19th June - Bargoed Speaker's Dinner

Friday 19th June and Clayton was in Birmingham attending the RI Convention, so I was representing him at the RC Bargoed's Speakers Dinner. Some 195 blokes sat down to a three course meal at the Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood, to be followed by two main speakers and some fundraising. President John's chosen charity is LATCH and he was able to hand over a cheque for about £2,500. The principle speaker was Bruce Grobbelaar, the ex-Liverpool goalkeeper who also has 32 International caps for representing Zimbabwe. A man with an interesting life story to tell, which he summarised with great skill and humour in an hour, to a standing ovation. I was sat next to him and found him amusing and interesting to talk to. He was then besieged by an army of well wishers who had programmes, squad shirts, ties and even brown envelopes for him to sign and endorse with their chosen words. The comedian for the night was Cliff Golledge, form Bridgend, who was very funny if not entirely politically correct. Interspersed with this was the clubs own version of bingo, stand-up bingo, and the winner of the £250 prize handed it onto LATCH. The night finished well after midnight with some auctioned items, a rugby ball and two shirts, all signed by worthy characters in the sporting scene in Wales. I am not entirely sure, but I think this raised another £700. Bruce was very generous when he bid the highest price for the ball and then auctioned it again later. A great night for all and President John and his organising team are to be congratulated. I even managed to get Bruce to sign my programme.