Primary school pupils in Aberdeen were given a ‘golden’ opportunity to try their hand at golf after North Sea oil producer EnQuest supported a visit to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre.
Volunteers from EnQuest also helped city charity, Archway, add an extra homely touch to one of its respite centres after completing a makeover of the facility.
Eight youngsters from Tullos Primary School visited the Paul Lawrie golf centre in Deeside as part of the school’s Golden Time initiative for promoting the importance of positive behaviour.
The pupils from across primary five, six and seven were given a tour of the facility before teeing up on the driving range to check out their swing as part of the Paul Lawrie Foundation (PLF) initiative which aims to help give youngsters from all backgrounds in Aberdeen City and Shire the opportunity to play and compete in a number of sports.
Aileen McGowan, head teacher at Tullos Primary School, said: “This visit was a reward for those children who have consistently managed to gain their Golden Time. Pupils are rewarded for their good behaviour during the week and are allowed to choose a recreational activity to undertake on a Friday afternoon instead of the normal curriculum.
“Not only have the pupils been able to try a new sport, but they have received support and guidance from experts. More importantly, the charity has enabled the children to experience something they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to get involved in.”
Initially set up by former Open champion Paul Lawrie to help introduce youngsters to golf, the PLF has since grown to support a number of other sports such as football, tennis and swimming.
Paul Lawrie said: “Thanks to the support of companies like EnQuest, we are able to get children involved in a range of sports that are otherwise out of their reach.
“This was the second group of Tullos Primary pupils that visited the golf centre last month and we look forward to welcoming more from the school as well as other youngsters from across the region over the coming months.”
The PLF along with Archway are both local causes that Aberdeen-headquartered EnQuest supports as its nominated charities. Archway provides caring services for children and adults with learning disabilities and their families across the North-east.
As part of the company’s commitment to Archway, staff put their decorating skills to good use for a second time to add the finishing touches to their makeover at the Two Mile Cross respite facility in Garthdee.
Janine Davies, publicity and fundraising manager at Archway, said: “The volunteers have done a tremendous job of helping to brighten up the centre and once again, we are hugely grateful for their efforts. While it may not seem a lot to some people, it brings a lot of comfort and a much more homely feel for those that use our services.”
Since 2012, EnQuest has raised more than £120,000 for Archway’s Betty’s Place appeal to build a specially-adapted holiday cottage in the Aberdeen area.
Neil McCulloch, president, North Sea, at EnQuest, said: “It is always very rewarding to see the tangible results of our fundraising efforts across the company and how they are helping to make a real difference throughout the community. Both Archway and the Paul Lawrie Foundation are well-deserving causes and we look forward to continuing to support them.”