Management Team at The Nottinghamshire Wins ‘Unsung Heroes’ Award by England Golf

1st April 2021

Following their unparalleled efforts to help the NHS and mental health charities during lockdown, Amanda Fletcher (MD) and Jane Rudkin (Head of Operations) at The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club have both been awarded the ‘Unsung Heroes’ accolade by England Golf, in recognition for their services to the community during the pandemic.

The award was nominated by members of the public & Club members after both women selflessly dedicated their time during lockdown to helping other people, to ensure others were helped in times of vulnerability and crisis.

During the first lockdown, The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club, which boasts a

Boutique Hotel on-site hotel, closed the hotel for commercial use, and immediately allocated the 29 rooms to the emergency services, NHS workers, ambulance staff and those who live with vulnerable people, at the request of owner, Alan Hardy.

To facilitate these VIP guests being properly hosted, Amanda and Jane self-isolated on-site for the FULL duration of the Lockdown, leaving their own families to stay in a shared room at the hotel, ensuring the guests had everything they needed for a pleasant place to stay.

This included providing emotional support for some of the front-line staff though the hardest time in their careers when COVID was very much an unknown quantity. Whenever they were needed, Jane and Amanda were always on hand (socially distanced and in PPE) at all times.

By communicating what was happening via social media, newsletters from the MD and even local TV radio and news, the local community became hugely supportive of the club’s stance, which led to many local’s gathering to attend a moving, socially distanced ‘clap for carers’ tribute each Thursday at 8pm. Local charities, such as The Rosie May Foundation became involved which became a great focal point to shine a light on those that truly deserved it, creating opportunities for supportive locals to drop food parcels and donations to help.

During the second lockdown Amanda and Jane completed 28 walks over the 28 days of lockdown over the courses at the Golf Club, creating the #nottswalkandtalk challenge which encouraged people to walk and talk and raise money for the Nottinghamshire MIND charity. The ladies raised £5400 in the 28 days via a dedicated Just Giving page.

Commenting on winning the award, Amanda said, ‘It’s very humbling to receive something like this – particularly as the whole experience has been such a privilege for us both already. From Alan’s generosity in opening the hotel to key workers initially, it’s all snowballed from there, really – and it’s lovely to see what a wonderful community we have within and around our club –and how much everyone want to give back. It makes me very proud of everyone who helped, stayed or donated in any way. It was very much a team effort all round.’