RAGS come up trumps again

Big-hitters scoop £185,000 for Redbridge Jewish community

This year's 38th annual golf tournament held by RAGS - the Redbridge Aid Gold Society - has raised a staggering £185,000 for local causes, including £170,000 for Jewish Care's Redbridge Jewish Community Centre at Sinclair House.

The remaining £15,000 from the event - held at Abridge Golf Club on Thursday June 26th - was split between the CST (£10,000) and £5,000 for Doris and Sidney Gold Rags scholars, where a group of 10 participants will spend a year in Israel to develop community leadership skills.

The golfing line-up included ex Coronation Street star Bradley Walsh and Jewish Care chairman Stephen Zimmerman - along with leading lights from RAGS, including chairman Lloyd Green and Redbridge JCC Committee Chairman Phillip Leigh. In all 130 players took part.

Presenting the £170,000 cheque to Stephen Zimmerman, solicitor Lloyd Green, said he was delighted that RAGS had again been able to raise such a significant sum, especially in the present economic climate.

He said: "We all had fun out there on a lovely Summer's day, but this event is all about the money we can raise for the Redbridge JCC and other local causes. It is no mean feat to raise £185,000 this year, and I would like to thank all the participants, along with the sponsors and advertisers, for their continuing generosity."

In response, Jewish Care Chairman Stephen Zimmerman praised the organisers, players and sponsors for "all the hard work and effort that has once again made this event such an outstanding success."

He added: "The money raised today will make a vital contribution to the work of the Redbridge JCC, which is amongst Jewish Care's best-known and loved communal facilities. It is a focal point for the whole community - where activities for older people happily coexist with activities for teenagers - everything from meals-on-wheels and a day-centre to childcare.

"These services simply couldn't continue at the same level without the kind of generosity shown by people here today."

Winning the tournament, and picking-up the Monty Shafron Trophy, was Abridge member, Michael Green with 40 points - who commented: "This prize is especially important to me because, as many here will know, Abridge plays such an important part in my life."

Winning the main team trophy was a foursome comprising Stanley Baskin, Stanley Perry, Howard Diamond and Malcolm Stern. Winner of the main ladies' prize was Abridge club women's captain Oriol Phillips.