The 52nd sportsman’s dinner was held at Garston Masonic Hall, Island Road, Liverpool. The event was organised by Lodge of Harmony No 220 charity steward, Alan Cartwright and the master of ceremonies was lodge WM Kevin Flynn.
There was a sell-out attendance of 110 brethren and guests who were treated to a three-course meal provided by Tony Ackroyd and his catering staff before the proceedings began.
Kevin Flynn started the proceedings by announcing the main speaker: Matt Le Tissier, a former professional footballer and television pundit who played for Southampton Football Club. Matt played 443 times and scored 161 goals; he also played for England and was voted Young Player of the Year in 1990.
Matt was born in Guernsey and following his retirement from football, became a football pundit for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday. Matt also explained that he played under nine different managers at Southampton. Matt continues to relate a number of amusing stories about his football career, which the audience thoroughly enjoyed.
Kevin then introduced Jamie Sutherland, a Liverpool born comedian known for his versatility with highly original storytelling, complete with a friendly banter which everyone enjoyed during the highly entertaining evening.
To complete the proceedings, Alan Cartwright and Kevin Flynn organised a stand-up bingo and raffle with a large variety of bottles of spirits as prizes. This raised the sum of £1924, which will be donated to charity at the Lodge of Harmony installation meeting in November 2026.
Alan organises three sportsman’s dinners a year which raise considerable sums for charity, but it is also a community event with the majority of the people attending being non-Freemasons.
The hard work of the catering and bar staff also has to be mentioned; they provide excellent food and refreshment for this enjoyable event and the events are a valuable income for the hall.
