In his own inimitable style that is Malcolm Naish, founder and chairman of Toys n Playthings, Malcolm reports on The Fence Club Charity Golf day.
On a glorious summer’s day last week, 68 golfers took to the fairways at Harrogate’s Oakdale golf club for the annual Teddy Simmond’s Fence Club golf day.
Considering the state of the world and the UK’s parlous state, the number supporting it was most impressive.
Alas for me, I was once again the winner of the worst score for a Fence Club member with 19 points, but I have to congratulate my playing partners – Denis Horton and Lesley and John White, for putting up with my less than perfect golf. I put it down to the beer I drank before teeing off on the 10th for my demise on the back nine! With a better golfer they could have won the four-ball prize!
I digress – winners of the team four-ball prize with an amazing 124 points were Dawn Lavalette, Andy Tarrant, Steve Wells and Dave Howard. Dawn also won the best Fence Club member with her 37 points.
Andy Tarrant also won the men’s individual Stableford at his first attempt with 43 points playing off 18 – a most credible performance. Andy works with Dawn at Wow Stuff! and this was his first visit to Oakdale.
Elizabeth Price of Alpha Toys won the best Individual Ladies score with an impressive 39 points. She said: “I was absolutely chuffed to win. I would thoroughly encourage any golfer to sign up for next year, especially any ladies as we are massively under-represented at this fabulous event.”
Following the finish of the round, we all retired to the club house for the 19th hole celebrations. To console myself, I opted for tea rather than a beer – perhaps tea should have been my choice at the halfway house!
It’s For The Children
The Fence Club members and friends are renowned for their generosity. The dinner that followed proved this once again. Over £8,000 was collected in fines, raffle and sponsorship, these were followed by the live auction conducted by Steve Wells ensuring over £33,000 was collected on the day.
Jon Gregory was in great form handing out the fines with the evening once again a rip-roaring success.
Also HUGE thanks to the many members who offered various four-balls, holiday stays and other tempting auction prizes, ensuring once again that the children will benefit from the day’s action.
Selling raffle tickets is never easy, but full marks to Dawn and Francesca Lisle who most professionally persuaded the almost 100 diners to part with their cash.
During dinner a new Fence Club member was welcomed – namely Martin Stone – Stoney to his friends and the real Dave Martin believe it or not was welcomed to join the Wall Members fraternity.
