The Seniors Captain of Dudsbury Golf Club, Rob Berry, selected the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) as his ‘Charity of the Year’ in 2020 and due to the restrictions with Covid the partnership ran for two years. Despite all the challenges Rob (pictured right above) presented Pete Thornton, Chairman of the JTYAF (pictured left), with a cheque for a staggering £3119!

To raise such a huge amount mid pandemic, is an outstanding achievement and the JTYAF would like to thank all those who organised and took part in the Charity Golf Days. The amount of time and effort that goes into ensuring that these events are a success cannot be underestimated and is greatly appreciated.

This fantastic support will make a massive difference to the opportunities that will be provided for local young people in the year ahead. All funds raised will help to provide bursaries and scholarships for local young people from a wide array of youth organisations directly supporting their personal development and the pursuit of their ambitions.

As an example of the difference an amount of £3119 will make, these are some recent awards that the Dudsbury Seniors Section fundraising would have made possible:

• A young man from Ferndown Upper School who is a musician with the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band, has an ambition to join the Royal Marines Corp Band. He will use his scholarship to buy a cornet.

• A young lady who is also a student at Ferndown Upper School has been cheerleading since she was 6 years old and has received a scholarship to pay for her expenses to attend ‘The Summit’ cheerleading competition in Florida.

• Funding has provided the opportunity for 3 disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils at St Michael’s Middle School to join their peers for a 5-day outdoor education trip to Holne Park in Devon. Another 5 disadvantaged pupils will also visit the New Forest Water Park.

• A Looked After Child who experiences many difficulties will take part in a residential activities’ week at the Land and Wave Centre in Swanage. The trip would not be possible without JTYAF support and will help to raise his spirits and boost his confidence.

Pete Thornton commented,”Young people are experiencing many challenges in these uncertain and difficult times and need our support more than ever before. We really can’t thank the Dudsbury Seniors enough for helping us to continue to do the work we do.”