

17th April 2020
With the Worsley golf course and clubhouse closed because of the C-19 virus, trade at Andy Cory’s professional’s shop had also ceased and no lessons were taking place.
On Monday April 13th, WGC member Ryan McNight suggested to Andy that he should organise one of his “Christmas Raffles” and that he would get his golfing friends to purchase tickets. The original plan was to raise at least £900 to cover the cost of the prizes and the draw would be held on the Friday night.
Several other members soon started passing on information about the Big Raffle and then emails were sent out to members by the Captain and Ladies’ Captain. The response was somewhat overwhelming and when ticket sales officially closed at 5.00 pm on Thursday, just short of £9,500 had been sold.
It was agreed that the WGC marcomms would arrange for the event to be Zoomed, for the benefit of any members who would like to see the draw taking place and so that a recording could be posted on the club website.
Steve Seddon took the lead as the Presenter of the Big Raffle Show. At a suitable distance Andy Cory drew the tickets from a big box and called out the numbers. Ryan, with his laptop on his knee, matched the names and the numbers. Mark Johnson took on the role of adjudicator, recording the proceedings on his mobile phone. Fred the dog, wandered round the garden, keeping an eye on everyone. David Haley was in the Zoom Control Room, keeping members under control, and passing on the show to 80 viewers. Members seem to have a large selection of drinks between them!
A total of 40 prizes were awarded on the night. The star prize was a round of golf at Worsley Golf Club with European Tour Player Marcus Armitage and Andy Cory. This was won by Alan Howe, a past member and past Captain of Worsley Golf Club, who will also bring along a guest of his choice.
Ryan thanked everyone for their support including friends back in Northern Ireland. Andy then said that he wanted to re-iterate everything that Ryan had said and added “I am genuinely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone . . . . this has gone a long way to help my business survive, so for everything that you’ve done I really am truly humble and forever grateful”,
Click here to view a recording of the Big Raffle
Click here to see a report in I Love Manchester
Click here to see Ryan's Thank You email
Click here to see a list of the Prize Winners
David Haley marcomms