COMPANIES battled it out in a charity golfing tournament recently.

The sponsor and owner of La Brasseria Italiana, Peppino Giuseppe, with 28 years of catering experience, was happy to sponsor this event as a thank you to the people of Abergavenny for the warm welcome they have shown him and his staff.

Organiser and marketing, promotions consultant Vivienne Sharman-Lewis said, "The aim of the tournament was to establish a collaboration between the corporate world and the 'needier' ranks of our immediate society, by inviting local companies to submit a team of four players and/or sponsor a hole, or even have a promotional presence on the day, while, in return, their subscription would be donated to the winning teams chosen charity."

At Wernddu Golf Course the morning of the tournament, Desmond Campbell a solicitor, playing for Keith Evans & Co Solicitors, was already eagerly pacing the boards, ready to begin.

Other competitors registered with golfing co-ordinator Robert Wade, and studied the agenda for the challenge, a texas scramble, with prizes for the winning companies and teams and individual prizes for the longest drive on the 10th hole and the nearest to the pin on the 14th.

Birdy balls and a tee-ing off board, donated by John Wray of Sunbase Promotional Products, were well used during the teams practice session, a specially designed practice device, which allowed golfers to practice their swing without the ball vanishing too far off into the distant future.

The NFU Mutual, The National Farmers Union Mutual insurance Society, captained by Julian Frost, were the winners. Keith-Evans & Co Solicitors, captained by Senior Partner Keith Evans and backed up by Scott Bowen, junior partner, Keith Blake and Desmond Campbell were the gallant and close runner-ups. Julian did casually drop in, as all the home coming heroes were welcomed with a round of drinks, that he had been placed 14th in the European Championships, much to the derision of the opposing team.

An awards presentation was held, during which, the NFU captain was presented with the corporate plaque, to be inscribed with their company name, and displayed at the restaurant for the coming year, and individual plaques for the 1st and 2nd teams, to be inscribed with individual names and retained by the players.

Prizes certificates were also awarded, with the NFU team looking forward to a quality dining experience, for themselves, and their partners at the La Brasseria Italiana Restaurant, while the runner-up team will enjoy a round of golf, donated by Graham Watkins of Wernddu Golf Course, and bottles of wine from the cellars of the La Brasseria Restaurant were the rewards for the individual prize winners.

The winning team chose Cancer Research as their chosen recipient for the lions share of funds raised.

"This event has allowed me to lay the infra structure for future events, and has given me a base to build on for the coming years," said Vivienne Sharman-Lewis, "And with the Ryder Cup fast approaching, it is time to promote all golfing events in the area, after all from tiny acorns, do mighty oak trees grow," she added.

As team captain, Julian Frost of NFU Mutual, whose team comprised, Steven Cole, of Sogefi Filtration, Anthony Cole of South Wales Financial Services, and Michael Dobbs of HJ Davies & son, said, "I want to thank Vivienne, and her Golfing Co-ordinator Robert, for all the effort that they have put into the day. It was fully appreciated by all, and I am sure word will spread for next year."

Abergavenny based Rachael Wright of Nicholas Moore , specialist employment lawyers, said "It was great to take part in a new charity event for Abergavenny businesses. It was well organised and the social event the previous evening was a welcome bonus."

If you, or your company missed out on the tournament and would like to participate next year and raise money for charity contact Vivienne on 07881 756 748.