News

Sportsman's lunch success

7 November 2014

On Friday 31 October the Bristol Region held their annual Sportsman’s Lunch at the Bristol County Ground which was attended by over 80 people.  Attendees included Hamish Marshall and his benefit committee.

Former Club Chairman and President, John Higson, although unable to attend in person sponsored a table of ten for some of his many friends.

The lunch was held in the Clip Exhibition and Display Premier Lounge which offers panoramic views across the north of Bristol.  The weather was more suited to a lovely August day watching Cricket rather than the last day of October.

Proceedings got under way with a short speech by Chief Executive, Will Brown, who gave an update on recent developments at the Club.

Following Grace, which was read by the Region’s very own Dr Keith Crabtree, guests tucked into a lovely four course meal of Leek & Potato Soup, Red Tractor Chicken and then a selection of West Country Cheese together with biscuits.  All this was washed down with Red or White Wine, depending on the individual’s taste.

Ian Saxelby gave a short speech to promote Hamish Marshall’s Benefit Year in 2015.  It sounds like there will be a number of attractive activities to support.  For more information, click here.

Terry Norris, who organised the John Higson table, gave an update on John and then proposed the Loyal Toast to Her Majesty The Queen.  Guests also toasted John Higson and our already much missed former player and President, David Allen, who had hosted the last couple of Sportsman’s Lunches.

After a raffle, where the case of Tribute Beer kindly provided by St Austell Brewery was won by long-standing supporter Dougie Davies, we settled down to the main event which was a talk given by our very special guest Bob Champion.

Bob took us on a fascinating journey recounting his life as a National Hunt jockey.  I must admit after hearing what they go through each day to race I am full of admiration.  It was fascinating to hear the background story to his Grand National win on Aldaniti in 1981 and, as you can imagine, there’s so much more to Bob’s life than that one race.  It was inspiring to hear of the wonderful work that ‘The Bob Champion Cancer Trust’ carries out to lead the fight against this terrible disease.   A true legend!  To read more about this worthwhile cause, click here.

The sun was setting as we made our way out of the ground, but all agreed we had really enjoyed ourselves.

We have provisionally booked Friday 20 November 2015 for the next Sportsman’s Lunch, so put this date in your diary and come along.

The next Bristol Region event will be the ever popular Christmas Tree sale at the Bristol County Ground on Saturday 13 December from 9.30 am.  We look forward to seeing everyone.

Bristol Region runs a number of enjoyable events to support fundraising for the Club’s Academy scheme throughout the year.  We are looking for members to either join our Committee or to perhaps run or help with a one off event.  If you would like more details please contact David Mclauchlan on 07969 294736.

The Bristol Region AGM will be held on Monday 9 February 2015 in the Bristol Pavilion at 6.30 pm.  This will be followed by the February meeting of the Gloucestershire Cricket Lovers’ Society, where the guest speaker is former England and Derbyshire Wicketkeeper, Bob Taylor.

David Mclauchlan

Chairman, Bristol Region

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