Golfers hit £3,000 for disabled centre

SEVENTY golfers took part in a charity tournament at Henley Golf Club in Harpsden.

The 21st annual event raised nearly £3,000 for the Chiltern Centre in Greys Road, which supports young adults with disabilities.

To date, the event has raised more than £100,000 for charity.

The golfers were divided into teams of four, competing over 18 holes using the Stableford scoring format.

The mixed winning team comprised Ian Malden, Sarah and Chris Pye and Miriam Dalton, while Kathy Hooper, Jennie Nunney, Anna Hale and Joanne Oldham were awarded the winning ladies’ team.

The winning men’s team comprised Chris Ward, Paul Robinson, Rob Keye and Graham Wilson. Nearest the pin was won by Mike Poulsen while Edgar Aponte hit the longest drive.

The event started in 2010 with Emma Lerche-Thomsen to help the centre reach its annual fundraising target.

Following the game, the golfers had a lunch and there were fundraising activities which included a live auction hosted by Doug Ash, the father of Amelia Ash, who is a Chiltern Centre ambassador, and a game of “heads and tails” led by David Haddock.

An online auction was also held and Gareth Groves, manager at the Chiltern Centre, presented prizes.

Ms Lerche-Thomsen said: “I’m always blown away by how many golfers there are. There are one or two people who have played virtually every one and it’s a lovely coming together of friendship and fun.”