In a year where so many events have been postponed, it was particularly special to see so many Reigatians on 8 October for the annual RGS Professionals Charity Golf event in aid of the Nightingale Fund.

Despite being a wet and blustery day, 42 players across 11 teams braved the elements – and the challenging Old Course – at the magnificent Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club.

To manage social distancing, our teams were given staggered start times this year. Players fuelled up with bacon butties and coffee before setting off from the first hole. The Foundation team caught up with them at the ninth, where they stopped for snacks and refreshments (and shelter from the elements!), before continuing onto the back nine.

The weather didn’t damped spirits – indeed, those who are still working from home enjoyed the opportunity to be out in good company! Back in the dry of the clubhouse, the day was capped off with a delicious curry, where players remained on their tables of six.

In accordance with Government guidelines, some popular elements from previous years – nearest the pin, longest drive and the Thunderball Challenge – had to be omitted. As teams’ finishing times were staggered, our raffle was also drawn slightly differently, with winning tickets stuck to prizes so that players could take their goodies once they returned to the clubhouse. But these adjustments hardly affected the enjoyment of the day and there was lots of laughter and gentle ribbing to be heard!

Congratulations go to the winners of the Team Competition:

• Sean Davey (Head of Foundation), Jack Riddy (current parent), Ben Rutland (RGS staff), Ken Benoit (parent of former pupil) with 111 pts
• Closely followed by Mark Elsey (RGS 1974-78, Chair of the Foundation), Ali Tye (RGS 1975-80), Ted Kennedy (parent of former pupil), Nick Torlot (RGS 1970-78) with 108 pts

The day raised over £5,000 for the Nightingale Fund. We are extremely thankful to those who supported the day and to everyone at Royal Ashdown Forest for making us feel so welcome once again.

The date for next years RGS Professionals Charity Golf Day is Thursday 7 October 2021 – please add this to your diary. Sponsorship opportunities are available for next year’s event – please email Catherine on cxh@www.rgs.foundation for details.