Devine Golf Day 2024: A Tee-rific Day Out and £21,280 Raised for a Worthy Cause 

On Tuesday 24th September 2024, 16 teams of golf enthusiasts gathered at the prestigious North Hants Golf Club in Fleet, Hampshire, for the annual Devine Golf Day 2024.  

With lead Sapphire Sponsorship from Briggs Equipment and Silver Sponsorship from Berkeley Group, this highly anticipated event raised… drumroll please… a whopping £21,280 and counting for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services, making it a tremendous success! 

Despite concerns over the weather due to heavy rainfall the previous day, the course remained playable. Thanks to the excellent upkeep by North Hants’ ground team, the players navigated a wet but well-maintained course. The damp conditions made for a slower game, particularly on the greens, where the ball’s roll was noticeably affected. Bunkers, already a challenge, became more formidable, but this only added to the competitive spirit and camaraderie of the day. 

We would like to offer our huge thanks to longtime supporter, Nirvana Spa for their support of the day, and to Macbeth Insurance and Financial Services for being a hole sponsor. 

A Day of Golfing for Good 

The event kicked off at around 8am, with a bacon roll and a coffee before the participants headed out just before 9am, eager to test their skills on the lush fairways. The golf was fast paced but friendly, with a strong emphasis on fun and support for a worthy cause. Players demonstrated their commitment not only to the game but to the vision of helping children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. 

For the next few hours, the golfers showcased their talent across the stunning 18-hole course. By 2pm, as the last few groups completed their rounds, it was clear that the day had been both enjoyable and productive as the players settled into the nineteenth hole. North Hants Golf Club, known for its first-rate facilities and beautiful, undulating landscapes, provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. 

A Fundraising Triumph 

After the golf concluded, the focus shifted to the clubhouse, where a delicious lunch was served, and the fundraising began in earnest. The afternoon’s entertainment featured a silent auction and raffle, hosted by the charismatic Neil Shutterworth from Special Auction Services based in Newbury. Neil’s lively energy and uncanny ability to engage the audience helped to create a competitive bidding atmosphere. 

Prizes in the auction and raffle ranged from exclusive golfing experiences to luxury hampers, Michelin starred dinner experiences, spa days and bespoke items. The generosity of those in attendance was evident as bids soared, contributing significantly to the impressive total raised. 

Before the auction, Alexander Devine’s Director of Fundraising, Anne Bajorek, took to the stage to thank all the sponsors, attendees, and volunteers for their commitment and support. She expressed her gratitude to Briggs Equipment and Berkeley Group for their role as Sapphire and Silver sponsors respectively, acknowledging the invaluable impact their contributions have on the hospice’s services.   

She also thanked all of our generous corporate sponsors who donated gifts and every single person in the room for making the day the success it was.  

Acknowledging the Team Behind the Scenes 

Special thanks went to Mairi Berryman for handling the event’s logistics, ensuring everything ran like clockwork, and to Sue Wilkins and Tricia Walker, who warmly welcomed the guests and took on the important task of selling raffle tickets. Their combined efforts contributed to a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all who attended. 

Mairi, Sue and Tricia work with us on an entirely voluntary basis, and

A Community United for a Cause 

The success of Devine Golf Day 2024 is a testament to the power of community spirit. The £20,000+ raised will go a long way towards supporting Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services, providing vital care and support to babies, children and their families.  

The incredible generosity of those who attended and contributed has made a profound difference, helping to fund the hospice’s essential services, from specialist nursing care to therapeutic support for children and their families. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and supported in any way. Events like Devine Golf Day wouldn’t be possible without the combined efforts of our amazing supporters, sponsors, and volunteers.  

We look forward to seeing you again next year for another round of golf, fundraising, and making a difference in the lives of the children we care for. Until then, keep practicing your swing! 

If you would like to be a part of the Devine Golf Day in 2025 possibly entering your team of four or even if you are interested in sponsoring next year’s event, please email fundraising@alexanderdevine.org to find out how to go about it. Or you can call (01628) 822 777 and speak with one of the team.