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 Following the success of 2006 when Alexander Calder Financial raised £5645 for ‘Help a Hallam Child’, a return visit to the La Manga resort in Spain was inevitable.
November 20th saw the arrival of 19 teams to compete in the 2007 Charity Pro-Am event played over 3 rounds. The event got off to a great start with a sangria reception where everyone was presented with their event golf shirt, sponsored by Nike and Gloo Marketing Ltd of Sheffield. Round 1 was played on the championship South Course with the ever increasing breeze bringing maximum challenge to the back 9. From the professionals Jason Proctor led the field with a very impressive 1 under par round of 72 in tough conditions. The team challenge was led by ‘The Scotless Pros’ of Doncaster with a great total of 86 points scored on the 2 from 4 to count stableford basis. An arranged evening of fine food and drink viewing the England v Croatia game on a large screen was dented only by the result of the football. Day 2 had a slightly wet start as we played the North Course from the very back tees. With intermittent rain, sometimes a little too heavy, resilience was needed and an outstanding round of 67, 4 under, from Nigel Parkinson (Professional Renishaw) took the lead into the final round. The ‘Lead Collectors’ of Dore and Totley Sheffield went ahead in the team competition having amassed 90 points on the day. A quiet evening ensued where many were seen to drown the sorrows of the day ensuring they were as wet on the inside as they were on the out. But with day 3 came wonderful sunshine and great golfing conditions. 76 players all turned out in their event golf shirt creating a lasting impression around the resort. Fighting hard to keep his lead Nigel Parkinson was chased by no less than 5 professionals. The best round of the day was from Wayne Yellott of Tinsley Park who shot a 70 (1 under), but the results after 54 holes were: First Nigel Parkinson Level Par 215; second Chris Gray 3 over; third Jason Proctor and Scott Barber 6 over. This is the second year that Nigel has taken the trophy. In the team event a hard battle was being fought right up to the 18th hole, and with an outstanding 95 points on the final round, the ‘Doors and Tots’ from Dore and Totley in Sheffield took the prize with 259 points over 3 rounds. The winners were, Gregg Roberts Professional, Dave Millington 8, Martin Harrison 10, Dave Latham 19. Runners up with 255 points were Jason Proctor Professional, Richard Fletcher10, Toney Burgess 11, and Paul Rudd 20 all of again, Dore and Totley. In third saw Nigel Parkinson Professional, David Caseldine 10 and Terry Moran 14 both of Worksop, and Richard Marshall 17, who scored 253 points. The winners enjoy 2 nights hotel and a full day corporate hospitality at the 2008 Open in Birkdale. Whilst the golf was over the party had only just begun. A gala dinner was held in the superb Ballroom at the Hyatt La Manga. During the meal a magician visited each table and amazed a rather skeptical crowd, and having built the expectation throughout the week one of our celebrity guests agreed to do a small slot. The private audience with Tony Christie was incredibly well received and video evidence is available of his impromptu dancers. With such a hard act to follow our returning entertainer Steve Womack of Doncaster performed to the highest of standards giving superb vocals and keeping all 85 guests blinded by tears of laughter. The aim of the event was never lost and with the generous help from sponsors, the individual donations at the gala dinner, and the charity auction of some very unique items our stated aim was to raise £10,000. We had privately hoped of £12,000 and even dared to dream of £15,000. The fantastic news is we ‘lived the dream’ and raised a superb £15,002.00. We thank those who attended, those who sponsored, those who donated items (including Lee Westwood, Michael Dawson of Tottenham, Sir David Richards of the FA, and Pele of Brasil), and those who entertained. ‘Help a Hallam Child’ is a great cause in that not only does it have its’ own projects of helping local sick and needy children, but it also supports other charities where it can, including Bluebell Wood Hospice and others. Our event is in the planning for next year and we are expecting to place a maximum of 30 teams to ensure the event retains something of the very special atmosphere we all enjoyed this year. If interested contact Gregg Bartram Joint Managing Director, at Alexander Calder Financial on 01909 512250 or e-mail gregg @alexandercalder.co.uk |
Charity