Beverley Building Society’s first ever Charity Golf Day raises over £3,000 for our Charity of the Year!

The latest in a programme of events for the Society’s Charity of the Year, the Beverley Cherry Tree Community Centre, the Society’s first ever Charity Golf Day was held on 26 August 2022, at arguably the region’ stunning premier course, Hessle Golf Club, at Raywell near Cottingham. The initiative was aimed at giving individuals and businesses alike, regardless of ability and ages, the chance to play together at the 18-hole course, whilst at the same time raising vital funds to support a very important local cause.

The event raised an incredible £3,069.80, which will provide vital funding to help the Charity continue its important work!

Since 1993, the Cherry Tree Community Centre has been a vital lifeline for vulnerable people of all ages across the East Riding region. The Charity offers a wide range of services, from free advice on issues including money, housing and employment, food bank services, community shop, youth club and even a Little Gruffalos pre-school nursery for children to learn in a fun environment.

Former Old Shakespeare Company and West End actor, Richard Avery generously gave up his time to act as Master of Ceremonies at its first Charity Golf Day, in aid of the Beverley Cherry Tree Community Centre, on 26 August 2022.

Richard the co-founder of East Riding Theatre, which is a long-standing community partner of the Society has also appeared in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, the Bill, Touch of Frost and films, including the Return of the Native and, in his usual charismatic style and commanding voice, entertained the audience and announced the prizes for the Golf Day’s top winning teams and charity raffle in the evening at the end of the match.

Golf enthusiasts joined forces for a day of competitive fun and fundraising, with 22 teams of four people generously donating their time and money to help make the event a success. The entry fee, which included a one course meal once play had finished, consisted of only £20 per person for Hessle club members and £35 per person for non-Hessle members.

Proceedings commenced at 10.30am with teams teeing off every 10 minutes until 2pm and enjoying pretty much perfect weather for the sport, which was a huge relief to everyone after the recent thunderstorms!

A selection of event photos below are as follows: –

Top row: Beverley Building Society Team; Anne’s Girls Team stood by a Porsche 911, which was supplied by The Porsche Centre Hull; the Hessle Golf Club Cubhouse

Bottom row: a Volvo supplied by Riverside Volvo, part of the Riverside Motor Group; a selection of prizes kindly donated to the Raffle; Richard Avery announcing the winning Raffle and Team prizes at the end of the match.

However, businesses didn’t have to play to support the event, tee box sponsorships were available (from just £50 for par 4 and 5 and £100 for a par 3) and everyone was invited to buy tickets to the Raffle, where cash literally flowed non-stop into the Cherry Tree donation buckets, until tickets sold out!

The Porsche Centre Hull and Riverside Motor Group were two such companies who generously committed to all three activities and, in addition, displayed some stunning vehicles at their sponsored tee boxes, with the former bringing a Porsche 911 and the latter providing two Volvos and a SEAT, all of which naturally drew a lot of attention from players.

“It was so important for us to make this event a success for the Beverley Cherry Tree Community Centre because they so urgently need funding to continue the vital work they do” said Debbie Connolly, Marketing Manager for Beverley Building Society

“I’m overwhelmed by the wonderful generosity of everyone involved and I’d like to say a huge thank you to Richard Avery, Hessle Golf Club, who’s staff really worked hard to look after us, and everyone who participated in the event because we couldn’t have done it without you. We’ve established a really solid foundation to enable us turn the Golf Day into an annual charity event that keeps building year on year, so people should watch out for us in 2023!”

If you would like to register your interest for our next Golf Day and help to raise funds for our chosen Charity of the Year in 2023, please contact James Woodhead at James.Woodhead@beverleybs.co.uk or on 01482 881510 and make sure to follow our updates on social media.