EMMAS TRUST CHARITY GOLF DAY

Chunky Townley  reports:

The third annual Golf Tournament was held at Chipping Norton Golf Club on August 10^th. by kind permission of the management committee and club members and the Trust is most grateful for their support and generosity . We were blessed with perfect weather and the course was in the best condition I can ever remember seeing it, so a big thank you to the green staff. I was very encouraged by the many favourable comments from our visitors, who not only praised the great condition of the course, but also the standard of the food and service of the catering and bar staff, which is thanks to Anthony, John and their willing team.

Neil Clayton and the Office staff were as ever, most helpful and I was very grateful when Neil offered to check all the score cards, this was a tremendous help. Thanks go to Mike and Rose Dawson for their stint at the 8^th. hole, and to Barry Palmer who kindly came back in the afternoon to take over, having been out and raked most of the bunkers in the morning. All the competitors enjoyed a glass of Pimms at the halfway stop, served by our own Miss Pimms 2007 Clare Reynolds, thanks Clare I know it was much appreciated by everyone.

The prize winners were as follows: 1^st. Team Prize for the Emmas Trust Trophy (winners for the second year running) from left to right Gordon Clarkson, Mathew Batchelor, Tracy Hunt, Steve Hunt & with 97 points. Maggi Creese (Emmas Mum) is on the right
 

2^nd Team Prize (left to right) John Granville, Michael White, Mike Roberts Jnr. & Frank Robinson  with 91 points
 

1^st. Mens Individual Prize Neil Gladding 41 points 1^st. Ladies Individual Prize Anne Stowe 35 points Nearest the pin on the 3^rd. Denis Tailby Nearest the pin on the 8^th. Dave Quick Nearest the pin on the 10^th. Russell Smith Nearest the pin on the 15^th. Danny Hicks Longest drive for men Dene Shadbolt Longest drive for ladies Jenny Reynolds

Team Nolan were on parade kitted out in dashing pink Emma's Trust polo shirts. From left to right: Chris, Pete, Tim & Pat Nolan
 

The total profit for the day was a tremendous 6,000, so on behalf of the Trust and myself we offer our sincere thanks to those who kindly sponsored the day, donated prizes, gave their time to help, and all the competitors who took part and supported the day. The Trust was established in 2005 following the sudden and tragic death of Chipping Norton teenager Emma Curtis-Smith. Emmas Trust is intended to help young people who, like Emma, are interested in sports and performing arts.  By the end of this year Emmas Trust will have awarded an amazing 20,000 to young people. For more information on the trust visit www.emmastrust.com

2,500 AT EMMA'S FESTIVAL

Local Youngster writes in the Forum....."Great day remembering such a good friend. The festival was fantastic. Full credit to Ian Nolan and his friends and family for putting on a fantastic weekend. The finish of a lighted lantern for Emma and some FANTASTIC fireworks was brilliant. Every band that was booked  was brilliant. Well Done all"

Thousands of people - and musicians - joined a festival in memory of a popular teenager. Emma Curtis-Smith, who was 18, collapsed while watching her boyfriend on his first parade at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, two years ago. She had asthma, suffered a collapsed lung, and died three days later.

Her cousin, Ian Nolan, was among those organising the Emma's Trust Festival, in Chipping Norton, where she lived. More than 100 people took to the stage at Chipping Norton Cricket Club over the weekend, while 300 festival-goers took part in workshops on site. Music included performances by three members of folk-rock band Fairport Convention, rock band Richlife, Banbury's Odd Ones Out, Oxford DJ Skylarkin Soundsystem, and South Parade (right) - a young local band chosen to perform after winning the Emma's Trust inter-school rock competition.

A host of family events were also held on Saturday, with fairground rides and dance and craft workshops. Since the first festival in 2005, organisers have raised 60,000 for young people. Mr Nolan said: "It was amazing. Just phenomenal. We had lots of people, we had fantastic weather, and the site looked beautiful." But he added: "It is hard. It is almost like compensation, to have something to focus on and not think about the fact that Emma's not with us any more. Nothing will replace the fact that we have lost her. Emma and I grew up like brother and sister and she would have absolutely loved the festival. I think having the opportunity to provide either funding or activities for young people, which is what the money we have raised goes towards, is something she would have enjoyed."

EMMAS DAY 2008 IN FULL SWING

The centre of Chipping Norton was ablaze with colour, music, noise, dancing, games and laughter as the town celebrated the life of teenager Emma Curtis-Smith on Sunday. Emma's stepfather Gary Creese, who chairs the trust, said: "It has been good to see lots of people we have helped come here today to help boost the funds so we can help other young people. This Emma's Day has had two prongs to raise money and to showcase what we have done with the money given to us."

On Sunday, events were held across Chipping Norton. In the theatre, Emily Archer from Chipping Norton School of Dance, put on a show to say thank you for the way the fund had helped with buying costumes. During the day, which was attended by hundreds of people moving between the different venues, there was a five-a-side football tournament, children's workshops in craft and dance and the Women's Institute laid on teas and refreshments. Everything, except for a 30-a-head evening concert in the theatre, was free. The concert was hosted by I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here star and comedian Rhona Cameron.

Amy Southeard, who organised this year's festival, said: "The atmosphere is great its a real community and family event run by people who were friends of Emma."