Chris Blyde and Kerry O'Neill, a member of the winning team, take a look over the many names on the Harry Blyde Cup.
Handing over a cheque for $8,000 to Hospice Taranaki was the ‘birdie on the 18th’ for long-time organiser of the Harry Blyde Cup golf tournament Jeff Clement.
Held at the Kaitake Golf Club recently, 87 players across 29 teams took part in the annual event for individuals and companies with a connection to Port Taranaki, with Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki again the recipient of funds raised.
“It was fantastic,” says Jeff, who is Port Taranaki site management co-ordinator.
“We raised $8,000 this year, which is a record for the Harry Blyde Cup. The day out is great – the camaraderie and chance to have a bit of fun with mates and associates and network with companies affiliated with the port. But it really puts the icing on the cake, or the birdie on the 18th, to raise that great amount and be able to pass it on to Hospice Taranaki, who do such a valuable job supporting families and the community.”
Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki chief executive Paul Lamb says the ongoing support from the golf day is greatly appreciated.
“Your support from the Harry Blyde Cup golf day goes beyond the game – it brings comfort, dignity, and care to those facing life-limiting illness,” Paul says.
“Because of the wonderful funds that were raised, patients and whānau will receive the support they need, when they need it most. Thank you, Jeff and all your sponsors and golf teams.”
The weather was perfect for the on-course action, with a slight breeze later in the afternoon.
“This made for some interesting finishing holes, with some more adventurous than others,” says Jeff.
Team Revital, of Kerry O’Neill, Andrew Castles and Paul Bailey, were crowned champions, and were presented the cup by Chris Blyde, a relative of Sir Henry Blyde. Sir Henry was the Port Taranaki chairman from 1953 to 1974, and the golf tournament has been held in his honour since 1968.
Moo Greig won a cruiser bike, sponsored by Shed Door Cycles, for getting within four metres of the hole on the par-three ninth ‘Hospice Hole’.
“We’re hugely grateful to all the sponsors who made the day possible and enabled us to make the generous contribution to Hospice Taranaki – Port Taranaki, New Plymouth Underwater, Whitaker Civil Engineering, Taranaki Bark Products, Revital Group, SLS, Qube, Shed Door Cycles, Marsh and LIC,” says Jeff.
“Also, a big thanks to all who helped on the day, including Kaitake Golf Club staff and members, Murray and Karen Wells for the post-tournament meal, Brian Wells on the on-course BBQ, and Emma Walker, of Hospice Taranaki, who oversaw the Hospice Hole.”
While at Hospice Taranaki to hand over the $8,000 cheque, Jeff Clement jumped in and helped hospice chief executive Paul Lamb and Emma Walker load an electric bed into a van to go out into the community for a patient to use. The beds provide more comfort for a patient than a traditional bed.
