OVER the years members of Tavistock Golf Club have raised thousands of pounds for charity — and this year was no exception, when almost £14,000 was donated by members of the club.

It has become a tradition for club captains during their year of office to raise money for their chosen charities. CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) and Children's Hospice South West were the beneficiaries of club captain Richard Smith's year.

Richard said: 'I am totally overwhelmed by the money that has been raised during this year.

'The generosity of members and the work that has gone into raising this very substantial sum has been incredible.

'There are so many members I would like to thank — the two juniors Will and Mike, who by playing a continuous 108 holes, raised £2,000, Phil Gawman, who donated £5,000 from the Turners' golf day, club secretary Jonathan Coe, past lady captain Patty Congo and all the ladies who helped in so many ways — just a few of the members who have been so generous with their time and money.'

Receiving the cheque for £6,800 at the captain's cocktail party, Tim Bunting of CHICKS thanked the captain and all the members for their generous donation.

He said: 'CHICKS in the coming year will provide 1,200 disadvantaged children with five-day holidays.

'This is at a cost of £816 per child, so this money that you have all raised will be well spent.'

Pat Coxson added: 'On behalf of Children's Hospice South West I am delighted to accept this wonderful donation.

'We now have three hospices to provide a lifeline for families and offering respite in helping them and their children through such difficult times.

'It costs £2-million a year to keep this lifeline going, so this generous donation will be most welcome.'