SOMERSET NEWS: Golf day is bread and putter for business group

THE Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s annual charity golf day has raised £3,200 for the Stand Against Violence organisation.

Now in its tenth year, the annual fundraising event, which took place at Oake Manor Golf Club in August, raises funds for a different Somerset-based charity every year. Over sixty business people took part this year, with the overall winners on the day being Claims Consortium, closely followed by Albert Goodman only one point behind.

Following a dinner and prize-giving, a raffle and auction were held to collect further funds for SAV, with the total amount raised on the day coming to £3,196.36.

Based in Taunton, SAV works with young people to prevent violence by holding anti-violence workshops, self-defence and first aid lessons in schools and youth organisations.

The cheque was presented to the charity’s chief executive officer, Adam Fouracre, who said: “I am thrilled that we were chosen as the charity for this year’s golf day, having been a member of the Chamber for two years.

“This has been invaluable to us, having the opportunity to utilise the Chamber’s contacts to raise much-needed funds for our charitable work. The money will be used to subsidise costs of delivering workshops at schools, teaching children valuable lessons at a low price or for free.”

PHOTO – TOP: Dale Edwards, chief executive, Somerset Chamber of Commerce; Loren Gray, events manager, Somerset Chamber of Commerce; Connie Beasley, operations director, Claims Consortium Group; Adam Fouracre, chief executive officer, Stand Against Violence; Jeremy Hyams, chief executive officer, Claims Consortium Group.

Speaking following the cheque presentation, which took place at Claims Consortium’s office in Taunton, Somerset Chamber’s chief executive Dale Edwards said: “The Somerset Chamber’s annual golf day, which has been running for ten years, has become a firm favourite on the calendar for many of our members.

“The day provides a great opportunity to raise money for one of our member charities, whilst having an enjoyable few hours away from the office and networking with fellow business people. I am delighted that £3,200 was raised for Stand Against Violence and am already looking forward to next year.”

Claims Consortium was the main sponsor of this year’s event, as well as being the winning team on the day.

Operations director, Connie Beasley, said: “We were delighted to sponsor this successful event, which will contribute to the great work that Stand Against Violence do in Somerset and beyond. They are our charity of the year, and this complements the fundraising work and business support we provide to them.

“Personally it was an unexpected thrill to come away as a golfing winner, and I have to say that the day was great fun and well organised by the Somerset Chamber. I’m looking forward to the chance to retain my title!”

The Somerset Chamber of Commerce represents and works collaboratively with the Somerset business community to encourage strong, sustainable and creative alliances that promote members’ businesses, raise the profile of the county, and help to lobby for greater influence for Somerset at all levels of government. For more information, visit www.somerset-chamber.co.uk .

The Stand Against Violence was set up in 2005 following the tragic murder of 17-year-old Lloyd Fouracre in Taunton.

SAV aims to prevent future tragedies such as this and save families the grief of losing loved ones to violence. The workshops equip and inform students in an effective manner how to Stand Against Violence.

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