The event, held at the Weston Turville course, near Aylesbury, raised the money for the John Watson School in Wheatley, Oxfordshire. The event is in its eighth year and has donated over GB pound 20,000 in total. A lead organiser of the fund-raising is High Wycombe-based manufacturer Conway Security Products. In addition to the Conway golfers, players from the security industry included Chris Blackburn of Independent Technical Services and Nick Bailey of the Oxfordshire CCTV installer Target Brent.
The John Watson School is for children with learning difficulties aged 2 to 19. It is committed to offering youngsters the chance to integrate educationally and socially in mainstream schools. This helps whenever students show special aptitude in a subject as they are able to follow a regular course but still receive tailored support in learning areas they find difficult.
Climbing ramp
The money is being spent on a climbing ramp which will help pupils with co-ordination and motor skills. The ramp is in a shared playground so it is allowing John Watson pupils to share experiences with their mainstream peers.
The day was organised by a group of parents, governors and volunteers from sponsoring companies including Corporate Express, NatWest Bank and Weston Turville Golf Club itself, which has been generous by making the course available and covering green fees.
Sally Withey, head teacher at the school, said: “While we’ve benefited from the government’s increased spending on education through funds allocated by Oxfordshire County Council, events like this are crucial in allowing us to give children the best facilities to develop their talent. Many of our pupils are at least a couple of years behind other children in terms of learning abilities and high-quality equipment ensures we can help them maximise their potential.”