For more than 20 years, retired bookmaker Geoff Dimmock has raised money for worthy causes with a golf charity day at Leighton Buzzard’s Plantation Road club.

And against the odds, 78-year-old Geoff has succeeded in raising £3,100, despite his golf-day plans being abandoned due to the pandemic lockdown.

“Local businesses, friends and supporters at the golf club have been very supportive over the years, and never more so than in these difficult times,” said Geoff, adding: “All charities are struggling to maintain the valuable support they provide to local communities, and I am delighted that we have been able to help yet again”

One of Leighton’s best known residents, Geoff has been a member of  Leighton golf club for 30 years and is the organiser of a group affectionately known as the ‘Plum Duffs’, who meet and play regularly, raising funds through the year for charity.

With the latest £3,100, which has been donated to the Altzheimer’s Society for local activities, Geoff’s Plum Duffs have now raised around £75,000, every penny of which has been donated to local and national charities helping the young, the elderly, the sick and the needy.

[] Members of the Leighton club have also donated more than £880 to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The money was raised in entry fees for a dedicated VE/VJ day competition, boosted by other contributions from club members.

Says Club Captain Simon Rossiter: “Although the competition was abandoned due to heavy rain, the generous entrants gave the full fee this year’s Poppy Day appeal. Their kindness and support for this worthy cause has been fantastic.”

[] The funeral has taken place of Anthony (Tony) Roberts, who was Captain of the Leighton club in 1997.  Tony, a Master Hairdresser, died on October 30 after a lengthy illness, aged 75.