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Date:  22 June 2007

Phenomenal year for RAGS as golf day boosts Sinclair Houses profits by £200k

“It’s been brilliant – I can’t believe we have raised so much money,” said solicitor Lloyd Green, chairman of the award-winning Redbridge Aid Golf Society which held its annual tournament at Abridge Club on Thursday 21st June. Affectionately known as RAGS golf day, the tournament attracted 120 golfers including soap star and comedian Bradley Walsh and many others came to support.

In terms of golfing prowess, Mr Walsh, who played Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street, wasn’t exactly Tiger Woods. He went round the course with Sinclair House chairman Phillip Leigh, describing his play as: “dreadful – in fact I wasn’t that good” but said it had been “a lovely day – I enjoyed the golf.” He also boosted the charity’s profits by acting as auctioneer, while guests bid for Wimbledon tickets.

It was a good day all round for Jewish Care’s chairman Stephen Zimmerman – not only did he scoop the men’s division one trophy, having achieved 39 points on the countback, but he also received a magnificent sum of money on behalf of the charity.

Together with capital gifts chairman Dame Gail Ronson, Mr Zimmerman walked away with the tournament proceeds, a cheque for £200,000 which will provide much-needed funds for Jewish Care’s Sinclair House Community Centre in Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge.

Referring to the golf, Mr Zimmerman said: “It’s been a great day, very well organised and I will definitely play again next year.” He was full of praise for the RAGS committee, saying: “You set a phenomenal example to others – the money that you raise means so much to Jewish Care.”

Meanwhile, the overall winner, Colin Myers, an accountant from Woodford Green, received the Monty Shafron Trophy, achieving 45 points. A member of Abridge Club, he has played in RAGS for the past 18 years. “It is wonderful, this is the first time I have won first prize,” he declared.

Afterwards, guests were welcomed to the club house by Jack Shafron, who founded RAGS with his late brother Monty and, this year, Mr Shafron had the honour of being ‘Captain of the Day.’ Phillip Leigh assumed the role of MC, presenting a gift of trees to the club, as a mark of gratitude.

The day’s success was due to two Mr Greens who are not related – Lloyd Green, who chairs RAGS fundraising committee and Andy Green who arranges the golf. The latter is also the current captain of Abridge Club although his term of office finishes in a few weeks time.

The last word went to Lloyd Green, who has “the privilege of keeping the committee in order. You are unsung heroes and you mean a lot to me.”