The 28th & 29th July 2019 marked our 13th Annual Golf Event, held at The Oxfordshire. The two-day event commenced on Sunday with keen golfers taking the opportunity to get a practice round in on the world-renowned course.
After a busy afternoon on the 18-hole course, over 130 guests gathered on the terrace overlooking the stunning grounds of the hotel for a champagne and canapé reception. With the sun beginning to set, guests took their seats for the Gala Dinner, which opened with speeches from long-term supporter and owner of the Oxfordshire, Paul Gibbons, and the charity’s founder, David Nicholls. David described the significance of the funds raised by the golf day over the years, as well as thanking loyal event attendees for their contributions, without which the work the charity funds would not be possible.
Following the speeches, guests enjoyed a three-course dinner prepared exquisitely by Head Chef Trevor Pritchard alongside chefs from the Mandarin Oriental London. Throughout the evening, guests were also treated to incredible illusions from Magic Circle member Bryan Gunton, as well as an array of West End musical songs performed by Damian Humbley, Graham Foote, Gina Murray and Aoibheann Greene from Stage Right Entertainment, including classics from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Chicago.
Over the course of the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on over twenty ‘money can’t buy’ prizes in the Silent Auction, with technology provided by iRiS and Red Rocket. The Live Auction, hosted by snooker legend Willie Thorne, offered an additional twelve world-class prizes including a number of Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel stays, a meal for eight at the three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn with wine from Michel Roux’s private cellar and a meal for twelve guests cooked at the lucky winner’s home by Angela Hartnett.
The following morning, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, twenty-six teams took to the course in the sunshine. The day concluded with the famous Golf Day brunch and prize giving in which the winning team, led by George Warren, took home a golfing holiday in Antequera.
The Golf Day is the charity’s biggest event and a big thank you goes out to all those who have supported the event over the years. Every attendee, prize donor, auction bidder and member of the support team made an important contribution, making this year’s event a huge success. A special thanks goes to Jennifer and Paul Gibbons for allowing us to host the tournament at their resort, as well as the Mandarin Oriental who not only donated numerous fantastic prizes, but the food and beverage team volunteered their time, providing impeccable service throughout the event.
This year’s event raised over £150,000 gross, with all proceeds funding the ground-breaking work into finding a cure for paralysis from spinal cord injury. Once again, thank you.
To view all the photos from the event, click here.
