On 3 October, senior rail industry professionals gathered at the picturesque Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales for a friendly golf competition, raising vital funds for Railway Children.
Organised by the charity in partnership with Advance TRS, this fourth annual event was the most successful yet, raising an impressive £30,000 for the much-loved cause.
With Mark Wild OBE, incoming HS2 CEO, as the evening’s guest speaker, the event attracted key stakeholders from the industry, including representatives from Atkins Realis, Turner & Townsend, Vinci Construction, AECOM, Balfour Beatty, BAM Nutall, Clipfine, Mace Dragados, Gleeds, and GHD.
Warm welcome
Following a Welsh breakfast and a warm welcome from Advance TRS CEO Andy Ridout, the teams set off in their buggies for a shotgun start in the sunshine. The charity organised a range of competitions, including ‘Beat the Pro’, ‘Longest Drive’, and ‘Nearest the Pin’, with all proceeds from entry fees contributing to the impressive total.
With everyone back at the Clubhouse after completing their 18 holes, guests enjoyed a well-deserved drink at the open bar, sponsored by Advance TRS. As the sun set over the stunning landscape, they shared stories of topped shots, bunker woes, and beginners’ luck, relaxing before dinner and the evening’s entertainment.
Celtic Manor served a three-course meal featuring the finest Welsh produce – much needed after the day’s activities. Once everyone was well-fed, Andy Ridout took to the floor to thank everyone for their contributions to the event’s success. As a long-term supporter of Railway Children, Andy spoke passionately about his love for the charity and its transformative work for vulnerable children in the UK, India, and Tanzania.
He has seen first-hand the impact that money raised at events like the golf day has, for children here in the UK and in India and Tanzania too, where Railway Children has local teams working with street-connected children to give them the care, support and opportunity they need to change their futures.
Suzi Lawrence, Railway Children’s head of marketing from shared a poignant story about a young boy in Tanzania who recently received support during a harrowing time, highlighting the tangible impact of the guests’ generosity. The charity emphasised the importance of events like this in demonstrating the difference supporters make. The charity expressed how valuable events like this are for being able to convey the difference supporters have face to face.
Mark Wild OBE then shared his insights on the current state of the UK rail industry and the future of HS2. His much-anticipated address engaged guests, many of whom are involved in the project, in an open discussion about the industry’s needs and how they can collaborate to ensure its success.
Special guest
Following the rousing rail discussion, former England cricketer and Essex captain Ronnie Irani took the floor as the after-dinner speaker. Generously donating his time, Ronnie entertained guests with hilarious anecdotes from his days playing alongside and against the likes of Phil Tufnell, Darren Gough, and Sir Viv Richards.
Ronnie also reflected on the importance of the work that the charity does in the UK having learnt from Suzi and Mary about how Railway Children works with British Transport Police to create a safety net for vulnerable young people using the rail network to run away from, or unknowingly towards, danger.
With that, it was time for the announcement of the winners, who received beautifully engraved glass awards and bottles of champagne donated by Advance TRS. The winning team was Clipfine, featuring Ronnie Irani.
Record total
A silent auction brought the evening to a fantastic end. Golf prizes were kindly donated by Stratford upon Avon Golf Club, Farleigh Golf Club, Horsham Golf Club, The Vale Resort, Foxhills, Blackmoor Golf Club, The Addington, Camberley Heath, and Hindhead Golf Club. Guests showed incredible generosity with their bids, all adding to that record total of £30,000.
Andy Ridout from Advance TRS commented: ‘Each year, I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity and camaraderie of everybody who gets involved in our annual Golf Day for Railway Children, a cause that’s very close to my heart.
“It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces—and new ones too—dedicated to supporting Railway Children’s life-changing work and I’m incredibly proud and blown away by the £30,000 we all raised. To all our sponsors, partners, and everyone who took part, I want to extend a massive thank you for making this day possible and here’s to the next year!’
Mary McLaughlin from Railway Children commented: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Andy for his dedication to raising funds for the children and young people we support. The UK rail industry’s empathy and support were evident once again, making it a truly fantastic day. We look forward to next year’s event and invite anyone interested to contact me at [email protected].”
Image credit: Railway Children
