A historic charity golf day has raised more than £7,500 to help build a brand-new supported housing facility for local homeless people.
Over 150 golfers teed off in perfect sunny conditions for Channel Rotary’s 35th annual charity golf day at the picturesque Sene Valley Golf Club. The long-running event brought together sports enthusiasts and community champions from across the region to enjoy a day on the greens while backing a vital local cause.
The fantastic sum raised from the tournament will benefit several nominated local causes, with a major portion heading directly to the Rainbow Centre. The charity is currently embarking on a major new project called Hamlet House, which will deliver secure, discrete, and permanently staffed accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
Rather than acting as a permanent residence, the facility will use dedicated mentors and support staff to help residents gain the skills and stability needed to move on to independent living. Channel Rotary has backed the planning and fundraising for Hamlet House since its inception, viewing it as a project with immense potential to change lives in the community.
Channel Rotary organiser Guy Valentine-Neale praised the immense generosity of the players, sponsors, and volunteers who made the milestone day such a massive success. "My thanks to all the players who were very generous with their money, raising a fantastic sum for local charities," he said.
"Also thanks to everyone that helped on the day including Inner Wheel, who sold a record number of raffle tickets, and Sally Milton who recorded and calculated all the golf scores." He also extended his gratitude to the clubhouse staff for keeping the competitors well-fed, and to golf pro Bruce McDonald, who took part in a challenging "Beat the Pro" contest on the 11th hole and generously donated tournament prizes. Golfers were also treated to a welcome, complimentary glass of Pimm’s on the 13th hole, courtesy of Rotarian Malcolm Stewart, to help fuel them for the back nine.
Local teams from Sene Valley ultimately swept the top tier of the leader board. The winning men's team consisted of Tom Terry, Walter Hurrell, Brendan Cole, and David Darlow, with Anton Dusek securing the individual men's prize. The women's team title went to Linda Dicks, Alison Walne, Tina Oughton, and Sue Price, with Walne also taking home the individual women's trophy. Meanwhile, Mike and Lisa Simmonds, Paul Simmonds, and Phil Barker triumphed in the mixed team category.
Following the success of the golf day, Channel Rotary is already looking ahead to its next major fundraiser. The group will host its popular annual charity cycle ride on Romney Marsh, with details and registration information available on their official website.
