On Friday 21st October 2016 at West Kent Golf Club, Biggin Hill, Kent a charity golf day was hosted by the Greater London South East Scouts in memory of Ben Richardson, County Commissioner for six years (2008-2014), who passed away at the tender age of 34 years following a battle against bowel cancer.
During his short life, Ben lived life to the full. He loved Scouting and dedicated himself to giving young people the opportunity and confidence to achieve all they could in life. He made initial plans to build an education centre in Kenya but he was unable to see this through. His friends and colleagues therefore decided to complete the task in his memory by raising enough funds to build the Timu Rafiki education centre.
A total of 22 teams of four took part in the charity golf day. The Mark Province of Kent of Kent was represented by Keith Stoner, Gerry Miller, Archie Torrance (PGM) and Kessick Jones (GDC) who we borrowed from The Adoniram Golf Society for the day!
All teams were encouraged to wear orange golf shirts, Ben’s favourite colour, and our team were very pleased to embrace the spirit of the event by doing so. The Mark Province of Kent also sponsored a hole, which was suitably labelled on the tee box.
After a successful day’s golf, the players changed for dinner and the formalities of the dinner, prize-giving and raffle. Our team looked resplendent in their Mark Province of Kent Golf Association tie, which had been designed by W Bro. Keith Stoner Association Secretary).
The after-proceedings were handled by the actor Graham Cole OBE (PC Tony Stamp from the TV programme The Bill, who is currently President of the Greater London South East Scouts) who acted as Master of Ceremonies. All teams were presented with a certificate of thanks from the organisers in gratitude for their outstanding support.
RW Bro. Archie Torrance said: “I was very pleased to lead a team of golfers from the Mark Province of Kent at the Timu Rafiki Charity Golf Day in memory of Ben Richardson. Ben died far too early as a result of illness but, during his short life, he worked hard for others and strived to help young people become the best they could in life. It was a privilege, and rather humbling experience, to participate in this golf day and to play our small part in assisting the fundraising efforts for the Timu Rafiki education centre. We wish the Trustees all the very best in their endeavours.”