A hole in one for farmers' charity, thanks to golfers

Linda Cleeve, wife of the late Joss Cleeve, presents the trophy to the Horse and Jockey team

The Rotary Club of Waterlooville has donated £5,000 to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI) in memory of one of their most popular members, Joss Cleeve.

Mr Cleeve, who died a year ago at the age of 69, was a lifelong farmer so the Rotary Club members chose RABI as their nominated charity for its annual golf day.

The highly successful event at Southwick Park brought record returns.

Organiser of the golf day and Rotary Club President Roy Wilding said he was taken aback by the response from players and sponsors.

He said: ‘We pulled out all the stops to honour Joss’s memory.

‘He was well-loved by so many people, but the amount raised was way beyond our expectations and way beyond anything we’ve ever achieved before.

‘That just shows how amazing the man was.

‘Joss’s wife Linda wanted RABI to benefit because of the fantastic work they do for the farming community.

‘She is clearly delighted with the outcome.’

Sally Field, the RABI’s regional manager for the south east, added: ‘Joss was obviously held in high regard by so many people. It is humbling to receive such a magnificent donation in his name.

‘We are extremely grateful to his family and friends for thinking of us.

‘Rest assured, the money will be well spent, providing financial help to farming people when they are at their lowest ebb.’

Mrs Cleeve was on hand to present the winning golf team with their prize – a team from the Horse and Jockey pub, in Hipley, Hambledon.

For more information go to waterloovillerotaryclub.org.uk

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