A MEMORIAL golf day at Okehampton Golf Club in honour of past captain and president John Spry raised almost £5,000 for Hospiscare.

John, who lived at Northlew all his life, first became interested in golf over 40 years ago and played an influential role at the golf club and within the local community. 

Rachel Spry, John's grand-daughter, organised the day and said they were overwhelmed with support, from sponsors and entrants.

The main sponsor was McCarthy and Stone, who provide apartments designed for people over the age of 60 within River's Edge Court in Okehampton. Rachel and family were thrilled to have McCarthy and Stone sponsor the main event and extended thanks to them and to all the hole sponsors who provided a wealth of support. They also thanked everyone who donated prizes and helped with the preparation and running of the day.

A total of 156 golfers took part in the four-ball, two scores to count stableford competition and prizes were donated by local companies.

Winners of the competition were Paul Rattenbury, Jerry Lock, Dean Rice and Lloyd Chapman with 89 points. In second place were Peter Holman, Ollie Holman, Robert Barkwell and Paul Hanslip, winning on the back six with 86 and third Lewis Parry, Darren Prouse, Paul Prouse and Will Searle.

In fourth place was David Williams, Greg Holman, Phil Foulger and Barry Down with a score of 85 points, fifth Courtney Heard, Tony Philips, Denny Adams and Jim Oakley winning on the back nine with 84 and sixth Paul Skidmore, Pete Murphy, Evan Rees and Graham Starkey.

The prize for the best away score went to Chester Barnes, Lester Barnes, Paul Newman and Curtis Coles with 83 points.

There was also a nearest the pin competition on all of the par threes and these prizes were donated by Ritepac, R West and Son Ltd, the Fox and Hounds Hotel, Derek Ellis and the dive crew of the Seven Atlantic. The winners of the nearest the pin competitions were Harry Hawking, Lee Pengelly, Peter Lacey, Rod Wright and Ted Boswell.

The day raised £4,890.08 for Hospiscare, a local charity providing an all-encompassing service for people with a terminal diagnosis. All services are provided free of charge with the support of the local community.

Rachel said: 'Hospiscare is a charity very close to our family's heart and they provided continual invaluable support for my grandad and the family during his illness. They are a fantastic charity and such a worthy cause. I really cannot thank everyone enough, both the staff and volunteers from Hospiscare and everyone who helped to make the event such a success.'