This year’s Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society (TTBS) National Golf Day, sponsored by Puhos Board (UK) Ltd, saw near tropical conditions at the luxurious De Vere Belton Woods complex near Grantham in Lincolnshire on July 14.

The fast-running course, tricky greens and difficult rough proved a tough test for the 57 golfers who took on the 36-hole challenge. The Singles competition was played in fours over the Lakes course. The numerous water hazards took their toll of many of the balls provided by the sponsors in each player’s goody bag! The afternoon Greensomes competition on the Woodside course presented a more undulating challenge past luxurious timber lodges and offering scenic views.

Thanks to the efforts and generosity of many firms connected to the timber trade the event is expected to raise around £10,500 for the TTBS.

The evening celebrations took place in the sumptuous Manor Restaurant presided over by TTBS president Barbara Cartwright who was joined by Puhos Board UK chairman Mikko Lattu to present the 19 historic TTBS trophies. Managing director Andy Moore thanked all the sponsors for helping the success of the event. TTBS trustee Barry Lewis conducted a persuasive auction, including a painting of the 18th green by talented amateur artist Les Walton, an 89-year-old TTBS beneficiary. The auction also included a trip to Helsinki, which, together with the raffle, raised a further £2,220.

“The TTBS is very grateful to everyone in the trade for their kind and generous support of our National Golf Day which continues to be our largest fund-raising event,” said Malcolm Job, TTBS general manager and organiser of the event. “Andy Moore and his team at Puhos Board (UK) have done a terrific job as our main sponsor. We would also like to thank our platinum sponsor Preseal Boards, gold sponsors Total Floor Systems, iLevel Trus Joist and UPM Kymmene Wood, together with silver sponsors, Travis Perkins, Buildbase, W Denis and Kronospan. Thanks also go to the many bronze sponsors supporting individual holes.”

Planning is already under way for next year’s event, which is open to anyone connected to the timber trade and their guests. Malcolm Job would welcome any enquiries regarding playing or sponsorship for 2007 and beyond. Contact him at TTBS 31 Chelthorn Way, Solihull, B91 3FW; tel: 0121 705 5686; e-mail: golf@ttbs.org.uk