The Horners’ Trophy 2026 – A Day of Golf Through All Four Seasons ,10 June 2026

Representing the Plumbers were Captain Jane Palmer, Ian Palmer, Richard Harvey and Paul Husselbee. Whilst the team’s total of 78 points was not enough to challenge for the leading positions, it was a highly creditable performance given the remarkable conditions encountered throughout the day.

The final standings were:1. Tallow Chandlers – 85 points. Horners A – 82 points. Insurers – 81 points

If ever there was a day that demonstrated the unpredictability of English golf, this was it.

Competitors experienced almost every type of weather imaginable during a single round. Sunshine and blue skies were quickly replaced by heavy showers, blustery winds and dramatic hailstorms before conditions improved once more, only for the cycle to repeat itself later in the afternoon.The weather made its presence felt from the very start. Play on the opening hole was briefly delayed while the greenkeeping team changed the pin position on a flooded first green. Later in the round, players found themselves clearing hailstones from putting lines before attempting their putts – a sight rarely witnessed during a June golf competition.Despite the challenging conditions, there was plenty of excellent golf on display. Consistent scoring from Richard Harvey and Paul Husselbee helped keep the Plumbers’ score moving steadily throughout the day, while Ian Palmer emerged as the team’s unexpected Par 3 specialist, producing some memorable moments on Ashridge’s testing short holes.Throughout it all, the team’s spirits remained high. Good humour, resilience and plenty of banter ensured that the changing weather became part of the enjoyment rather than a distraction.

June golf at its most memorable – competitors clearing hailstones from the putting surface during one of several dramatic weather fronts that swept across Ashridge.

Ashridge once again proved itself to be a superb venue, presenting a fair but demanding test of golf and providing a memorable setting for another successful Horners’ Trophy. Our thanks, as ever, to The Worshipful Company of Horners’ for their warm hospitality, friendship and the excellent organisation of another memorable Horners’ Trophy. The event remains one of the highlights of the inter-Livery golfing calendar and is greatly valued by the Plumbers, not only for the competitive golf but also for the opportunity to strengthen the friendships between our two Companies. We are already looking forward to returning in 2027, when the Plumbers will be proudly represented by two teams.

Photographs courtesy of Ian Palmer.