90 golfers, represented by friends, family, local businesses and from the UK vehicle repair industry, came along to enjoy some great golf on the beautiful north Essex course.
Bob Linwood, founder of the charity and organiser of the event reflects “It seems that a certain someone seems to look after us on our charity events when it comes to the weather! Of all the charity events we out on, this always the most poignant as it was a place where Ethan spent so many happy times, learning this great game with his friends. It’s an honour to put the day on for all of my friends, family and business acquaintances and with so many players coming back each year, it’s clearly a fun event for them to get involved with too”.
There was some great and less great golf played throughout the day but the emphasis always being on having a fund and relaxed time. There were various competitions for teams and individuals with a great spread of people receiving trophies.
“The winner of the individual competition was a very dear friend, Bruce Goddard, who scored 42 points of a handicap of 6. That must have been a great round to watch as the course was set up for a big club tournament the following weekend” said Bob. “Bruce’s team, captained by Neal Saych, were also the main team winners with Bruce, Gary Bower and Ali Perry, although they just won it on count back against the PPG team, captained by Paul Tranter”.
The local business community was represented by teams from Rye Street Group, Saych Builders, Hexagon Consulting, App Technology, Frederation, Croucher Needham, Delamode PLC, VRVE, Givehand, Dave Vane decorating and Station Coachworks, PM Tech and Deja Vu.
The UK vehicle repair industry was represented by teams from Enterprise Rent a Car, PPG, Akzo Nobel, Rye Street Group, VRVE, Morelli Group, Anglian ARC Group, and MAK5.
Following the golf was a dinner and charity auction. “To be honest” Bob added, “I hadn’t pushed the auction too much before the day. The charity has had a fantastic year already, especially with the massive amount we raised on The REAL Rally and I hate to keep asking for gifts and prizes. So I was astounded that we still raised a staggering £4,900 on the evening. I can’t thank some very dear friends enough for their generosity and support.
REAL have a number of charity events in the pipeline, with the next big one being announced by Bob at the golf day. “We are holding a big charity black-tie ball- The REAL Ball – in Saffron Walden on Saturday 22nd October. I am really hoping that local and industry friends will come together for what will be a really entertaining evening of food, drink, dancing and not a little entertainment! On top of that, we have announced dates for next years The REAL Rally and The REAL Golf Day so as usual, it’s absolutely non-stop fundraising to support initiatives for young people in our area, especially our REALfriends initiative that supports local bullied young people and nationally through donations to AutoRaise.