SEVENTY golfers braved the weather conditions as they completed 18 holes at Naunton Downs Golf Club during the North Cotswold Rotary Charity Golf Day, raising £4,200.

The annual golf day event is now in its 20th year and has raised more than £70,000 for charity since its inception.

Local charities were the principal beneficiaries from the funds raised, including north Cotswolds-based Kate’s Home Nursing, and Sue Ryder – Leckhampton Court Hospice, each of whom received £1,250. Another charity chosen by club president Hugh Collins was Building Malawi, a small UK-based charity working to build schools, libraries and other sustainable facilities in Malawi, which received a cheque for £500. Home Start, and the Sam Pilcher Trust also received £500 each.

Event organiser Bryan Sumner, a Rotarian and former Naunton Downs Senior Men’s Captain, congratulated the winners for their impressive performances in windy conditions. Winners received an attractive array of prizes from Neil Rimmer, who presented the Honess Cup and a Motocaddy golf bag to the individual winner, Owen Patten (with 40 points); Owen, from Kenilworth, also won the team event with his partner Peter Whidbourne. The Clifford & Webb Cup, presented for the best Rotarian score, was won by Colin Gattenby. Judy Harden (with 35 points) received a prize as the best Lady. And as no one succeeded in getting a Hole in One, the prize - dinner bed and breakfast for two generously donated by top local hotel The Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter - was auctioned and raised a further £330 for charity.

A successful day was rounded off with a two-course dinner at the golf club.

Club captain and Rotarian Neil Rimmer thanked Naunton Downs Golf Club for allowing the use of the venue and also thanked the many sponsors.