SKIPTON Golf Club’s retiring Men’s Captain Roger Moore, current Ladies Captain Lorraine Raeburn and her predecessor Dagmar Hecker-Woodhead have handed over a cheque for £7,606.34 to Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, in Oxenhope.

Lorraine actually took over as ladies captain at the beginning of August last year from Dagmar, the duo agreeing to join forces to support Manorlands until the annual election of new officials in February.

A series of fund-raising events included a standalone captains’ charity competition day last April and raffles, while members willing to chip in a fiver to avoid paying a traditional ‘fine’ if landing in a brace of bunkers on the course also helped boost the pot.

The three principals commented: “It was a magnificent effort on behalf an extremely deserving local cause that continues to do such wonderful work both at Manorlands and out and about in the general community. Warmest thanks go to members, visitors, multiple organisations who donated prizes and anyone who supported us through various means.”

Manorlands will again benefit for the whole of the current season, with both Lorraine and new Men’s Captain Bob Jarman confirming the fund-raising link-up will continue with another captains’ charity golf day scheduled for Saturday, April 22, the continuance of the bunker hazard voucher scheme and further fund-raisers also planned. In addition, since the start of his tenure Bob has been and will continue to auction off his captain’s parking space when not on course to further swell the charity kitty.

Adam Brunskill, Manorlands’ Craven area fundraiser, said: "I would like to thank Roger, Dagmar and Lorraine and all at Skipton Golf Club for their tremendous work fundraising for us over this last year. This is an incredible amount that we are extremely grateful for and will help us be there for people when it matters most both at Manorlands and in the local community. We are very proud of our partnership with Skipton Golf Club and feel privileged that they have chosen us as their charity of the year again for 2023. We look forward to continuing this wonderful relationship together working with Lorraine and Bob."

Meanwhile, with the new season soon set to get into full swing, the formal Captains Drive-In Ceremony will take place at the club at 1pm on Saturday, April 1, when Bob and Lorraine will drive off the 13th tee to official commence their golfing year as Captains, hopefully in front of a large gathering of members.