Garston Masonic Hall was the venue for the 48th Sportsman’s Dinner arranged by the Lodge of Harmony No 220 Charity Steward Alan Cartwright. This type of evening brings much needed financial support for the hall and charities and is ideal event for recruitment.
The guest speaker for the evening was Gary McAllister, who was supported by comedian Big Lou and the compere for the evening’s activities Ken Wagner. It was a well-supported evening with an attendance of 118. Before the evening entertainment, there was an excellent meal of soup, chicken dinner, followed by cheese and biscuits, all delivered by the extremely busy and well organised caterer, providing an excellent service. During the meal bingo and raffle tickets were sold to raise monies for the designated charities.
Guest speaker, Gary McAllister, is a former Leeds United and Liverpool midfielder during his playing career who won several trophies including the old First Division title with Leeds as well as the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool during the 2000-2001 season while he was in the twilight of his career at 35. He finished his playing career with Coventry City as a player-manager in charge of first team affairs until 2004. During his playing career at Liverpool, he spoke warmly about Gerard Houllier who signed him.
Comedian, Big Lou, is a well-known face on the comedy scene, he also presents a Tuesday and Saturday night FM Radio Show. Big Lou is a quick witted, laugh a minute big hearted comedian whose presence matched by his timing and delivery of his punchlines, is a combination that the audience thoroughly enjoyed.
It was very successful evening with £2,055 raised and the bar took £2,800, Alan organises three of these events every year to raise much needed funds for the hall and designated charities. A special thanks must go to Carl who worked on the bar with our wonderful girls Kerry and Lauren and our caterer Tony and the kitchen staff.