Building on its relationship with charity Help for Heroes, and in conjunction with the fundraising organisation Rugby’s Golf Club, Huxley Golf has created a golf practice area at the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Chavasse VC House, in the garrison town of Colchester, Essex. 

One of four Recovery Centres established by the charity, Chavasse VC House provides service personnel and veterans who have suffered life changing injuries and illnesses with facilities and support to help them return to duty or transition to civilian life.  

Steve Schollar, Chavasse VC House Centre Manager said: “Our aim is to inspire those who have been wounded, injured or become sick while serving our country and enable them to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives.  I know our new facility will be of enormous benefit to the residents and day visitors to our Centre.”  

The Huxley Golf installation features a six hole, 200 sq yards (170 sq m) putting green complete with large fringe surround, along with a double bay cage net for drives and long shots.  Using Huxley Golf’s renowned durable all-weather surfaces means that the facility can be used year-round and will stand up to intensive use with little or no maintenance requirements.

Director of Huxley Golf Paul Huxley said: “This is the second Help for Heroes Recovery Centre that we have played a part in creating, following our work at Tedworth House in Wiltshire last year and we’re immensely proud to have been involved. 

“I am confident that the new facility will prove to be helpful in terms of stimulating body and mind for British service men and women during their rehabilitation.”  He continued: “I believe golf to be a fantastic sport to encourage because it works both physically and mentally. 

“A full golf swing uses many muscle groups and a walk round the golf course encourages a healthy heart too, but this is just part of the benefit.  The focus and concentration required to improve your game, along with the relaxation and social advantages that golf can bring are valuable.  Indeed, completing a round of golf teaches someone to keep going, a good lesson in life as well as for the golf course.”

Chavasse VC House was officially opened by former Scotland International and BBC Rugby commentator Ian Robertson in July.  The Centre was named after Captain Noel Chavasse, a British medical doctor and army officer who served in the First World War.

One of only three people to be awarded the Victoria Cross and Bar (the equivalent of two VCs), he was praised for his “most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty”.  The Centre also incorporates Hope on the Horizon, the Help for Heroes garden from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show created by Matthew Keightley, which was awarded the prestigious BBC RHS Chelsea Flower Show People’s Choice Award 2014.

Huxley Golf provides premier all-weather surfaces for golf around the world. Clients include training and coaching establishments, golf resorts, ranges and academies as well as many well-known golf courses. 

www.huxleygolf.com