NEWS
Newcastle College joins the Bambisanani Partnership with pioneering work in South Africa
Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from their first visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from their first visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
The team of 13 was made up of 3 staff; Barry Rizza, Brogan O’Connor, Rebecca Welch and 10 students; Charlotte Stewart, Chloe Maddison, Faith Sita, Josh Young, Kieran Richardson, Meghan Haynes, Olivia Forster, Sam Oumaouche, Shalia Bond and Taylor Matthews embarked on their 30-hour journey to Eshowe, South Africa where they spent 3 weeks volunteering in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The team used the power of sport to positively impact their own lives and those of the children in the schools and orphanages they would work in partnership with.
Working at three schools; Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Vumanhlamvu Primary School and the Zulufadder Doremi Daycare Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, the group worked with children aged 2-13, hosting sports and leadership sessions while supporting other projects, such as painting the Daycare Centre. These additional developments were made possible by joint funding from Zulufadder and the Newcastle College Goggins Challenge fundraiser earlier in the year.
Working in partnership with local schools and organisations the group delivered a series of sports and sports leadership programmes to more than 700 South African students. A major aim of the visit was to introduce new schools to the partnership and extend the work of the charity in one of the most challenging and deprived areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The sessions enabled students from both the UK and South Africa to develop their skills across leadership, communication, team building and confidence.
The visit clearly made a significant impact on the Newcastle students:
““Where to start! This was the most eye opening, life changing, surreal experience that made every single individual look at life back in the UK a little differently. The visit to Ngqamzana School was one of the best days of my life.””
““It was an emotional experience for everyone, certainly an eye opener for us, all in all the best experience that I have had so far in my life journey.””
““This trip has definitely opened my eyes.””
““My time in South Africa was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrived in the country I felt at home. It definitely taught me a few lessons, one is to always believe in yourself and to give everything your best shot””
Level 4 Business student, Shalia Bond, said that the highlight of the visit for her was reading out letters that Newcastle College students had written to the children at the primary school. She said: “Newcastle College students wrote some amazing letters to the children here and we had the opportunity to read them to them. The children loved it, and they wrote some beautiful letters back. I cannot wait for the students here to read them!”
A particularly powerful and poignant moment for the entire group was when a 10-year-old primary school learner read part of his letter out: “When I grow up, I want to be a social worker, I want to help people, I don’t want to see children be in crime, I want my mum and dad to be proud of me.”
Rebecca Welch, English Teacher at Newcastle College, and staff member on the visit commented “It was an honour and a privilege to meet and work with the children and staff we visited in schools across South Africa. The enthusiasm they possessed daily was both infectious and inspirational. I feel so lucky to have been a small part of such an eye opening, heart-warming and life-changing experience.”
Mr Ngcobo, a Maths teacher at Ngqamzana Primary School also spoke very highly of the new partnership commenting “I have never lived a day thinking that one day I will be so happy like I am now. You have taught us a lot; we have learned so much together. This is surely the start of something incredibly special.”
The educational visit was made possible through the Turing Scheme fund. Providing international opportunities to work and study around the world, the Turing Scheme gives students the chance to interact with new cultures, learn different languages, and form lifelong connections with people across the globe as part of their college programme. This was the first time Newcastle College students had travelled outside of Europe as part of this scheme.
The visit to South Africa was organised by Brogan O’Connor, Enrichment and Development Manager at the college and Trustee of the Bambisanani Partnership, who said “As a college we are honoured to be a part of the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership. I was fortunate to visit South Africa as a student with St. Mary’s School and the Bambisanani Partnership in the summer of 2012 so I know first-hand the benefit our students will gain from being a part of the partnership. The encounters between the students were remarkable and will no doubt make a lasting impact. The visit was more successful than I could have ever imagined, and I cannot wait to continue to build on the success of these foundations in the years to come. The Bambisanani Partnership is all about creating collaborative learning opportunities for young people in both countries; we are absolutely committed to this.”
David Geldart, CEO and Founder of the partnership said, “The staff and students of Newcastle College deserve enormous credit for extending the reach of the Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa. They have worked closely with local communities to engage new schools in our work using the power of sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Introducing the partnership to Newcastle College and planning such a visit is a phenomenal task and responsibility. I am immensely proud of Brogan who has made all this happen through her own outstanding leadership and commitment to global education. The inaugural visit has been a remarkable success; the feedback from South Africa has been exceptional. Newcastle College is helping to pioneer learning opportunities for students in both countries in incredibly challenging circumstances, this is real education that truly develops young people and makes the world a better place. Well done, Newcastle College and welcome to the Bambisanani team!”
Published: 01/09/2023
Mazet completes 10K run to raise money for Mnyakanya Learners to Visit the UK
Congratulations from everyone at the Bambisanani Partnership to Mazet.
Congratulations from everyone at the Bambisanani Partnership to Mazet.
Published: 20/08/2023
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge unites young people in sport
The 3rd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 15 primary schools: 11 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 4 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK.
The 3rd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 15 primary schools: 11 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 4 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK. 335 students (aged 9 and10) participated in a range six of athletics challenges in their own schools and then compared performances ‘virtually’ to create competition between the schools. 852 children from both countries have now participated in the Challenge since its inception in 2021.
The South African schools involved were: Vumanhlamvu, Makhanyezi, Mvayiza, Iwangu, Kwa-Mtshwili, Mome, Ntumbeni, Sigananda, Mathiya, Iwangu and Ntolwane. The UK schools involved were all from the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust and included St. Joseph’s, Pudsey; St. Mary’s, Horsforth; Holy Name, Cookridge; and Sacred Heart, Ilkley.
The Challenge was originally devised in response to various Covid restrictions by the Bambisanani Founder, David Geldart who explained, “The Bambisanani Partnership is about bringing young people together in sport from both countries in order that they can ‘work together and learn together’. Covid made us think more creatively in order to both sustain and develop our work; the virtual Athletic Challenge programme was a great success which resulted in more schools being involved this year. We have tried to create a simple and fun programme that reflects the very essence of athletics with an approach that brings relevance for everyone involved regardless of ability. We have provided opportunities for youngsters to compete against themselves and against others, in their own school and between schools, in their own country and internationally. A wide range of awards reflect our values with certificates and medals available to learners in all participating schools for excellence, effort, progress and leadership. The Challenge provides multiple opportunities for learners to achieve and succeed; the response from schools, educators and learners has been fantastic. There was a further development this year with a central venue Athletics Festival being held in South Africa for schools from the Nkandla region. This Festival was supported by young Sports Leaders from St. Mary’s School in Leeds and Eshowe High School. Additionally, three new South African schools joined the Challenge this year.”
The programme gives great importance to all participants working hard to improve their own personal performance over time in six different events for both boys and girls: 50m run, 200m run, Standing Long Jump, Three Hop Jump, Tennis Ball Throw and Football Throw. Students were initially taught the basic activity and then established their own ‘personal best’ in each of the events. Over the following weeks and months, the children were given the opportunity to practise, rehearse and experiment in order to improve their performances. A remarkable 76% of all learners involved made significant progress over time in at least three different events and were awarded special certificates to recognise this. All schools held their own competitions, which created 130 new School Champions with the top three performers in each event receiving a certificate. In addition to this, 22 students were identified as being the best all-round performers across all events, 22 students were recognised as making the most improvement over all events and 22 students were celebrated as Exceptional Leaders for their work during the programme ‘helping, supporting and encouraging others’. Three very exciting 10-person x 40metre relay events (Boys, Girls, Mixed) were also added for the International Competition, making it 15 International titles to be decided. Each school submitted their best three performance in each of the 15 events for the international competition between schools. Inclusive of the relay events, 126 International Competition medals (‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’) were presented to the top three performers/teams in each event. There were 42 International Champions.
David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Pudsey Primary School in Leeds travelled to South Africa with the team of volunteers from St. Mary’s, Menston and supported the Nkandla Athletics Festival said, “The children in both countries enjoyed the idea of an international competition and strived to beat their personal best. In competing against each other they wanted to win, but there was always a sporting camaraderie cheering their classmates to achieve better results. In South Africa the young leaders commented that leading the athletics festival was unbelievably satisfying. They loved seeing the smiles of every child and helping them improve their technique as they grew in confidence. This competition gives a sense of achievement that develops confidence in other academic areas. A true Olympian ethos underpins this work promoting greater understanding of our worldwide community and wanting a fair playing field for all.”
Children from both countries clearly enjoyed the competition:
“I liked competing against learners from the UK and learning about their country”
“I have won an international medal and now want to achieve more in sports and in school.”
“I love running, throwing and jumping and I want to go to South Africa now!”
“This challenge has been so much fun. We worked hard but it was worth it.”
David Geldart concluded, “My sincere thanks to all the schools, educators, volunteers and children involved in this growing event; we have had much to celebrate this year with some interesting new developments. Having student volunteers from Leeds and Eshowe to create an Athletics Festival for the South African primary schools was an outstanding success. Special thanks also the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation for their help and support; we look forward to further partnership work with them in the future. We are already thinking about developing the Challenge further in the Olympic year of 2024; possibly involving even more schools, more countries, more festivals, more volunteering and more related learning activities in the classroom – Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together!”
Results and Award Winners
Bambisanani International Athletics Champions 2022
Girls Events
| 50 metres | 1. Ngcebo Shezi (Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Nonjabulo Skhakhane (Vumanhlamvu)) | |
| 3. Awande Biyela (Sigananda) & Senamile Ngema (Mome) | |
| 200 metres | 1. Mary Elizabeth Moran (St. Joseph's) |
| 2. Kaitlin Brown (St. Joseph's) | |
| 3. Alondwe (Kwa-Mtshwili) | |
| Standing Long Jump | 1. Nongcebo Zulu (Iwanga) |
| 2. Awande Sithole (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 3. Nolwazi Biyela (Iwanga) | |
| Three Hop Jump | 1. Lucy Mathew (St. Joseph’s) |
| 2. Evelyn Ince (St. Mary’s) | |
| 3. Charlotte Caden (St. Mary’s) | |
| Tennis Ball Throw | 1. Lwanda Shezi (Mvayiza) |
| 2. Thembelihle Kuyene (Vumanhlavu) | |
| 3. Thandeluhle Khumole (Mvayiza) | |
| Football Throw | 1. Senamile Ngoma (Mome) |
| 2. Ayandiswa Mthembu (Mome) | |
| 3. Noluvu Mthembu (Mome) | |
| 400m (10x40m) Relay | 1. Holy Name |
| 2. St. Mary’s | |
| 3. Sigananda |
Boys Events
| 50 metres | 1. Ngcebo Shezi(Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Siphesihle Zulu (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 3. Amekelo Maduna (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 200 metres | 1. Milo Long (St. Joseph’s) |
| 2. AJ O’Connor (St. Joseph’s) | |
| 3. Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s) & Njabulo Kunene (Mome) | |
| Standing Long Jump | 1. Aphelele Biyela (Iwangu) |
| 2. Bonga Mkhize (Iwangu) | |
| 3. Cebo Thusi (Vumanhlamvu) & Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s) | |
| Three Hop Jump | 1. Fabio Zeqiraj (St. Mary’s) |
| 2. Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s) | |
| 3. Beau Smith (St. Joseph’s) | |
| Tennis Ball Throw | 1. Stan Bates (St. Mary’s) |
| 2. Mhlengi Lindu (Kwa-Mtshwili) | |
| 3. Aphiwe Khangile (Mathiya) | |
| Football Throw | 1. Sfundo Ntuli (Mome) |
| 2. Njabulu Kunene (Mome) | |
| 3. Siphosethu Mhlongu (Mome) | |
| 400m (10x40m) Relay | 1. St. Mary’s |
| 2. Holy Name | |
| 3. St. Joseph’s |
Mixed Event
| 400m (10x40m) Boys and Girls Mixed Relay | 1. Mvayiza |
| 2. Holy Name | |
| 3. Sigananda |
School Champions
Senamile Ngema, Mahaye Kwazi, Lwanda Shezi, Sifundo Ntuli, Ayaandiswa Mlhembu, Senamile Ngema, Siphosetha Mhlungo, Ayandisiswa Mthembu, Amiswa Hadebe, Ngcebo Shezi, Asimonge Shange, Siyemukela Cebekhulu, Awande Sithole, Cebo Thusi, UyaphilaUkristu Zulu, Amkelo Maduna, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Lukhona Mpungose, Cebile Khanyile, Sibukosezwe Zulu, Dludla Okuhle, Sbiya Lethokuhle, S’nqobile Biyela, Alwande Qwabe, Bonga Mkhize, Okuhle Dludla, Subusiswe Qwabe, Nkonzenhle Mhlongo,Mary Elizabeth Moran, Milo Long, Harriet Spillane, Ed Third, Lucy Mathews, Beau Smith, Daisy Burton-Nickson, Oliver Maskell, Mia Hefferon, Beau Smith, Lauren Spence, Stan Bates, Emily Stokey, Oscar Enright, Tiffany Yip, Fabio Zeqiraj, Evelyn Ince, Stan Bates, Callum Gaughan, Alexandra Koroma, Joel Odeyo, Rene’e Elliott, Tommy Joy, Mollie Warburton, LilyMae Bootland-Freeth, John James McDonagh, Emelia Holmes, Ethan Cadogen, Lottie Dalton, Finnbar Kennedy, Lorcan Doherty, Emily Oddy, Edward Wade, Lucy Mason, Jack Thompson
Most improved Athletes
Mia Hefferon, Ed Third, Mthembo Noluvu, Ntuli Sifundo, S’nqobile Biyela, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Amkelo Maduna, Ayzah Hussain, John James McDonagh, Evie Dyson, Findlay Shaw, Emily Oddy, Elijah Helliwell Del Pino
Best all-round Athletes
Amiswa Hadebe, Amkelo Maduna, Mollie Wharburton, Joel Odeyo, Lauren Spence, Oscar Enright, Okuhle Dludla, Alwande Qwabe, Mary Elizabeth Moran, Milo Long, Ngoma Senamile, Kunene Njabulo, Lucy Mason, Finnbar Kennedy
*Special mention to Joel Odeyo from Holy Name Primary School who finished in the top three all six school-based events: three 1st places, one 2nd place and two 3rd places
Outstanding Leaders
Cyaba Mpendulo, Uyaphila Ukristu Zulu, Siphesihle Zulu, Alexandra Koroma, Joel Odeyo, Mthembi Ayandoliswa, Phoebe Busch, Callum Gaughan, Nolwazi Biyela, Lethokukle Sbiya, Olivia Massie, Rocco Hamill, Emma Dowling Cunningham, Edward McNally
Uniting Young People through Sport: 2023 Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge [DIOCESE OF LEEDS]
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge unites young people in sport…UK vs SA! [SOUTH AFRICA GOOD NEWS]
International athletics challenge unites young people in sport [ILKLEY GAZETTE]
Published: 08/08/2023
Bambisanani Charity Dinner at Tharavadu is a great success
On Sunday 9 July, over 130 people gathered at the amazing Tharavadu restaurant in Leeds to celebrate the work of the charity and to raise funds for future projects. The event was organised by David Farmer and Catherine Chattoe from the partnership and Mr Jose, owner of the restaurant.
On Sunday 9 July, over 130 people gathered at the amazing Tharavadu restaurant in Leeds to celebrate the work of the charity and to raise funds for future projects. The event was organised by David Farmer and Catherine Chattoe from the partnership and Mr Jose, owner of the restaurant.
Tharavadu has been named in a list of the Top 100 UK restaurants; it serves the most amazing Kerala food and is Michelin recommended. Indian cricket captain Virat Kholi has described it as his favourite restaurant in Leeds. The dinner provided the opportunity to take stock of the many achievements the partnership has made and celebrate the return of student volunteer visits to South Africa after Covid.
At absolutely no cost to the charity Mr Jose, most generously, provided the premises, food, drink and his amazing staff to enable the dinner to take place. Normally, Sunday is his day off but he opened the doors and provided a welcoming smile and his renowned service to everyone.
The afternoon enabled parents and student leaders from the visits to South Africa to exchange stories and meet with wider members of the Bambisanani team. Old acquaintances were reunited and new connections were made. There was a wonderful joyous atmosphere and the very special camaraderie associated with the partnership had an impact on all who were fortunate to be there.
The cuisine and hospitality were exceptional and made the occasion very special indeed. The event made over £3,700 and David Geldart, Founder of the partnership thanked all those involved for making it such a wonderful Bambisanani occasion. To rapturous applause from all those gathered Mr Jose received a special Bambisanani award for his outstanding commitment to supporting the charity.
Mr Jose announced that he and his team would like to offer the restaurant for a Bambisanani event on an annual basis. In addition to raising much needed funds this will provide families of the student leaders to celebrate their achievements, share their stories and sow further seeds for the partnership to grow and flourish.
So, the big question for everyone will be when will the tickets go on sale for next year? Book early – it will be a sell out!
Changing lives through Sport brings International Award for the pioneering Bambisanani Partnership
The Bambisanani Partnership has been named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year at the annual Acquisition International Non-Profit Organisation Awards.
The Bambisanani Partnership has been named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year at the annual Acquisition International Non-Profit Organisation Awards.
Members of the Bambisanani Team
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning charity that originated as a partnership between St. Mary’s Catholic School in Menston, UK and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006. The partnership, which is run entirely by volunteers, uses the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership and has gained international acclaim for its work.
John Rolfe MBE, Global School Alliance said “Congratulations on this richly deserved global award to all the at the wonderful Bambisanani Partnership. This Inspirational partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
The partnership now involves over 30 schools, colleges and universities in both the UK and South Africa. The University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College are key members of the partnership. In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region which one of most remote and deprived parts of the country, with over 90% unemployment and one of highest Aids/HIV rates in the world. ‘Bambisanani’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘working hand in hand’ which aptly encapsulates the philosophy of the partnership which seeks to provide collaborative learning opportunities for young people in both countries. The partnership has been recognised as making a ‘significant contribution’ to UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to Health and Education and is a founding member of Sport and Sustainability International.
The work of the partnership has been highlighted at conferences throughout the world, most recently at the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican. At the event, Bambisanani Founder and CEO, David Geldart was honoured by an Audience with Pope Francis. The Bambisanani story is testimony of the power of sport to change the lives of individuals and communities. The charity has raised over £670,000 to facilitate its life changing work.
Over the past seventeen years, more than 12,000 young people from the UK and South Africa (from primary school to university) have participated in a variety of Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects including Leadership through Sport, Sports Festivals, Cycling to Success, Literacy through Sport, Numeracy through Sport Art through Sport, Learning through Football, International Athletics Challenge and the joint training of Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches.
Beyond this, the charity has been instrumental in bringing clean drinking water and computers to schools as well as rebuilding houses and providing university bursaries to disadvantaged young people, always working in partnership with the local community. The partnership has a policy of never funding 100% of a project and always seeks to ‘lever’ funding from South African sources. David Geldart said “Our work is about building capacity and empowering people and communities not developing a ‘dependency culture’. Funding everything would be patronising to say the least and ultimately self-defeating. We don’t do anything that isn’t driven by the local community; engagement and ‘buy in’ are essential. Partnership means partnership.”
David Geldart with the South African High Commissioner, His Excellency JN Mamabola
The South African High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency JN Mamabola said “It is heartening to see that a project that is so mutually reinforcing and beneficial can have such a wide and profound impact in rural KZN. The KZN Cycling programme, Sports Leadership Programmes and Sports and Reading festivals are exactly the kinds of projects that bring together the youth from both the UK and SA. We are deeply appreciative of the work being carried out by the Bambisanani Partnership over the past 17 years and are impressed by the ways in which this project has grown to best serve the needs of the local communities in Eshowe and further afield. Given the impact and magnitude of the work carried out by the Bambisanani Partnership, we think it highly fitting that the Partnership has been awarded the International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year and we offer our congratulations and support.”
Mrs PK Zondi has been instrumental in developing the parternship at Mnyakanya School'
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator from Mnyakanya School said “Being a member of the Bambisanani Partnership can be transformational for schools and learners - we have seen significant improvements in terms of academic success, attendance, enrolment, behaviour, confidence and self-esteem as a result of the various Bambisanani programmes. We feel connected to a wider world and involved in something bigger than ourselves. Above all this partnership has given us hope and belief. In this partnership we all play our part; we work together and we learn together in the spirit of Ubuntu. Long live Bambisanani!”
Young people involved the partnerships various programmes have no doubt about their value:
“Much of our life in the UK has become obsessed with materialism and ‘celebrity’. We have lost touch with things that really matter. My visit to South Africa has given me a much more meaningful perspective on life.” - UK student
“We have worked together…people of different colours, countries, religions and cultures…we have proved it can be done.” - South African student
From the USA Philip Leopold, CEO and Executive Director, Sport for Humanity Foundation said: “On behalf of Sport at the Service of Humanity, I’d like to express my personal congratulations to David and his colleagues for this wonderful and deserved recognition, and more importantly I want to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for the terrific and important work they do, all day, every day.”
Logan Govender, South African businessman and entrepreneur commented: “South Africa has a history of people from abroad attempting to ‘serve’ the local community. Many of these ‘missions’ flounder because they are designed to engender a feeling of goodwill more for the giver than the recipient. Bambisanani – working hand in hand – works because there is neither giver nor receiver. Two groups from different ends of the planet, each borrowing from the culture of the other, forge relationships through the medium of sport, changing perspectives of both from the experience.”
David Geldart receiving the award
David Geldart concluded, “This is a tremendous honour. I am absolutely delighted that this award recognises the selfless, dedicated, pioneering work of our volunteers in both the UK and South Africa; we wouldn’t achieve anything without this amazing team of people who are committed to changing lives through sport. We are embarking on our most ambitious plans to date and this prestigious accolade will certainly spur the team on. This summer, 58 young volunteers from the UK (St. Mary’s School, University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College) will work with counterparts in South Africa to deliver a wide range of existing Bambisanani projects and programmes and introduce new ones. Our new cycling partnership with KZN Cycling will see us teach 5,000 children a year how to ride and maintain bikes. In the next 18 months we aim to increase the number of young people that we have worked with from 12,000 to 20,000. We are totally dependent on donations to fund our work and would be delighted to hear from anyone that can support us. With no employees or premises, any donations received go directly to our ‘front line’ projects. There is much more for us to do.”
The 9th Annual Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament in aid of Cancer Research UK is a tremendous success
The Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament remembers a remarkable man who whilst a teacher at St. Mary’s School, Menston played an important role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership – a unique charity that uses the power of sport to change lives of some of the poorest children in South Africa. The Ninth Annual Tournament was held at East Morton Golf Club, as it always is, and raised £990 for Cancer Research UK. Over the past nine years, this event has now raised over £11,000 for the charity.
The Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament remembers a remarkable man who whilst a teacher at St. Mary’s School, Menston played an important role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership – a unique charity that uses the power of sport to change lives of some of the poorest children in South Africa. The Ninth Annual Tournament was held at East Morton Golf Club, as it always is, and raised £990 for Cancer Research UK. Over the past nine years, this event has now raised over £11,000 for the charity.
Despite ‘a bit of rain’ the day was a tremendous success, marked with wonderful camaraderie, great fun, superb hospitality and some excellent golf. 27 people played in the 18-hole Stableford tournament with many others making generous donations and providing prizes.
The winner of the 2023 Martin Green Memorial Trophy was Danny Halligan with a very impressive 47 points. Greg Smith was runner-up with 44 points and Paul Thompson gained third place on 38 points. The Longest Drive competition was won by Mark Sutcliffe, the Straightest Drive competition by the clearly in form Greg Smith and the Nearest the Pin challenge by Greg Kean. The Putting prize went to Andy Doherty.
This year’s Champion Danny Halligan said, “It’s been a pleasure to work with the charity over the last nine years and especially remembering Martin. Winning is good…but as long as the charity wins, it’s even better.”
The event was organised by former colleagues of Martin; Alex Smickersgill, Catherine Chattoe and David Geldart. David said, “Massive thanks to everyone that played and supported the event in any way. We are indebted to Jean Green (Martin’s Mum), Fred Heaton, Danny Halligan, Michelle Hefferon, Duncan Baines and Mike Gosling for making it such a great occasion. Thanks also to Liam Matthews PGA coach at Cookridge Hall Golf Club for providing a coaching prize and for Oulton Hall Golf Club for providing a four-ball prize at the prestigious course. Special thanks to St. Mary’s School and all the team at East Morton Golf Club who always go the extra mile to ensure that this tournament is a tremendous success and celebration. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition which will be our 10th Anniversary event as we edge towards a target of £15,000 for Cancer Research UK.”
All photos with kind permission of Mike Gosling
Bambisanani leader attends South African National Day 2023 celebrations
David Geldart, CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership was honoured this week with an invitation to visit the South African High Commission in London to celebrate South Africa’s National Day.
David Geldart, CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership was honoured this week with an invitation to visit the South African High Commission in London to celebrate South Africa’s National Day.
His Excellency Kingsley Mamabolo, the South African High Commissioner with David Geldart, CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership
The event, also known as Freedom Day, commemorated the 29th year since the first post-apartheid elections were held and the day that the new constitution was introduced. The elections were the first national elections where everyone in the country over the age of 18 from any race was allowed to vote. National Day is held on 27th April but had been delayed in the UK because of the coronation. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Consolidating and safeguarding our Democratic gains’.
David Geldart met His Excellency Kingsley Mamabolo, the South African High Commissioner, who praised the work of the Bambisanani Partnership as an outstanding example of the collaboration between the UK and South Africa. In his speech, the High Commissioner highlighted the special relationship between the two countries. He also outlined the progress that had been made in the last 29 years of democracy but also the challenges that still need to be addressed.
David Geldart said “It is a tremendous honour for the partnership to be represented at this most significant commemorative celebration. For many of us involved in the anti-apartheid movement that day in April 1994 is impossible to forget. I remember watching TV and seeing snaking queues that stretched for miles and miles of people that had never been allowed to vote before. Some years later I remember, with equal clarity, meeting people that had stood in those queues and hearing their stories. The Bambisanani Partnership is very proud to play a small part in this democratic journey.”
Newcastle College raises funds for the Bambisanani Partnership
Students and staff at Newcastle College recently took part in the Goggins Challenge, in an effort to raise funds for their visit to South Africa later this year, where they will spend three weeks working with children in schools and orphanages.
Students and staff at Newcastle College recently took part in the Goggins Challenge, in an effort to raise funds for their visit to South Africa later this year, where they will spend three weeks working with children in schools and orphanages.
The Goggins Challenge involves running four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours. In total the team ran 48 miles over the course of the challenge. Brogan O'Conner, Sports Development Manager explained how it went: "It was an honour to host and take part in the Goggins Challenge. In the end, five people (two students and three staff, pictured above) managed to complete all 12 runs, and a further 12 people (four students and eight staff) ran one or more of the legs in support.
"Although it was a tough mental and physical challenge, it was a great opportunity to give students and staff different memories and experiences outside of their regular college days and one which I will personally remember for a long time.
"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the challenge possible: the Hospitality team for providing food throughout the challenge, the HE sport rehab team for providing massage treatments, all the staff and students who popped in to wish us good luck or joined us on a run, Hollinside Homes for sponsoring the event and finally Barry Rizza, Tuition Fund Coach, for coming up with, and organising the event."
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership said: "Massive thanks to the team at Newcastle College for participating in the gruelling Goggins Challenge for the Bambisanani Partnership charity. Brogan, Barry and the students deserve tremendous praise for their efforts and commitment to the partnership. We are rather unusual as a charity in that we have no paid staff or premises - we are all volunteers which means that any money raised goes directly to support our sports projects programmes in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas.
"The team of volunteers from Newcastle College will see for themselves just what impact this has when they visit South Africa this summer to work on these programmes."
The team raised a staggering £1,534, but they'd like to reach £5,000 to purchase essential supplies and sporting equipment for the children they'll be supporting in South Africa.
You can help them to reach their target by donating to their JustGiving page.
Newcastle College Students Take Part in Goggins Challenge [NEWCASTLE COLLEGE]
Fundraising Event at Michelin standard Indian restaurant
Date: Sunday 9 July 2023
Date: Sunday 9 July 2023
Time: 12.30pm for 1pm lunch
Venue: Tharavadu Indian Restaurant in Leeds
7-8 Mill Hill
Leeds
LS1 5DQ
2 minute walk from Leeds train station
Cost: £25 per person
Food: Two course Kerala Indian lunch
This will be a great afternoon for people to experience Michelin standard Kerala food
There will be the opportunity to take part in some fundraising games, so could you please bring some cash as well
This will be a fantastic event for the whole family as well as raising money for a great cause
The Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has referred Tharavadu as his favourite restaurant - the reviews are amazing
Tickets are available from Catherine Chattoe at St. Mary’s Menston c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org 01943 883000
St. Mary's Menston Year 12 South Africa Visit 2023 Blog
St. Mary’s Menston Year 12 South Africa Visit 2023 Team
Read the blog here: