The Portuguese branch of the Royal British Legion and Boavista Golf Course near Lagos are hosting a charity golf tournament, The Poppy Day Memorial Trophy, on a particularly significant day – November 11.
The 11th day of the 11th month marks the end of the First World War and this year in particular marks 100 years since the carnage of the Battle of Passchendaele.
Janice Galloway, lady captain of Boavista Clube de Golfe, noticed as she was drawing up the diary for this year’s events that, in 2017, November 11 falls on a Saturday.
She explained: “This is a normal club competition day, so as it was also Armistice Day, I felt it would be a good idea to have a competition to commemorate the day, and to remember those of the club who had passed away.
“This quickly turned into a charity event in aid of the Royal British Legion and the On Course Foundation, both charities associated with the armed forces. The RBL, of course, is known worldwide for the invaluable work they do supporting ex-service personnel.
“The On-Course Foundation, which was introduced to Boavista by one of our deceased members, Guy Pilcher-Clayton, helps injured service men and women into work through the medium of golf.
“We do have five On Course Foundation ambassadors – one a double leg amputee – joining us for the golf, and we are hoping to get a few more.
“Also, we are looking for more sponsors within the local community to help by donating prizes and sponsoring holes and, of course, for any golfers who would like to join us on the day.
“All the monies raised will be split between both charities.”
Jacquie Collins, president of the RBL, Portugal, added: “The Royal British Legion is grateful to Janice and to Boavista for their generosity in making the Legion one of the beneficiaries of this charity day.
“While we have fundraising throughout the year for the Poppy Appeal, which helps service and ex-service personnel and their families, anything held during the Remembrance period has a special meaning, and this year in particular, as 100 years ago the Third Battle of Ypres, more commonly called the Battle of Passchendaele, was raging in all its futility.
“A great uncle of mine was injured both physically and mentally in that battle and it was for men like him that the Legion was formed just after that war.”
The competition will be a team event comprising four players, with the best two scores to count per hole. It will be a shotgun start commencing at 9am with a carvery lunch afterwards, followed by a raffle and auction to increase the funds raised.
The three-course lunch is open to all and costs €25.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact Janice Galloway:
918 624 889 | [email protected]
www.oncoursefoundation.com
By MATT D’ARCY
