It’s becoming a ritual. Each Thursday evening at 8pm, doors open and people lean out to applaud the NHS workers risking their lives to save ours.
It has become one of the most powerful symbols of hope during the coronavirus pandemic and it’s inspired many to do more to help those people putting themselves in harm’s way.
Their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed at Handsworth and they wanted to do something to show their gratitude.
So the West Midlands club, a mere 20 minute drive from the new Nightingale Hospital at the NEC in Birmingham, are organising a special day to say thank you.
The NHS free day will give workers a free round, or lesson, and is planned for Thursday, July 2, subject to the situation with the virus outbreak.
Philip Murphy, club membership director and a dental technician who himself has worked in the NHS at the Birmingham Dental Hospital for more than 20 years, said the idea was to give something back.
“I thought we could do something as a golf club that costs us nothing and give them the golf course for the day,” he explained.
“I talked with our club professional and asked if he would also do a couple of one hour group lessons for beginners, or people who want to get into golf, and he has offered his time as well.
“I thought if we put this out there then other businesses might offer other services as a way of saying thank you.”
Murphy said the club could look to put on another day, depending on the response, or give those who can’t make the July date a chance to come and have a fourball when they were available.
He stressed it didn’t matter what sector of the NHS someone worked in – nurses, doctors, porters, whoever – anyone who wanted to take up the opportunity would be able to do so.
“A lot of people are putting their lives at risk and it must be traumatic for anybody that works within the NHS,” he added.
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“Many are going the extra mile – working longer hours – and a lot of staff have been relocated into areas where they possibly weren’t trained and have to be.
“That’s going to be stressful and taxing. We can just give something back. It might be that people just come and have a relaxing day, or afternoon, and get away from the stress.
“They can come, chill and just enjoy. For beginners, they might get into golf as well.”
Handsworth Golf Club’s NHS Free day will run between 10am and 4pm on July 2, with beginner’s lessons held from 10am until 11am and 5pm until 6pm.
Applicants are asked to bring their NHS ID badge and to pre-book a tee time or a lesson by calling 0121 554 3387.
How is your club coping with the coronavirus pandemic? Let me know what they are doing by leaving or comment. Alternatively, you can tweet me.
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Steve Carroll
