Steven Tingley

It’s still hard to believe that two years have passed since we lost our beloved brother, son, father, “Funcle” and friend, Barrie. It still feels strange being in a world without him — without the jokes, the laughter and the way he could brighten absolutely any day. Even now, it doesn’t quite feel real, and we all miss him more than words can say. But what is real is the love, memories and stories that keep him with us.

In memory of Barrie, Last year we held the first “Le Jacquet” golf day which was such a brilliant success — full of fun, banter, questionable swings and exactly the kind of day he would’ve loved. And thanks to everyone who joined in, we raised an incredible £22,365 for Suffolk Mind, which was truly amazing.

We’re really pleased to say the event is back again this year — and this time it means even more, because it’s being held at Stowmarket Golf Club, the club Barrie loved and called home. It’s where he played, where he laughed, and where he now has both a commemorative bench and a tree planted in his memory on the picturesque 15th tee. So when you’re about to tee off, whatever you do, don’t slice it. You know full well Barrie will be sitting on that bench, laughing his head off at you.

As before, we’re supporting Suffolk Mind, because the work they do genuinely matters. Their latest research shows that people in Suffolk have been struggling more than ever. Mental wellbeing in 2024 was the lowest it’s been since they started measuring back in 2020, with emotional needs being less well met than the year before. On average, respondents were meeting only one of their fifteen emotional and physical needs, which really highlights how tough things have become across the county. Suffolk Mind’s research team also found that mental health levels are now worse than at any point during the pandemic years, largely due to pressures around finances, relationships and work.

All of this just shows how important it is that we keep supporting them — and how much difference events like this truly make.

Thank you again for being part of something so special. Your support, your generosity, and the laughs we share in Barrie’s name mean more than you know. We can’t wait to come together again, enjoy a great day of golf, and remember a man who brought so much joy to everyone lucky enough to know him.