A BROMSGROVE sports and country club is set to fundraise for a special cause as its managers celebrate their 10th anniversary at the helm.
Stoke Prior Sports and Country Club’s managers, Mark Goddard and James Maycroft, are marking their decade at the club by fundraising for an entire year in support of Harry Bennett’s HB9 Foundation.
The team at the club is hosting 10 special events over 10 months, commencing in March, to boost funds for the foundation.
HB9 Foundation was founded in memory of Harry, who tragically passed away from sepsis in 2020 at just 16 years old. It honours the late teenager’s passion for sports and his belief in their transformative power.
Mark and James announced the club’s partnership with HB9 on January 17, a date chosen to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Harry’s passing.
“Supporting the Harry Bennett Foundation in our anniversary year felt like the right choice,” said Mark Goddard.
“Harry’s story touched the lives of so many in our community, and we are proud to help carry on his legacy.”
Since taking over in 2015, the management duo have worked to revilatise the historic venue with aims to build a thriving community hub and entertainment destination.
The club’s rich history dates back to the 1920s. Over the decades, the venue has faced challenges, including a devastating fire in the 1980s.
In 2001, it was purchased by Wilf Goddard and Nigel Meredith, and when the tenant landlady departed in 2015, Wilf’s grandson Mark stepped in as manager, appointing James as his deputy shortly thereafter.
The club’s annual events program has become a major draw. Particular highlights include August’s family festival, Priorfest, and the hugely successful Fireworks Night in November, which attracted over 2,200 attendees in 2024.
Weekly bingo nights consistently bring in over 100 participants, while free disco nights and outdoor music festivals keep the calendar lively.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/stokepriorclubhb9 to donate. Visit facebook.com/StokePriorClub for more information.
