Letter of Thanks from Lisa Stephenson Faith & Ellie
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters
JAMES STEPHENSON MEMORIAL GOLF DAY – FRIDAY 8th MARCH 2024 AT OLD THORNS
On behalf of Faith, Ellie & myself I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who made Fridays golf day such a huge success. Having had to postpone the event in November 2023 due to heavy rain and hurricane winds we clearly chose a much better day. The weather was so kind to us after all of the rain we have had over the last couple of months
It was once again just so good to see so many smiling faces in the Sports Bar at Old Thorns after the golf. I know James would have been delighted to know that you were all there in his memory and to support his family and his favourite Charity – the Cardiomyopathy Association. Without all of your support we would not be able to run this annual event so it is so pleasing to know that so many of you are willing to help by playing golf and sponsoring the event.
We raised just over £5,000 from the event and I hope you all agree that the format for the day is just about right. That is not to say that we are not always looking to improve the day so we would welcome feedback from you all to ensure we can continue with the event on an annual basis. Please let my father Chris Grimes have any comments – chris.grimes@btinternet.com
We all hope you will want to support us again in 2025 when we will hold the 9th memorial golf day in memory of James – please make a note in your diary for Friday 7th March 2025 at Old Thorns.
Thank you all again
All good wishes
Lisa, Faith & Ellie
Press Release about the Day
The eighth annual golf day in memory of James Stephenson was held at Old Thorns on Friday 8th March. This annual event is in memory of the chef who was killed on the A3 in a road traffic accident on New Years Day 2015
Over 70 golfers took part in the golf day which was blessed with fine weather and an excellent golf course. Many of the regular attendees were present together with some new supporters to raise money for James’s children and for his favourite charity the Cardiomyopathy Association.
Teams of 4 played a stableford competition with the best two scores to count on each hole. The winning team amassed a total of 94 points closely followed in second and third places with team scores of 93 and 90 respectively. Trophies were awarded to the winning team; to the golfer nearest the pin on the par three tenth hole and the straightest drive on the 14th hole.
The players enjoyed a lunch of Lasagne and garlic bread and were then given the results of the competition. The winning team was made up of Graham Ward; Nick Ward; Tommy Kerley and Paul la Roche. In second place was Andy Grimes; Matt Coomber; Nick Cansfield and Jordan Henderson and in third spot last years winners Adrian Hoar; John Sargeant; Geoff Creedon and Dave Taylor. The trophy for nearest the pin was won by Dave Hobbs and for the straightest drive by Dean Millward
James’s father Kevin welcomed the assembled golfers and said how delighted he was that so many people continued to support the day. He said “Without your support and that of our wonderful sponsors none of this could take place”.
Lisa Stephenson, the widow of James, thanked all of the golfers for their support and said how proud James would have been to see so many here for the event. She also thanked her father Chris Grimes for his organisation of the day and said she hoped everyone would return for the ninth event due to take place at Old Thorns on Friday 7th March 2025 – for details contact Chris at chris.grimes@btinternet.com
A total of over £5,000 was raised for James’s children and the charity.
Photo of the winning team receiving the trophy from Lisa Stephenson
