Fundraising Golf Day
Pictured, Struan Wilson, Craig Parkinson and the Rev Mark Nash-Williams in front of Matfen Church
Golf, the exciting sport of prince and people, can now be said to be an inspiration to the church.
Matfen has two notable buildings on its skyline — the Hall and the Church. History links both in the village's story. They are to be linked again, as the Hall — now an award winning hotel and golf course — is joining the village's £90,000 battle to rebuild the Church tower. Matfen Hall has donated the golf course on 6th March 2008 for the Church to hold a fundraising golf day with proceeds going the appeal.
The day begins with a Texas Scramble Shotgun Start at midday, with the gun going off at 12.30pm. Team prizes will be awarded, as well as Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin prizes. Entry costs are £150 a team, which includes a two-course dinner after the competition.
The church was built in the 1840s as a private chapel for Sir Edward Blackett. In 1860 he added the tower, its weather vane, and cockerel. It's towering need of repair, is a result of the ravages of time and weather. £30,000 has already been raised.
Struan Wilson, Matfen's Church Warden, said: "Although we have already raised a substantial amount of money, we still need to raise more locally as this demonstrates to other funding bodies that the Matfen Church has exceptional local support. This Golf Day is a very welcome addition, and we are hoping that we will have about 20 teams. We are delighted that Matfen Hall has donated its golf course, as this event very much reconnects the church with its builder, Sir Edward Blackett."
The Matfen Church golf competition is open to golfers of all abilities. Teams can be registered with either Craig Parkinson, Director of Golf at Matfen Hall, on 01661 886400 or Struan Wilson, Church Warden: struan@struan.enterprise-plc.com Sir Hugh, the current head of the Blackett family, hopes that the appeal will successfully keep his forbear's work standing for many more generations to come.
