Presentation Nights & Dinners A number of people have mentioned to me that I must be enjoying a bit of a rest now that the League and County games are finished. However, I am very pleased to say that there is definitely no rest for the wicked. Apart from other meetings and events still ongoing, I am now well into the Presentation/Dinner season and here are a few highlights:
Junior Presentation Night - 18 OctoberThe ideal event to kick off the presentation season and, arguably, one of my favourite events. As usual, all the trophy winners are either present or represented and setting an excellent standard for the more senior sections of the Club! The evening is also an opportunity for motivating the Juniors for the future. Kevin Cademy-Taylor, the County Captain, kindly attended to present the prizes and deliver an excellent speech. He also brought with him the Northern Counties Trophy and all three Prudhoe members who contributed to the title were present – Shaun Philipson, James Curry and Danny Shevill. Our ‘old’ friend and former County Captain, Peter Davey was another valuable guest. A super evening as always.
Hadrian League Dinner - 20 OctoberThere were seven of us attending this year which was a little disappointing. However, we all had a good night at the Old Assembly Rooms meeting old friends, reminiscing on the season and taking bets for next year. The speaker, a vicar in a Newcastle United shirt, was probably very good but for some reason, it was difficult to hear him. As in past years, some of us came back on the bus whilst others stayed on to visit the City’s sin spots. But that’s another story apparently.
Club Presentation Night - 28 OctoberThis is for the Ladies and the Men’s sections and the Clubhouse was pleasantly packed. Like the Juniors, all the Ladies were either present or represented whereas 8 men had failed to inform us they wouldn’t be there, regardless of the contents of my invitation letter. I am told that this was a record low number but the ideal result is, of course, zero. It was particularly sad that the Gary Lathan Memorial Trophy winner wasn’t present – especially as Gary’s parents had kindly come to present the trophy. For the first time, we had some entertainment so, yes, I did listen to members’ requests last year. Sue Sweeney was, as usual, excellent although she did have to deal with a noisy group near the bar. Enough moaning – overall an excellent night.
Junior League Presentation Night - 3 NovemberA packed event hosted by Morpeth who were the winners of the League and a few other important events in this their Centenary Year. Congratulations to them and their excellent Captain, Harry Cone. We had a good bus full of Juniors and members and we were presented with the Junior League Team title and the individual winner in that event. So, well done to the Juniors and many thanks to them for leaving enough of the excellent buffet. Unlike the League Dinners, we all came home early and sober of course!
District League Dinner - 10 NovemberSixteen Prudhoe stalwarts originally for this one although, due to illness and work commitments we ended up with a witches coven of thirteen. Around 200 people at the Old Assembly Rooms and that included one Club who had no attendees! Another opportunity to meet up with friends past and present and celebrate the season’s various team and individual successes. When I was League Chairman in 2000, I invited Graham Willis as guest speaker at the Airport Hotel before moving the Dinner to the Civic Centre. It was great to welcome back Graham who delivered another great speech on behalf of the guests. If he ever wants to change career, I’m first in the queue to become his manager. Afterwards we paid homage to a local bar and then the more hardy explored the flesh pots whilst myself and a few other respectable Prudhoe members went home on the coach at around 1am – just a little tired!
Parklands Presentation Night - 24 NovemberReport to follow.
Vets Presentation Night & Dinner - 30 NovemberReport to follow.
