Mother Superior of golf Pam Fernando celebrates 80

Just a few days ago H20, an upmarket, posh night spot, took a capacity collection of close friends and well wishers who gathered to felicitate Pam Fernando, who was celebrating the 80th anniversary of her birth. Wearing a disarming smile throughout cocktail time, Pam looked really great.

Joining her for this special occasion were her sisters Babette from Portugal and Tootoo from U.K., both elegantly grey, looking fresh and well preserved, enjoying the renewal of friendships with many in lively and animated style.

The party was put together my Pam’s devoted children, Priya, Druki and Tiru happily interrupted occasionally by the loveable grandchildren. Tiru compered the evening’s proceedings in style and good humouredly. The formidable seniors of the Ladies’ Section of the Royal Colombo were very much present adding much to the success of the great evening.

Farida Macan Markar, Mystica Flamer-Caldera, Gun Pieris, Rohini de Mel and Ruki Kodagoda were strongly supported by the vibrant younger generation of Anne Captain, Duchess Abhayaratne and Radha Sunderampillai. They happily came together to sing the perennial “Happy Birthday" loudly, merrily and with a slight shade of unmistakable conflicting sounds.Compere Tiru was quick to arrest several and invite them to volunteer tributes to mamma Pam and many happily responded humorously. I was one of them and I was quite happy to relate that I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Pam many years ago in London when Pin Fernando was desperate about her. She was then Pam de Vos, a beautiful girl with a stunning hour glass figure. Pin leaving nothing to chance, grabbed the first opportunity and married her in London.

Returning to Ceylon the happy couple immediately moved into a society of tremendous people, mostly the golfing fraternity. Pin was the champion and Sri Lanka’s best, and it was not long before Pam was off the tee under the wing of the maestro. In a couple of years, she was champion class winning minor tourneys, and then she struck the highest when she won the Havelock Golf Club Ladies’ Title. She then moved to the Royal Colombo and cracked the Ladies’ Title with repeated success. Soon, she was Ladies Champion of Sri Lanka.

As an administrator she was smart, sharp and identified as a strict disciplinarian. She was Lady Captain and then President of the Ladies’ Golf Union. Pam was and is much loved and respected for the warm friendship she exudes. I always identify Pam Fernando as a delightful person, a classy exponent of the game and an excellent administrator. To me, she is the Mother Superior of Ladies’ Golf. May she remain fresh for many more future years. She richly deserves the heart-warming, merry party her kids put together.