Member Article

A Sporting Good Lunch

North east children, particularly those with special needs, are once more set to benefit from an annual Christmas lunch supported by the region’s business community.

Members of the Lord’s Taverners, a charity which aims to give young people a sporting chance, gathered along with 625 guests at Newcastle’s Civic Centre to enjoy a hearty lunch and entertainment from Tenor, Martin Toal, violinist, Ema and guest speaker , England and Durham fast bowler, Steve Harmison.

Each year the long established luncheon is the biggest single fund raising event for the Lord’s Taverners in the north east, raising tens of thousands of pounds. This year was no exception, as guests dug deep giving an incredible £32,000.

Over the next twelve months the Lord’s Taverners will donate items such as mini buses and sporting equipment to organisations who work with children and young people across the region.

Hailing the event as a great success, Chairman of the Northumberland and Durham branch, Alan Wright said:

“I and my fellow Lord’s Taverners committee members are always amazed year after year by the generosity of the local business community, which continues to support our efforts. The money we raise goes towards providing equipment, which is often specially adapted for children with both physical and/or learning difficulties, to allow them to take part and give them a sporting chance.

“I am delighted that we managed to raise so much money on the day from the lunch and would like to thank everyone who attended the event for their kind generosity.”

This event also marked the conclusion of Alan Wright’s term of office as chairman – he will be replaced in 2014 by Jamie Graham, a quantity surveyor with building contractor, Galliford Try.

Jamie added:

“Alan will continue to support his home region while seeing more of the Lord’s Taverners in his role as Chairman of Regions and Nations for the Charity.”

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