In sweltering heat with temperatures touching 30 degrees golfers took to the golf course at Brean this week to compete for the Tom Childs Memorial Trophy in the 27th staging of the Sports Celebrity Am.
With the golf course superbly prepared by the greenstaff and plenty of liquid refreshment available the 23 teams did battle for the silverware, to raise money for two charities, The Injured Jockeys Fund and St Margaret’s Hospice.
Teams of three entered and were joined by a ‘sporting celebrity’ for the day with the best two scores counting on each hole.
The scores were not as high as in previous years as the heat took its toll on some players and 84 points was the best score of the day.
This came form a team named ‘The Boyo’s’ consisting of Brean members Leighton Jenkins, Roger Vaughan and Jeff Read alongside South Wales based Speedway Grand Prix Race director Phil Morris.
Morris making his second appearance in the event started superbly and the experience of the local members helped the quartet to a 1 point success over last year’s winners.
Twelve months ago the Injured Jockeys fund team carried off the top prize but this year they fell one point short of retaining it. Despite only having three players in their team after a late drop out they racked up 83 points led by retired jockey Richie Spate. He was joined by Frank Gregorace, the only remaining member of last years team and Chris Tilley.
A countback was required to decide who would finish third after two teams posted 81 points and on the better back six score it went to the Jones Bros foursome. Eric Jones, Wayne Barrett and Phil Hodgson were this year joined by ex Bristol Rovers footballer Tony Pounder.
They edged out the former Brean Director of Golf David Haines as he made a successful return to the club he was associated with for over 20 years. He led the Towens of Weston team made up of Robin Griffiths, Dale Rendall and Dave Knight to fourth spot ahead of the team including Director of Golf at Brean, Andrew March.
March, who organised the day alongside Julie Brown from Brean Leisure Park, accompanied the club ladies team once again and they scored 80 to take the final prize on offer.
The winners collected their awards at a presentations ceremony in The Tavern following an excellent meal. Ahead of the results the audience were entertained by Injured Jockeys Fund Vice President John Francome MBE.
John, pictured above, shared some amusing stories with the players about his many experiences within the racing game.
A final total has yet to be reached on how much the day raised but everyone enjoyed their day despite the very warm weather and are already looking forward to doing it all once again in 12 months time. Thanks go to all the Celebrities, players and sponsors who got involved and made the day another great success.
