ABOVE: Steve Watson, winner of the longest drive.
ABOVE: Sir Alex Ferguson.
SIR ALEX FERGUSON GOLF CLASSIC AND DINNER
(in aid of The Wallness Children’s
Charity)
Thursday, 29th June, 2006
Held at Mere Golf and Country Club, Knutsford, the Sir Alex Ferguson Golf Classic commenced with a tee start at 10:45, and second one at 13:20.
Teams were drawn from the worlds of sports, entertainment, business and commerce; including one topically named “Metatarsal United”. Golfers attending included Mark Hughes, Vernon Kay, James Nesbitt, Sir Bobby Charlton; Jamie Theakston; Martin Buchan; Bill Foulkes, and many more.
Bellagio Time were proud to sponsor the longest drive competition, which was won by West Bromwich Albion defender, Steve Watson. Unfortunately, Steve was not able to attend the dinner in the evening, so could not collect the prize in person. Therefore, one of Steve’s friends offered to take it to him the following day. With each round taking approximately five hours, those golfers going out in the afternoon had to perfect a quick change routine, to attend the champagne reception at 19:15 which preceded the black tie dinner.
This was the third annual Golf Classic, and this year’s chosen charity was the Five Stars Scanner Appeal (formerly The Wallness Trust). This was in memory of the late Frank “Foo Foo” Lamar, a great friend of Sir Alex, and a tireless fund raiser for the Wallness Trust. The Wallness Children’s Charity began in The Wallness Tavern with a fund raising darts marathon between Salford Police and Salford Fire Brigade, in 1976.
Over the last thirty years the Charity has supported the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital by the installation of the Gamma Camera; New Renal Unit; Out Patient's Department; Magnetic Resonance Imaging (M.R.I.) Scanner and the Refurbishment of the Cancer Ward. A M.R.I. scanner is a sophisticated piece of equipment that will enable the hospital to scan many more children suffering from cancer and other illnesses giving early diagnosis, better treatment and, in turn, a brighter future.
Unfortunately, at £1 million, the cost of highly technological equipment is enormous, but the cost of saving lives is priceless. In addition to donating the prize for the longest drive of the day, Bellagio Time were pleased to donate a 2.10ct diamond lady’s timepiece. During the auction, bidding was very keen, and so as not to disappoint anyone, Bellagio Time were pleased to donate a second 2.10ct diamond lady’s timepiece, thereby generating a total of £6,000 on the evening. Overall, it is envisaged that £60,000 will be raised for the charity from the day’s events.