One of the most popular golf days on the industry calendar takes place next week (23rd May) when 72 golfers will gather at Moor Park, Rickmansworth for the 21st annual competition in aid of the bacta Charitable Trust.

Launched in 2002 by Essex Leisure Managing Director Steve Hawkins, who now serves as Chairman of the bacta Charitable Trust, the golf day has succeeded in raising a hugely impressive £165,000 for charity with every chance of taking that total beyond the £170,000 figure next week.

Speaking ahead of the tournament Steve said: “Once again it will be a privilege to welcome so many industry friends and colleagues to Moor Park, a fantastic course which everyone loves to play.

“Without the continued support and sponsorship of the industry the golf day would simply not be possible, so I would like to say a huge thanks to all of our sponsors for their generosity not least to Blueprint Operations which has provided 3-years content on a B3 and to Joseph Cullis who has offered a 3-Ball to play with him at the magnificent Royal Troon.”

He added: “Not only is next week about meeting up with friends, enjoying some fantastic golf and raising some money to help the Charitable Trust continue its work helping the vulnerable and less fortunate members of society but it’s also a chance to raise a glass to colleagues who are sadly no longer with us.

“This is the 17th year that we will be competing for the ‘Kevin Walker Memorial Cup’ which will be awarded to the golfer with the best individual score on the day. Kevin was a great friend to me personally and to many in the industry. He was also instrumental in establishing this tournament and helping to identify Moor Park as our venue.”

Golfers will also compete for the coveted Team Prize which was won last year by Innov8 comprising Mark Sowery, Alistair Harris, Craig Morgan, Paul Purcell and Steve Hawkins.

The bacta Charitable Trust has raised a total of £3.25m for good causes including the Princes Youth Business Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, British Institute for Brain Injured Children and Fairbridge, which helps mentor disengaged young people. Within that total bacta members have raised over £500,000 for Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes for children and young people with a serious or life-limiting illness.