What started out as a modest attempt at raising funds for the school building program saw the event staged at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club exceed all expectations.

A total of 30 teams entered the event which was held on the Gainsborough course at Stoke and an amazing £12500 was raised for the children’s charity, a target which will be hard to match at future events.

Martin Englefield , co-trustee of BASIG, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the event managed to raise so much money at the first attempt and it was great to see so many people taking part. Donations are vital for the future of our charity and the work we do supporting children in The Gambia. It’s promising that even in such difficult financial times people are so generous. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and to the staff at Stoke by Nayland who put so much effort into helping organise such a fantastic event, a special thank you also goes to the tireless volunteers that assisted on the day.”

The winning team for the main competition were Collier and Catchpole who took first place with massive 121 points using the stableford method best 3 from 4 scores counting. Internationally renowned trick golf show maestro Kevin Carpenter entertained crowds at the event with a show involving his trademark unicycle stunts and use of unusually long clubs, another favourite was driving balls inside balloons into the distance, he also taught how to draw and fade the ball…….with his putter!

The evening dinner and auction was well supported with top comic Ian Irving on hand to assist with proceedings, Ian said he was pleased to have been able to help raise such a significant amount for the charity.

“It is fantastic that we have managed to achieve so much in such a short time,” said co-trustee Alan Seager. “Everyone who took part in the golf day had a brilliant time and really enjoyed themselves which was our main aim. It was great having Kevin and Ian at the event entertaining guests and we had an amazing first prize for the raffle and some very generous donations for the auction. We’re particularly grateful to the many sponsors on the day that helped support the event.”

Co-trustee and charity administrator Roz Walker said “It’s terrific to see all of the effort that went in to organising the event pay off. The money we raised is going to a charity which makes a real difference to so many families in The Gambia and we’re very grateful to everyone who supported us on the day.”

BASIG is a relatively young charity having been newly formed just 6 months ago, the main objective of the charity is to build a school for nursery/primary school age children which is free of charge to attend. The funds raised at this event will go some way to funding that project, it is hoped future fund raising events will help complete the build and fund its running costs.