Friday 21 September will live long in the memory of everyone associated with Signature Private Finance, when colleagues and clients enjoyed the firm’s inaugural Golf & Spa Day at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club.
The iconic Arden Course starts off in gentle enough fashion with two short and relatively undemanding par 4s, but the sun enjoyed at breakfast soon disappeared to be replaced by a short, sharp storm of near-biblical ferocity.
Fortunately, for the hardy golfing financiers, bankers, brokers, lawyers and lenders the rain soon abated and a drying wind with a warming sun raised spirits on the demanding course.
A range of abilities ensured all the teams were competitive, but a special mention for Warren Mutch 
who tamed the course with the sort of golf expected of a three-handicap. Simon Harrison won nearest the pin and our own Trevor Melly won the longest drive prize.
For those interested in the course, the style of our golfers and their form over a damp 18-holes, please browse our Flickr album of the day here.
Whilst all this energy was being expending, battling the course and the eleme
nts, our own Jason Fantini, BDM for the South, hosted the non-golfing guests in the delightful Spa, with a range of treatments designed to pamper and relax.
By the time the golfers had reached the Arden’s signature hole, the par 3 18th which required a 200-yard carry into the wind over a lake to an undulating green, the Spa guests were emerging ready for a drink and something to eat – oblivious to the weather faced by our intrepid golfers.
It was also good to welcome more guests popping in to celebrate the launch of the Signature Golf & Spa Day, enjoying a drink before we got down to the serious business of dinner, results and prizes.
The event was great fun and brought together a lot of the people who make our business a success and appreciate our approach to short-term property finance. But there was a serious side to the afternoon.
We were pleased to welcome Dave Skerrett, from our chosen charity for the year, Solihull Mind. We have pledged a donation to help support the valuable work undertaken by Mind in the local community and were proud to present him with a cheque for £6,630.65
After a delightful dinner of salmon, followed by beef with horseradish mash and a crème brulee pudding, everyone expressed gratitude for their invite and headed home happy.
The hope for next year is a little more sunshine and perhaps a larger event as word spreads of the enjoyment experienced, combined with the chance to play one of England’s finest park courses.
So, please keep your eyes peeled for an invite next year and let us know if you would enjoy a round of golf or a massage and swim, if that’s more your style.