History of the Event

The black-tie evening was attended by 332 ladies and gentlemen, many of whom complimented us by saying that it had been one of the very best sports dinners that they had attended. The Guildhall provided an excellent venue and a superb dinner, our guest speakers Ian Robertson and Gareth Chilcott provided laughs aplenty and MC Roger Johnson ensured that the evening ran smoothly.

There were two key aims behind the event. The first was to organise something where everyone would have a superb evening, and the second was to raise money for both the hockey club and local charities, specifically the Peter Ashley Activity Centre at Fort Purbrook, and the Langstone Youth Training Scheme.

Local companies such as Picketts and Pursers, Wood Brothers Limited, Bishops Printers, Career Transition Consultancy were vital in making such a great evening.

The generosity of others towards our causes also led to the donations of some great action items and raffle prizes.

Auction Items Included:

• A framed England 2006 World Cup Football Shirt, signed by the England Squad
• Two Centre Court Tickets for one day in the first week of Wimbledon
• A round of Golf for 3 with Sir Steve Redgrave.
• 2 Carat Single Stone Stud Earrings
• A framed picture of the 1974 British Lions Team in South Africa, signed by the whole squad.
• A Carribean Holiday
• Sailing aboad the Basillica, a Grand Prix Volvo Extreme 40 Catamaran

Raffle Prizes Included:

• Athens 2004 Olympic Shirt, signed by Linford Christie
• 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games - Team England Clothing
• 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games - Team England Fleece
• 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games - Team England Holdall
• England Waterproof Jacket
• A Chelsea Shirt signed by Frank Lampard
• A London Irish rugby Ball, signed by the Squad
• Framed and signed photograph of Ricky Hatton MBE
• Framed and signed photograph of Jenson Button on the podium (Brazillian GP 2006)
• and many more...