insideKENT Magazine Issue 37 - April 2015 | Page 12

NEWS 'CANTERBURY-BASED JEWELLER, JUSTIN RICHARDSON, TAKES GOLD AT THE PRESTIGIOUS GOLDSMITHS' CRAFT & DESIGN COUNCIL AWARDS Award-winning Silver Claret Jug James Ibbetson swings into action as the new golf director at Tudor Park Hotel & Country Club Just 12 months ago, Justin Richardson’s two designer makers, Adam McLaren and Andy Bird, scooped Gold and Silver awards at The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council. And this year, on 2nd March at Goldsmiths' Hall in London, it was the turn of Justin himself. NEW GOLF DIRECTOR FOR TUDOR PARK A freeman of the worshipful company of Goldsmiths’, Justin is well known and highly respected in the trade. He has built up a wealth of experience over the last 20 years, during which time he has been honoured with numerous awards for his inspiring designs in both silver and gold. James Ibbetson has turned his passion for golf into a career. At the age of 26, he has just become the new director of golf at Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, in Bearsted – the youngest person to hold this title within the chain’s UK-based hotels. Justin, who has his own gallery and workshop in the centre of Canterbury, was awarded Gold for his elegant Silver Claret Jug. “I’m absolutely thrilled” he said, “the award recognises not only the final product, but also the high levels of technical skill involved in the making process.” He continues: “We are extremely proud of our reputation here at Justin Richardson and what better way to be acknowledged.” The PGA professional was bitten by the golf bug on a summer sports camp at the age of 12, and went on to take a university degree in golf management. He was golf operations manager at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Birmingham for two and a half years, before taking up his new role at Tudor Park’s golf club, which has an 18-hole championship course. Not only did Justin receive an award for his Silver Claret Jug, but he also received a Commendation Award for his new range of Ladies and Gents gold watches. Justin took inspiration for this range of bold, innovative watches from classic dashboard instrumentation from the automotive industry. He says: “This bespoke range of watches has been designed with a range of options, including white, yellow and red gold cases, diamondset cases and crowns, as well as an option of a quartz, mechanical or automatic movements. Individual dials can also be commissioned to add a personal touch to the timepiece and make it unique for the wearer. I’m extremely proud to receive a Commendation Award for this range.” “It is a really exciting time to join Tudor Park,” he says. “The golf course has wintered very well and is in good condition, so I am looking forward to getting to know the members and also hosting some of the major events taking place here this summer, such as the Trilby Tour in July.” The qualifying rounds for the Trilby Tour take place from 22nd May to 29th July, with the regional final on 30th July. In the same week, Tudor Park will be hosting ex-professional footballers as they take part in the Mancini trophy. Last summer saw Glenn Hoddle and Ray Clements among the 17 ex-pro footballers who competed. Justin’s Sun Street Gallery hosts a unique range of traditional, contemporary and everyday jewellery, watches, silverware and gifts. The display cabinets are brimming with items from guest designers, as well as a selection of Justin’s own collections, made in the on-site workshop. Having a workshop on-site enables him to offer a bespoke commissioning service for that truly unique piece of jewellery or silverware, as well as providing a repair service. Entries for the Trilby Tour must be in by 30th April. It is open to any male golfer aged over 18 who holds a current handicap issued by a CONGU affiliated golf club. You must hold a handicap of 18 or better and must provide proof (handicap certificate that is no more than 14 days old) of your handicap on the day of your chosen tournament. You are also required to wear a trilby hat during play (only for the final). For more information, call, email or visit the Sun