James Bond star and ex-Watford players raise money for charity

Watford Borough Council and Everyone Active hosted the ‘Watford Helps Appeal Charity Golf Day’ at Rickmansworth Golf Course on July 9.

Around 72 people, including Watford FC's record holding goal scorer Luther Blissett and representatives from businesses and organisations across Watford, took part in the golf day.

Other ex-Watford players that took part in the day included Nigel Gibbs, Ian Bolton, Trevor How, Neil Price, Allan Smart, as well as James Bond star Colin Salmon.

Luther Blissett (left) and Colin Salmon took part in the charity golf day (photo Simon Jacobs)

A total of £6,450 was raised during the event which will be used to support charities across the town.

The event was in aid of the Watford Helps Appeal, which is providing funding for over 50 local charities to help them to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The appeal has already raised £172,276 and donations have ensured emergency food to those in need, support to victims of domestic abuse and those with mental health issues, shelter for the homeless, care for those bereaved, support to those who have lost their jobs and much more.

Murill Construction Ltd, Imagine Property Group, Veolia UK and Scala were the main sponsors of the golf day this year and 100 per cent of the green fees paid by the players will go directly to the appeal.

Many other local businesses also donated money and gifts.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the Charity Golf Day, your support and kind donations will help over 50 charities in the town. Thank you to all the local companies who donated it is much appreciated. Also, a special thank you to the team at Rickmansworth Golf Course and Everyone Active for helping make the day a great success and a fun event for all who took part.

Mayor Peter Taylor was at the event (photo Simon Jacobs)

“It was fantastic to see so many golfers back out on the golf course and enjoying a round of golf, all to raise vital funds for charity. I’m delighted that we could host this event in a physical setting, as the majority of my fundraising activities this year have been virtual.”

Matthew Mason, Managing Director at sponsor Murill Construction Limited, said: “Supporting the local community in which we work is close to our hearts, we are therefore proud to be able to once again support the Mayor’s charity which is a great way of helping groups and individuals who provide support to those that need it the most.”

Mike Cole, Managing Director at sponsor Imagine Property Group, said: “While property business have come through Covid well, we are acutely aware many have been less fortunate. Anything we can do to support them is a given.”