The Lord's Taverners West Sussex region Christmas Lunch at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel

The Lord’s Taverners West Sussex region held their annual Christmas Lunch at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel and despite tougher economic times the lunch was again sold out with 270 guests attending.  The event raised an admirable £25,000 for the charity with the help of our generous sponsors Seaward Property.  We were delighted to welcome two of the most recognisable voices of sport as our after dinner speakers, Ian Robertson and Christopher Martin-Jenkins MBE, who entertained the guests with their tales and wit.  Taverner’s favourite Barry Williams was MC again and ensured the lunch ran smoothly, with his usual ability to make even the dullest duty a source of great entertainment.  We also welcomed distinguished guests including the Duke of Richmond, Des Lynam, Sussex CCC Coach Mark Robinson and former cricketer Tony Cottey.  A great time was had by all.  Finally, the lunch also signalled the end of Chris Oldham’s time as our Regional Chairman.  The committee have thoroughly enjoyed his leadership, ensuring we continue to have great fun whilst raising money for the charity.

The Lord Taverners hold a social cricket lunch

The West Sussex Region held its social cricket lunch at Arundel Castle for the Twenty20 Sussex against Gloucestershire game on 3^rd July, 2011.  It was attended by 50 guests and organised by committee member Nigel Smith.  With the weather holding a wonderful event took place and the guests saw Sussex win.

On the 26^th July, the West Sussex Region held its first unique lunch followed by horse racing at Glorious Goodwood, in the spirit of “The Sporting Greats”.  After the racing, a Lord’s Taverners Celebrity Eleven taking on Lord March’s Horse Racing Eleven in a Twenty20 cricket match in front of Goodwood House.  The players, captained by Mike Gatting, and guests enjoyed the lunch with some fine horse racing.  The guests included Henry Kelly, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, Charles Collingwood, Geraint Jones, Chris White and Julian Wilson amongst others.  The Lord’s Taverners, not being complacent, had a robust Horse Racing Eleven to contend with and with some excellent bowling by CMJ and cheeky innings by Mike Gatting, toppled Lord March’s Horse Racing Eleven towards the end of evening.  This brought to an end a very enjoyable day.  Sponsorship for the lunch was kindly donated by the Racing Post.

Lady Taverners evening with Elton John

What could be better on a balmy summer’s day, than to dine in beautiful surroundings and then sit back and enjoy being entertained by one of the nation’s most loved performers, all the while raising money for a fantastic cause?
What could be better on a balmy summer’s day, than to dine in beautiful surroundings and then sit back and enjoy being entertained by one of the nation’s most loved performers, all the while raising money for a fantastic cause?
It was a privilege to join members and guests of the Lady Taverners at the Hove Cricket Ground for a sumptuous lunch in our own private box, and then be shown to our seats for a very special outdoor concert by Elton John and his Band.
It was a magical afternoon- the sun shone and after a welcome glass of champagne we were treated to a fantastic meal, followed by a fundraising auction of music and sports memorabilia. We had enviable seats for the concert, and it was a pleasure to see not only the Taverners’ guests but the entirety of Hove Cricket Ground dancing and singing along to one of the greatest performers of our time!
Thanks need to go to Bernadette Brown, Chairman of the West Sussex Lady Taverners, for arranging such a lovely event, and arranging all the auction prizes. A wonderful day, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!