On 26th June, the Andrews Classic Golf Day enjoyed its 20th anniversary. 160 golfers and supporters attended the presentation of a brand new Sunshine Coach to Oakley School based in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

The School caters for 180 pupils between the ages of 4 and 18 with severe and complex learning difficulties and is divided over 2 sites, soon to have a third.

Gordon Tillman, Headteacher of Oakley School said:

Oakley School is delighted with this coach and immensely grateful to Variety and its Golf Society. Oakley School is a split site with seven miles between sites and this coach will be in use every day, mainly, at our primary site for the direct benefit of our children.

They learn best from experience, “learning by doing” and that’s what this coach enables us to do – get into the local community for a wide range experiences, dealing with money, learning about teamwork, communication about community and environment projects, overcoming challenges through outdoor learning and also learning through interaction with other schools and organisations.

All of which are crucial skills for each pupil’s life and independence- without “wheels” none of this is possible!

This was the final Golf Day that past Chief Barker Keith Andrews and his wife Sue have organised and it was fitting that Variety benefitted from the greater proportion of the fundraising again.

This is the 10th Sunshine Coach that the event has raised the funds for. During the 20 years of existence, over £300000 has been raised for Variety and other Children’s Charities.

A wonderful achievement and one which Keith and Sue can be very proud of.