Home News Illingworth & Gregory host Charity Golf Day in memory of James Illingworth and Mark Spence

10 Aug 2022 Personal Stories

Illingworth & Gregory host Charity Golf Day in memory of James Illingworth and Mark Spence

On Thursday, 4th August, The Kirkwood attended the Illingworth and Gregory Charity Golf Day at Woodsome Hall Golf Club. As part of their 50th year in business, Illingworth and Gregory have chosen to support The Kirkwood through a year of fundraising activities for a charity close to their hearts raising a fantastic £2,043 and still climbing. Last Thursday, Organiser Sean held a charity Golf Day at the prestigious Woodsome Hall Golf Club. A stunning and historical 16th century, Grade 1 listed building, set in exquisite surroundings and known as one of the finest in Yorkshire.

Sean Henderson, Managing Director of Sewell Group had set the event up as part of the companies 50/50 challenge, a year-long fundraising effort to raise £50,000 for The Kirkwood to celebrate their 50 years in business. The charity golf day also held an extra importance, as the day was dedicated in memory to two members of the I&G family. James Illingworth and Mark Spence.

James, highly respected by all the team that had the privilege to work with him, joined I&G over 20 years ago. Working alongside his parents John and Diane, and his younger brother Jeremy. The brothers eventually taking the reins and building the company up to the success it is today. With care and support from The Kirkwood, after a short-fought illness James sadly passed away in April 2016.

Mark, a respected member of the I&G team had worked with the company for just over a decade. A keen golfer himself and member of Meltham Golf Club, where he spent

most of his spare time. It seemed a fitting tribute to host the Charity Golf Day in their names.
 



A perfect day for golf. The air was fresh with a slight breeze, the sun gently glistening on the dew of the freshly cut greens. The day was set out to be one to remember. Teams arrived and enjoyed a light breakfast in the clubhouse, as they chatted and compared handicaps. Present on the day were Jane, Claire and Gracie from I&G to help support the day’s events and from The Kirkwood, Joanna, Nigel and Steph, overseeing the days fundraising activities and raffle.

Each team donated to take part in the warm-up putting challenge, sponsored by Sewell, ‘onthego’. The players had a one-shot opportunity to get their ball closest to the champagne to win the bottle. Gracie was in position to measure the distance, showing due diligence and making sure good sportsmanship was being upheld, during the fun mini challenge.
 



Across the green in front of the clubhouse, teams were gathering for their group photo before teeing off, with a clear view of the fairway from the clubhouse green the teams prepared to compete for prime position in this fun yet competitive day. Teams in play were: Marovitz, AMS Electrical, NatWest, Curtins, Langricks, Caval, HULL KR, CPS, Shared Agenda, Sewell FM, Community Ventures, Procure Partnerships, HPI, Yorkshire Timber, Bastion Estates, I&G, G4 Design & Print, VIP



Halfway round the course the golfers were greeted again by the I&G and The Kirkwood team, offering refreshments and a midday lite bite before they embarked on the second half of the course. The golfers returning to freshly stone baked pizza in the courtyard after a day of friendly competition.

In the evening that followed, a presentation was held announcing the winners of the day - Robert Simpson and his team from Markovitz Limited - Hull, and winners of the signature holes, sponsored by Richardson Electrical, G4 design and print, Complete Pipework Service, AMS Electrical, Sewell, and Enjoy Design. This was followed by a special thanks and a further presentation from The Kirkwood, followed by the raffle. The day was a fantastic success and enjoyed by all, raising another phenomenal amount, not only towards their 50/50 challenge pot but more importantly in memory of James and Mark.

Speaking of the day’s events Sean had this to add: “What a fantastic day of golf with Woodsome Hall Golf Club as its beautiful backdrop. Our guests fully embraced the day by participating in all the activities, including a putting competition, raffle, and auction all in addition to the days round of golf.

“We were well supported by our Communications team, The Kirkwood team, and I&G team who looked after our guests from the early morning registration to our final prize giving in the evening.

“A special thanks to those and to Rick Devine – General Manager of the Golf Club and his team for their hospitality and hosting the day for such a great cause.

“It was a privilege to have Lynne Hall-Bentley, Director of Clinical Services at The Kirkwood on hand to launch our prize giving ceremony, providing our guests with an overview of the great work they do, and the significant impact fundraising has on the hospice. Our guests gave very generously seeing us raise over £3000 on the day, so many thanks again to everyone who contributed. We had such a brilliant day with plans afoot for next year’s golf day!”

We would like to congratulate Sean on a successful day of activity and fundraising and thank the Illingworth and Gregory team for their dedication and support of The Kirkwood. Helping us to support the people of Kirklees living with life limiting illnes

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