Springfield Golf Society marks 43 years of fundraising for Children First

The Springfield Golf Society celebrated an incredible 43 years of fundraising for Scotland’s national children’s charity at its annual golf tournament at Linlithgow Golf Club on Sunday 12 October.

This year’s event brought together more than 100 players and sponsors as part of a proud tradition of enjoying friendly competition while helping raise vital funds for Children First.

Founded in 1982 by four golf-loving neighbours from the Springfield Estate in Linlithgow, Frank Donnelly, Bill Thomson, Bobby Adair and George McKellar, the golf society began its charitable journey in 1986, raising a modest £45 for Children First, then known as the Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

That first effort sparked a legacy that has now raised over £150,000, helping Children First provide practical, emotional and financial support to children and families when they need it most.

Frank Donnelly, now 81, is the last surviving founding member and remains a cherished figure in the society. Reflecting on the early days and how it started with a golf professional running a competition to see who could raise the most money for charity, Frank said: “Being fathers ourselves, myself and the other three co-founders chose Scotland’s national children’s charity when we entered that first competition.

“We didn’t win that day, but we went on to do many, many fundraisers for Children First over the years and it’s become a great tradition. I’m proud that the society has grown since those early days and of every one of the past and current members who have played a huge part in raising funds for a worthy cause, which the local community has really got behind. The rest as they say is history.”

Frank’s wife, Cathie Donnelly also plays a key role, captaining the Springfield Ladies Golf Society, which was formed 25 years ago and has significantly contributed to the fundraising total.

While the society has held a variety of fundraisers over the years from whisky tastings to afternoon teas, the annual tournament at Linlithgow Golf Club remains the society’s flagship event.

This year’s competition featured sponsorship on all 18 holes and player entry fees that included donations to Children First.

Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Children First, praised the society’s enduring commitment to supporting the charity. She said “Our heartfelt thanks go to both sections of the Society and every single person involved in fundraising for Children First at Springfield Golf Society over the past four decades. Their dedication means the world to us.

“Their incredible efforts have raised over £150,000 to help protect Scotland’s children and give them a brighter future.”

To donate to Children First go to www.childrenfirst.org.uk/donate

Pictured are the founding members in the early days of Springfield Golf Society.