This year's Derek Gordon Memorial Day at Forres Golf Club raised £7600 for Forres Christmas Lights Committee and Forres Girls Football Club
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AN event running in memory of a popular father who passed away aged just 46 raised a total of £7600 for community groups.
Around 200 people turned out for the Derek Gordon Memorial Day at Forres Golf Club on Saturday, August 26, which featured a Prosecco afternoon, live music, a charity auction and a golf competition, raising £3800 each for Forres Christmas Lights Committee and Forres Girls Football Club.
Graeme Hislop and Grant Macdonald organised the annual event in its second year with the help of Derek’s family and friends.
Of this year’s beneficiaries, the Gordon family said: “The lights bring seasonal cheer to the town with a great deal of commitment from volunteers who repair, prepare, install and store the displays. And Forres Girls give so many the opportunity to learn new skills, develop socially, and understand teamwork and commitment.”
Derek’s family have a long association with local institutions, including Forres and District Pipe Band, and Forres Area Soccer Sevens. Grandad Dougie was a leading figure in the Royal British Legion and dad Davie was a publican at the Thistle Bar and Newmarket alongside his mum Linda. Davie was also president of Forres Thistle FC. As a youngster who served in the Boys Brigade, the organisation meant a great deal to Derek, who helped re-establish the 2nd Forres Company in 2014. Derek was also a big Rangers fan so the memorial auction includes club memorabilia and Ibrox Stadium hospitality.
“Derek has friends from all corners of sport who support the event,” Grant added. “This year, there were also rugby, golf and leisure auction lots, all kindly donated.”
Not long after Derek’s death, Graeme and Grant discussed organising a memorial event with Linda and his brothers Greg and Fergus. Friends and the family, including Derek’s children Liam, Alfie and Lucy, now support the annual event by securing the prizes, selling tickets and making the day run smoothly.
The Prosecco afternoon run by Susan Macdonald features a meal, games and live music, this year provided by local trio ‘Zero’.
The Texas Scramble that features is a golf competition involving teams of four competing for the best overall score.
The overall event culminates in a grand raffle, charity auction and prize giving.
Last year, £5000 was raised in total and split between Forres Area Soccer Sevens and Forres Thistle FC.
This year, Josh MacDonald and his team from Inverness took home ‘The Del’ trophy. They will defend the title at the next Derek Gordon Memorial Day on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
