Volunteers from the North East’s largest building society have supported a local golf day in memory of a South Shields resident who was known for his love of meeting new people.
The event, named The John Brown Cup, was played in honour of John Brown who was a resident at Frank Bushell House, and in association with Rookie Sports took place at Burnside College in Wallsend earlier this month (June).
Rookie Sports is a social enterprise based in Newcastle upon Tyne, whose main aim is to bring people together through a variety of activities such as golf, helping to promote physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Five teams from sheltered housing schemes and adults with learning disabilities took part in the event. The teams had five golf challenges in which Newcastle Building Society volunteers lent a hand providing physical support and cheering on each team as they completed their challenges.
June Shone, volunteer and events coordinator at Rookie Sports, said: “Sadly, John passed away last year after a short illness. The group decided they wanted to host a festival in his memory and the event had to involve people from North Tyneside and Newcastle as John enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. Thanks to the commitment by the Society’s volunteers, Rookie Sports will be able to run additional events throughout the year.
“All of the players at the session commented on how well they engaged with the teams, encouraged and cheered each one of them on just added so much to the event. The staff that attended from Newcastle Building Society were so friendly that the teams actually consider them ‘friends and are keen to meet them again.’”
Hayley Charlton, who also took part in the event and is senior product development manager at Newcastle Building Society, said: “It was a lovely day. We really enjoyed it and we’re hoping to do more with Rookie Sports throughout the year. It felt very fitting that the team who won the event were actually residents of Frank Bushell House, where John Brown lived.”