Southern Golfing Society was formed in 1949 by Norman Tremellen, Alec Bennett and Aidan Craven when, following a convivial game of golf, the founders became joint first Captains of the Society.
Membership was restricted to CIB members only (Associated or Federated brokers were excluded) and, together with the Lloyd’s golf club, the CIB Golfing Society soon gained a strong reputation as the membership, venues and hospitality were kept to a high standard.
Close relationships with the CIB itself were fostered. Captains were scions of Lloyd’s broking companies and the President of the CIB also held the Presidency of the Golfing Society.
LINK, the monthly CIB newsletter, reported the Society’s match and meeting results in detail. The September 1976 issue is particularly noteworthy as Francis Perkins expressed alarm at Labour’s plans to nationalise the seven largest insurers; “What is at stake is the whole future of the UK as an international insurance centre”. Despite the gravity of the clarion call it came a poor second in coverage to the Society’s meeting at Swinley Forest and Richard Toogood’s victory with 40 stableford points.
With the demise of the Corporation of Insurance Brokers into the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) in 1977, the Society adopted its current title in 1978.
In the Society’s early days Handicaps were limited to a maximum of 20 whilst winners of Singles competitions were penalised 3 shots at the next 3 meetings (with a ceiling of 6 shots). Rules have loosened slightly for current members with 24 being the maximum handicap and a 2 shot penalty applying at the subsequent meeting.
We are delighted that membership numbers have grown in recent years with healthy attendances at meetings and competition for match selection.
Captains
The list of Captains of the Society can be viewed HERE. Many of the names may be familiar, including a former Lord Mayor of London, Sir Alexander Graham and former England Cricket Captain, Peter May, who played together successfully in the Irish matches. The 75th Anniversary Dinner, held in April 2024, was attended by no fewer than 18 former Captains.
Annual Dinner
Click HERE to read J.H. Simon’s 75th Anniversary speech
The first Society Dinner was held in 1960 in the Captain’s room at Lloyd’s. The format since then has been relatively unchanged, with only a small number of venues being used. These include:
The House of Commons 1961-1967, The Royal Automobile Club, The Eccentric Club 1972- 1983, the Honourable Artillery Company 1984- 2023 and Tallow Chandler’s Hall for our 75th Anniversary Dinner in 2024.
Guests and Society speakers have been of high quality with grateful support from our Irish friends in the early years.
