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Christmas lunch raises £30K

Kicking off the festive spirit in some style, the Northumberland and Durham branch of the Lord’s Taverners hosted its annual Christmas lunch on Wednesday 5th December at Newcastle Civic Centre. Around £30,000 was raised – some £3k, more than last year.

The money will be used to help children with special needs and disadvantaged children get more out of sporting activities.Widely supported by the local business community – on this occasion over 600 attended - the lunch is one of the largest annual charity events in the region.

A tremendous afternoon was had by all, with guests entertained by regional footballing legend, Peter Beardsley, the well-loved and ever popular local comedian, Brendan Healy, Willie Miller, the Liverpudlian comedian was Master of Ceremonies and, adding a new dimension to the day’s celebrations, guests were serenaded from time to time by leading UK tenor, Martin Toal.

Regarded as “the singing voice of sport”, Martin has sung at a number of major sporting venues including Twickenham and Old Trafford.

Commenting on the event Alan Wright, Chairman of the Northumberland and Durham region said:

“We’ve had some wonderful feedback on what was widely described as our best lunch ever - and that’s saying something given the high standard over the years. The setting, the meal, the speakers and the company were all first class. From the feedback we’ve had, everyone really enjoyed the contribution made by Martin who really got the Christmas season off to a fine start.

“This is the biggest of the Lord’s Taverners events outside London and the generosity of the North East business community continues to be amazing. We very much look forward to more great events in 2013.”·

The first Lord’s Taverners event in 2013 will be held on Saturday March 2, at the County Hotel, Newcastle where a champagne reception will kick off the evening, followed by bangers & mash and live music from Johnny & the Moondogs.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leigh Chelton .