Pat Bees reports on the event at The Celtic Manor

On Friday 1st August Dennis Jones (captain of Celtic Manor Golf Club), held his annual Charity Golf Day. Dennis, with the help of his partner Shirley Pearson (who also happens to be Ladies Captain this year), and his great friend and fellow club member John Shine, organised eighteen teams to play the Roman Road course.

The day was in aid of the Captain's chosen charity, the Cardiology Department at the Royal Gwent Hospital and a magnificent sum of £7,000 was raised. That included a staggering sum of £520 raffle money. This was handed over to Dr John Davies, guest of honour at the evening presentation. Dr Davies is head of Cardiology at the Royal Gwent and he was delighted to accept this wonderful donation.

Dr Davies said that since fund raising started almost one million pounds has been raised through charitable work. This has greatly helped the waiting list for urgent cases. Some patients can now be seen for diagnosis in a matter of weeks instead of months. The generous donations mean that if a piece of equipment if needed urgently it can be purchased with their own funds.

This is Dennis Jones' second year as Captain at Celtic Manor. Last year, with the help of John Shine, he raised £9,500 for the same causes. Dennis was full of praise for John Shine who works tirelessly for this charity. In fact John was voted "club man" of the year 2002 at The Celtic Manor for his efforts. All the prizes for the golf and raffle on the day were given to the Captain. The Celtic Manor Resort donated the course and evening buffet meal, together with an additional prize of rounds of golf and accommodation at the resort. Golfbrands of Cardiff donated four golf bags, which went to the winning team of Roy Enos, Roger Floyd, Eddie Walsh and Barry Vesello.

The next charity event at The Celtic Manor is the joint Captains Ball on Saturday 25th October sponsored by Alpha Romeo who have put up a short break to Milan as the main raffle prize. Dennis and Shirley are planning this wonderful evening to take place in the Augusta Suite at the golf club. Comedian Kevin Devane and the magnificent band China Grove will be the entertainment. There is a huge range of raffle prizes on offer together with an evening full of fun and surprise.

As a guest at last year's Ball I can honestly say it was one of the best evening I have attended, I just cannot imagine how it can be beaten but, whatever happens, Dennis and Shirley certainly know how to entertain. There are just a few tables left for the Ball. For a ticket call Shirley on 01633 431221.

Any golfer or individual golfer who wishes to help the Royal Gwent Cardiology Fund please call 01633 234308.