Matthew Wylie, Sherborne Golf Club Captain for 2026, has named the Rendezvous as the Club’s Charity of the Year, supported by Shay Cornford, the Ladies Captain. Together they aim to encourage all areas of the club to get behind the initiative.
Matthew said “We are delighted to support the Rendezvous, as we share their values of helping young people have the confidence, support and opportunity to thrive – through dedicating time to the needs of each individual. One of the key areas of their work which resonates with me, and in particular with Shay as a previous headteacher, is giving 1:1 Maths and English tutoring to those who are struggling, which leads to achieving a Level 2 accredited qualification in those subjects. Careers advice, job applications, interview technique training and connecting with local companies for apprenticeships can follow.
Through the generosity of Sherborne Golf Club Members, we aim to raise funds to enable the Rendezvous to continue this great work. Success in Maths and English qualifications is a life-changing gift our members can give to young people, opening the door to future success.
We need this small charity to succeed, and they need to be there, maybe for our own children and grandchildren. Sherborne is lucky to have it based locally here.”
Matthew Wylie also announced an objective to grow Junior Golf at Sherborne Golf Club and within the local community. He explained that golf coaching mirrors a similar approach to that taken by the Rendezvous. Structure, coaching, tutoring, initiatives that meet tangible achievements, together with making friends and having fun, are also core tenets of learning and playing golf.
Community Partnerships Manager, Fiona Franklin, responded: “On behalf of the charity, and the young people we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Matthew, Shay and all the Sherborne Golf Club membership for choosing to support the Rendezvous. Raising awareness and vital funds for us will enable more young people gain the skills, resilience and optimism they need for a brighter future.”
BACKGROUND & CONTACTS
Founded in 1894 Sherborne Golf Club in Dorset has evolved into a mature 18-hole, par-72 parkland course overlooking the Blackmore Vale. The views are fantastic, but the challenge is better. The Club is pleased to announce it will be opening an 18-bay public driving range during 2026, of which 12 bays will be covered. Each bay will have Trackman technology to provide an amazing facility open to all, to be enjoyed by the Sherborne community and beyond. The club prides itself on its warm and friendly welcome to members and visitors alike.
The Rendezvous has been helping young people (14-25) from North Dorset and South Somerset for nearly 30 years. They support them to take practical steps towards education, work and a brighter future by rebuilding confidence, improving mental health and providing accredited learning in Maths and English.
With a small, committed team of staff who really care about the wellbeing of every young person they work with and an amazing group of 61 volunteers, they know that ‘one-size’ does not fit all and work hard to find the right approach for every one of the 200+ young people they support every year.
To find out more about The Rendezvous and how you can get involved: Visit www.therendezvous.org.uk or call them on 01935 814496 as they would love to hear from you.
For Sherborne Golf Club visit www.sherbornegolfclub.co.uk or call Operations Manager Wes Caines on 01935 814431 for membership enquiries and details of the Junior Academy.
[Image L-R Club Captain Matthew Wylie, Rendezvous Community Partnerships Manager Fiona Franklin, Ladies Captain Shay Cornford, Rendezvous Chair of Trustees Paul Copp]
Press release issued 04/03/2026