AMATEUR golfers helped raise more than £6,000 for local charities at an annual event organised by The Rotary Club of Knowle & Dorridge.
The Club’s 37th Charity Pro-Am Golf Competition took place at Copt Heath Golf Club in Knowle in aid of Age UK Solihull and mental health charity MIND.
Teams of four golfers – each assigned one PGA Midlands-affiliated professional – competed for a host of trophies and prizes across 18 holes. The day also included lunchtime refreshments and culminated in a dinner, auction and raffle.
Among the PGA professionals competing this year were Matt Schumacher, Roger Gray, Scott Witton and Blake Ellison.
The winning professional was James Freeman from Retford Golf Club shooting 2 under. Andrew Willey was close second at 1 under from Oakmere Park Golf Club. Some 23 teams took part in the Pro-Am event which was won by Hull Golf Course, led by Professional Blake Ellison.
A cheque for £2,000 was recently presented to Age UK Solihull.
Rebecca Jacob, Digital Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Age UK Solihull, said: “We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Knowle and Dorridge for supporting us with this fantastic event. I’m so pleased that the golfers enjoyed themselves, and the funds raised for Age UK Solihull will make a huge difference to older and vulnerable people in the local community.”
A cheque for £1,000 was recently presented to Mind Solihull by Rotary Club President Robert Pannifer. The funds will be used to develop their Horticulture Project site on Station Road so it can be enjoyed by the local community.
The site incorporates gardening, outdoor work, art and craft work, carpentry and general handiwork. There is also a focus on wildlife and conservation, including ponds, a wildlife meadow and a small wood. It is now seeking people who may be interested in becoming involved in the horticulture and conservation projects.
Other charities to benefit include Prostate Cancer (£1,000); Shelterbox Disaster Fund (£600); Rotary Foundation Polio eradication project (£600) and £225 to fund Dalesford Academy’s attendance at the Big Bang at the NEC.
Colin Winstone, who organised the tournament on behalf of The Rotary Club of Knowle and Dorridge, said: “This was yet again a wonderful opportunity to play golf with professionals at a prestigious course whilst fundraising for local good causes.
“It is an important annual charity fundraising tournament which over the years has raised more than £300k for local charities.”
Age UK Solihull is a local charity that provides direct services to help older people living in Solihull with the challenges faced in later life. Over the years the charity has been established as the only voluntary organisation working solely for and with older people in the Borough, with community hubs at The Core Library in Solihull and Chelmsley Wood Library as well as two charity shops.
More information is available HERE
MIND offers specialist support around mental health through information, advice and local services, including supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending. The charity also campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
More information is available HERE
For further information regarding the Mind community projects contact contact@solihullmind.org.uk
To find out more about Rotary activities in the community, or further afield, visit HERE or contact info@knowleanddorridgerotary.org.uk
