One golf legend, Tony Jacklin, was among the guests as a meeting organised to raise funds to erect a statute in St Albans in memory of another, Samuel Ryder. 

Jacklin provided the highlight of the evening organised by The Samuel Ryder Foundation as he spoke about his experiences playing in the Ryder Cup competition and how it had changed since it became a European team taking on the USA and how big the event had become. 

His talk was followed by an auction conducted by Barry Twyman of Amersham Auctions. The evening concluded with a raffle. 

Patricia Fulton co-chairman for The Foundation said: "In view of the weather, we were very pleased with the turn out. The final amount that we have raised will not be known yet as there is interest in some of the auction items that were not sold. 

"We are grateful to all those who attended and took part. We would also like to thank all the companies and individuals who donated and the St Albans Council who provided the town hall for the event. 

"Invaluable helpers included Councillor Annie Brewster and Nadine Gibbon of Spinney Cottage Flowers who provided the beautiful floral decorations. Town hall manager Robert Orchard for his help throughout the entire day and Sam Reitemeier for the Power Point presentation of the auction items, the evening was conducted by Richard Marrett St Michaels's Manor manager acting for us as MC.

"The sponsor for the evening was The Clarion Hotel Holywell Hill, St Albans, our thanks go to the to the MD Kishor Majithia and his manager Charlene Scanlon, their contribution ensured that the evening was a success. They made it possible."

Jacklin was accompanied at the event by his wife, Astrid.