PENGUINS AGAINST CANCER
The venue changed this year from Lingfield’s majestic 18-holes to the boarders of Kent and Sussex at Dale Hill Golf Club in Ticehurst. Numbers of participants increased for the 3rd successive year as news of the Golf Day and indeed the name of Penguins Against Cancer spreads across the land. There was a wide range of golfing ability and experience assembled and the ‘shot-gun’ format allowed everyone to start and finish together: maximising the pre-dinner bar banter and tales of birdies, lengthy drives and D-Day Landings. John Costello and his team had clearly missed the briefing on this point as they completed their round 2 hours later than the rest. Apparently, a break at the ninth became extended due to a powerful thirst!
Andy Skyrme organised a fantastic day which began with breakfast in the hotel and a very professional registration system co-ordinated brilliantly by Karen. The auction items and raffle prizes were on show and the excitement was building nicely. A massive thanks to the sponsors drawn together by Andy’s efforts and for the wine prizes which depleted Andy’s personal cellar: many thanks. There was a wonderful band of non-playing supporters and families who sampled the pool, the spa and fizz on the veranda in the clubhouse. As usual, many had travelled from afar to support PAC: the Penguins pulled members from the South Coast, Cornwall, Essex and Sussex and we are extremely grateful to you all. Alas Charlie Beardmore could not attend but he has assured me that he will enter 2 teams next year.
PAC Annual Golf Day 2016
Dale Hill Golf Club, Ticehurst, East Sussex
Friday 19th August 2016
The 2016 Penguins Against Cancer Golf-Fest
At the close of play, it had turned decidedly cold and the clouds opened just as the buggies headed for the 19th. The men’s winner was Paul Sterricker with 44 points and he now holds the Stephen Barrister Claret Jug. Nipping at his heels and in second place was Tony Coulson with 43 points. The ladies’ winner was Mary Gibson with 34 points who played with Paul Palmer who got 1 point. The junior winner was Marcus Skyrme with 35 points. The longest drive was won by Harry B (who was wearing the tightest shorts and he received an award for both). Nearest the Pin was shared by Rafe Sulke and also Connor Holyoake: each received wine and a box of balls. A new category this year, the Team Trophy, was won by Paul Harwood’s team with a total of 92 points. Ieuan Llewellyn won the most coveted award, the sartorial elegance award. Wayne Llewellyn won the persistence award for playing 16 holes of golf with 1 shoe on. Ieuan collected the white calico short sleeved Penguin shirt and Wayne collected his shoe. Jonny Costello’s team won endurance award for spending 6 ½ hours on the course where as everybody else only spent 4 hours: 2 ½ hours at the halfway house seemed to have done the majority of the damage.
Andy Skyrme’s extraordinary generosity and his organisation of this event enabled us to raise more than £12,000: PAC is hugely grateful.
VIEW THE COMPLETE
PHOTO GALLERY HERE
The dinner was excellent, and Pat's magic raffle and the hotly contested auction raised a mighty £7,500. A special thanks to The Implant Centre and Guy Barwell for their generous donation of consultation and Implant treatment – a unique auction item that our bidders certainly got their teeth into! Our thanks to ‘Fundraising Auctions’, for the fabulous silent-auction items and to all who bid and bought! Thanks also to Terry Gibson for the case of wine; Russell Pooley: Associated Stone Group for the Choice of 11 outstanding golf venues; Roland Couch for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the George Inn Alfriston; Adam Hedges (professional Golfer) for offering 18 holes with him at Sundridge Park Golf Club; John Tolliday – Dale Hill for gifting a 4 Ball at Dale Hill; Tim Earl and The Lodge Dental Practice for offering teeth whitening: (whitening up to £400 at The Lodge Dental Practice); Paul Barwell for donating his holiday home in Cornwall for 1 week; Pat Davis for donating his ski apartment in Bourg St Maurice for 1 week. Finally, a special thanks to all the guests who joined in the raffle and the games.
The donations, contributions and attendance at the event have enabled Penguins Against Cancer to make a £12,000 grant to St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne. St Wilfred’s will use the money to continue caring for those with terminal illness. [Nominated by Andy Skyrme in memory of Alistair Scott’s wife Sarah who sadly passed away recently and who received care at St Wilfred’s. Alistair is a close friend and colleague of Andy.]
The next PAC Golf Day is on Saturday 17th June 2017 again at Dale Hill. Book early, five teams already have! Please contact Andy Skyrme or Pat Gush if you have an item or experience you would like to donate for future auctions. It truly is A Fabulous Day of Fund Raising, Friends, & Fun just as it says on the flyer.
