Everybody Needs Good Neighbours – Saxon Packaging Supports Rookery Park Golf Club

Established in 1986 and becoming part of the Smurfit Kappa Group in 2016, Saxon Packaging believes that supporting local communities is a business’ duty and makes the world a better place. We’re incredibly passionate about volunteering, raising funds and awareness for deserving groups, and we encourage our employees to do the same.

From building parks that are accessible to all, to delivering sanitation supplies in the wake of the pandemic, Saxon Packaging, as part of the Smurfit Kappa Group, are deeply committed to this idea.

It’s rare that an opportunity comes up for us to give back in a way that directly benefits us, too – but that’s exactly what happened when Rookery Park Golf Club found themselves in need of a helping hand.

Throughout our history, the team at Rookery Park have been hugely accommodating; located near to our site in sunny Lowestoft, they have played host to many of our Saxon Packaging work and wellbeing events.

Spanning a vast parkland, Rookery Park Golf Club offers golfing at every level, as well as expert tuition from Gary Kitley, the Club’s resident PGA Professional. They even boast one of the finest driving ranges in the area – we can speak from experience.

Like many other hospitality businesses, Rookery Park was affected by the Covid pandemic, and naturally, we were more than happy to help out.

“We supported many of our local businesses throughout the pandemic, with the national ‘Support Your Local’ campaign having much further reaches than just pubs. Plenty of our customers were hard hit by the pandemic, and it just felt right that we would lend a hand when we could – which is why we were happy to work with Rookery Park, along with many others." Granger Wittering, Marketing Executive – Saxon Packaging.

How we could help

“The Club had faced almost a year and a half of closures and ongoing restrictions, and we felt that by supporting in decking out their teams in a new kit, it would alleviate more room in Rookery Park Golf Club’s budget” added Granger Wittering, Marketing Executive, Saxon Packaging.

As in any industry, branding is key – and a team kit is no different! The Club aimed to send teams to the Suffolk County Competition. It takes place every year and sees clubs from across the country battling it out – with restrained putts – on the greens.

Having made it through a pandemic, the competition seemed even more poignant than usual. It would be a gathering of old friends and golf enthusiasts returning to normality as the world settled down a little.

This community spirit is especially important to Rookery Park; they were founded back in 1887 by a group of golfing enthusiasts and have always been welcoming to visitors and new members, whatever their ability.

So, branching out from packaging a little, we set to work. We supplied 26 branded polo shirts in a bright royal blue to be worn by Rookery Park’s Junior and Men’s sections.

 

The Rookery Park teams got their shirts and we got to show off our lovely logo – which sits pride of place on the shirts. It enabled us to increase brand awareness in our local community, as well as make Rookery Park Golf Club stand out in the crowd at the Suffolk County competition.

“The Club is delighted to have been sponsored and endorsed by the team at Saxon Packaging. The awarding of funds as part of a ‘Support Your Local’ campaign has enabled all of our men’s County teams to represent the Club in a smart and coordinated fashion. We look forward to continuing the relationship between Rookery Park Golf Club and Saxon Packaging, driving the sense of community partnership forward for the mutual benefit of all involved”. Gareth Jones, Secretary Manager – Rookery Park Golf Club.

And, rather selfishly, we have a vested interest in ensuring that Rookery Park thrives; we’re looking forward to many more visits with our team!

Been swayed by those bright blue shirts? Contact the team at Rookery Park Golf Club for information on visits and lessons.

And, if you’re more interested in the bespoke packaging side of things, get in touch– either via our contact form or by email at saxon@smurfitkappa.co.uk.