Durrell golf tournament

7 November 2008

GOLFERS ARE DRIVING FORCE FOR DURRELL

Nearly seventeen thousand pounds was raised by the island’s golfers during Durrell’s inaugural golf tournament last week.

With an early shotgun start, twenty-four teams battled horizontal rain and strong winds to complete 18 holes at the Royal Jersey Golf Course.

RBSI’s Team 2 was victorious and collected the Durrell trophy, which features a life-size cast of the foot of the Trust’s 35-stone silverback gorilla, Ya Kwanza.

As well as a raffle and auction that raised significant funds for the Trust, there were also prizes for Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive.

While the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of those who took part, Durrell’s Annual Golf Tournament will be held in July next year, an announcement that raised a cheer from the assembled golfers!

David Stearn of Fairbairn Private Bank, who are the tournament sponsors, said: "We were delighted to have been involved in this fun event, especially as the fundraising was entered into with as much determination as was needed to play a round in the weather conditions. With a strong and varied turnout it was clear to see how well regarded Durrell's work is held by islanders.

"We have agreed a three-year deal with Durrell and look forward to next year's event, which will be held in July, in hopefully more seasonal conditions. Fairbairn Private Bank would encourage others to support Durrell, including getting an early entry in for next year's golf event as their inaugural day was fully subscribed."

Ends

For further information:

Janet Taylor or Lesley Allegro Tel: +44 (0)1624 645000

Issued by:

Caron Glover, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Press Office Tel: +44 (0)1534 860026/00

Fax: +44 (0)1534 860001

Email: pressoffice@durrell.org

Website: http://www.durrell.org/

Notes to editor:

The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust was founded by author and naturalist Gerald Durrell nearly fifty years ago with a mission to save species worldwide, and it has a proven track record of doing just that. Species that have been pulled back from the brink include the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, echo parakeet and Mallorcan midwife toad, and our dedicated conservationists are hard at work in threatened habitats around the world continuing the battle to protect and conserve many more.

With its international headquarters in Jersey, the Trust has built up a worldwide reputation for its pioneering conservation techniques, developed under the leadership of its founder, the late renowned author and naturalist Gerald Durrell. Today, Durrell Wildlife is continuing to develop its overseas work in new areas of the world, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities of endemic animals, which make such a valuable contribution to global biodiversity.

"When asked, as I frequently am, why I should concern myself so deeply with the conservation of animal life, I reply that I have been very lucky and that throughout my life the world has given me the most enormous pleasure. But the world is as delicate and as complicated as a spider's web. If you touch one thread you send shudders running through all the other threads. We are not just touching the web we are tearing great holes in it." Gerald Durrell 1925-1995.