Sportsmans Dinner a huge success
The Mikes recent joint venture with local Sunday side Halfway House has been hailed as a resounding success.
The two clubs joined forces to host an excellent Sportsman’s Dinner at Aston Wood Golf Club on Friday 2nd October.
Around 100 guests were superbly entertained by former Everton and England star Dave Watson. The audience was regaled with tales and witty anecdotes from his very successful club career, which took in Liverpool, Norwich and Everton, before a short spell as manager of Tranmere.
The popular Scouser also recounted his England adventures, where he skippered the Under 21s to European Championship glory in 1982, beating old adversaries West Germany on aggregate in the final. He then went on to win 12 full caps, appearing in the finals of the 1988 European Championships in Germany.
He also has the unusual distinction of appearing against England, representing a Hong Kong Select XI against Terry Venables’ side in the Euro 96 warm up game made famous by the infamous ‘dentist’s chair’ incident.
Watson was followed by the excellent footballer turned comedian John Stiles. In his own words, Stiles is a better comedian than he was a footballer, despite a superb pedigree, being the son of World Cup Winner Nobby Stiles and nephew of Leeds United and Ireland legend Johnny Giles. This assessment was borne out by the tears of laughter from around the room.
One gag in particular is likely go down in Boldmere folklore, “if two people are talking and one is bored, the other one is Alan Parsons!”
Thanks also go to John for bringing two replica 1966 World Cup Final shirts for auction, both autographed by his father.
The event was superbly compered by Halfway House’s Alan Fleming, who enabled the audience to enjoy a laugh at the expense of many of the guests from both clubs.
It was excellent to see so many Boldmere old boys in attendance, as well current playing and management staff.
Apart from being an excellent night’s entertainment, the event raised much-needed funds for both clubs. The club would like to thank all those who supported the event, particularly Alan Parsons in for his sterling efforts in organising events from our side.
