The Covid-19 pandemic has seen many angels and demons emerge in reaction to the crisis. We are delighted to report that The Belfry has through its actions, again, comes into the former category. Showing why it is recognised as the best Golf Resort in the world.
As many will know we host an annual Golf Day at The Belfry to raise levels of awareness of, and funds for, The Clink Charity.
Earlier this week we featured the news that The Belfry is donating all green fees from all its three courses to charity on the day it reopens.
We then received an email yesterday informing us that The Clink was one of their nominated charities to benefit from their generosity.
The email read: “As a valued friend of ours who represents a very worthy cause, I am delighted to share positivity and support during what is an exceptionally challenging time for many charities who rely on donations to survive and show our support for the amazing work they do.
“At The Belfry, we have the pleasure to host many charity golf days a year, so we want to take this opportunity to give something back so they can continue to help those who need it most. As a way of showing our support we will be donating the green fees from our 3 golf courses on the first day our courses re-open, to be shared amongst all of the charity events we have the pleasure of hosting and working with. Therefore as Clink is your nominated charity, we will be donating a share of this to them, on your behalf.”
We were, needless to say, delighted with the news. H&C News Publisher, Denis Sheehan said: “The Belfry have proved to be the perfect golf day partners to date. They have again shown why we work with them and are so happy to continue to.
“Not only is The Belfry a truly world class golf resort, the team there, led by Neil Walker is world class. Last year’s auction saw extremely competitive bidding on many items, none more so than a four ball on The Belfry’s Brabazon course. As the bidding was coming to a climax, Neil offered to double the prize, already donated, to two rounds. One each to the two top bidders doubling the amount raised. Class.”
Chris Moore, chief executive of The Clink CharityChristopher Moore, CEO, The Clink Charity was equally please and told us: “On behalf of The Clink Charity and huge thank you to the team at The Belfry for their donation and generosity. Whilst we are not currently training in prisons due to the pandemic our support workers in the community are busier than ever supporting our Clink Graduates who are losing their jobs, accommodation and short of money for basic provisions. This money will be used to support this work. Thank you. We look forward to joining you in 2021 for our Chink Charity Golf day at the Belfry which is always a treat. Thank you.”
Neil Fillbrook FCII, Managing Director, Bank Brokers UKThe day is sponsored by Bank Brokers and Managing Director, Neil Fillbrook was quick to recognise The Belfry’s generosity saying: “We have been proud to work alongside H&C News to host their golf day at The Belfry in recent years. The Belfry are a valued customer of ours and The Clink are our very good friends.
“The Belfry have earned the loyalty of H&C News, us and all the other hospitality ‘names’ that take part every year.
“The extra mile they have gone to help The Clink is typical, they always find a way to make a positive difference. Just one of the many reasons why we endorse going back.”
One of the teams that take part every year is warewashing market leader, Meiko UK.
Paul Anderson, Managing Director of Meiko UKManaging Director of Meiko UK Paul Anderson was appreciative of the news and said: “On behalf of Meiko and our partnership with H&C News, we always look forward to the wonderful golf day hosted at the magnificent Belfry in raising money for the Clink Charity.
“It’s so nice to hear that even during these tough times The Belfry has announced themselves to donate money to the charity when they reopen.
“A percentage of the green fees taken on the first day of reopening is going to help others, what a wonderful thing to do.
“True spirit always come through and highlights the difference that giving back can make.
“Well done The Belfry, a truly magnificent gesture.”
Houston & Hawkes, Directors Simon Houston & Dave HawkesCaterer Houston & Hawkes are looking forward to 2021’s golf day and Directors Dave Hawkes and Simon Houston was only too happy to commend The Belfry, Simon told us: “Charities need the support from others more than ever before.
“For The Belfry to announce such a generous and thoughtful initiative, clearly demonstrates that they have a genuine desire to support the charitable sector and the invaluable work they do for many individuals and communities in need.
It’s during these challenges times that people, and organisations show their true colours and I commend The Belfry’s generosity. I, Dave and the team at Houston & Hawkes, look forward to returning to The Belfry in 2021 for the H&C News Clink Charity Golf Day.”
Bartlett Mitchell CEO, Ian ThomasBartlett Mitchell CEO, Ian Thomas was keen to recognise The Belfry telling us: “The Belfry has once again demonstrated why it is one of the most highly regarded courses in the country. It was a pleasure for our team to participate in the H&C News charity golf day last year.
“This donation will go a long way to supporting a charity which works tirelessly to help a section of society which needs it the most.
“As a business, we also work closely with The Clink, and see the impact they make every day. We are delighted that they are being supported in this way.”
CH&CO Managing Director, Matt SymondsCH&CO Managing Director, Matt Symonds was keen to emphasise his support, and looking forward to 2021 said: “Giving people of all backgrounds the opportunity to access positive training opportunities and careers in hospitality is something that CH&CO is committed to. The Clink is a fantastic charity that shares these values with incredible results and that’s why the H&C News charity golf day is an event we proudly support.
“The Covid-19 crisis and social distancing has meant that the traditional fundraising events that charities rely on cannot, understandably, go ahead. It’s therefore heart-warming to hear that The Belfry is pledging the green fees from the first day its three courses reopen to worthy charities, including The Clink. This is a wonderful gesture that will make a real difference in these difficult times.
“Like many people across the industry, we look forward to returning to The Belfry to enjoy a round of golf and continue our support of the H&C News golf day and The Clink.”
As you may have gleaned from the tone and enthusiasm from just a small selection of the hospitality industry names that take part, it’s become quite a ‘hospitality family’ affair.