Arbroath Bowling Club Sports Dinner
John Rowbotham
Dick Campbell
Eric Davidson
A packed hall take their seats
It has been three years since the last Arbroath Bowling Club Sports Dinner was held (for obvious reasons) but this one was worth the wait!
Just over 100 lucky patrons settled down to a night to remember on Saturday 23rd April and were treated to an evening of entertainment which will be talked about in and around Arbroath for some time.
Co-organiser and Arbroath Committee member Gary Milne opened proceedings with "The Abroath Bowling Club Toast" - an unusual salutation which set the scene beautifully and brought an extended round of applause.
Dick Campbell: Master of Ceremonies
Eric Davidson begins his act
Master of Ceremonies, Dick Campbell needed no introduction to those present. 99% were well aware of his amazing track record as a football manager.
He paid tribute to the organisers of the event and talked about his career, causing much laughter with his anecdotes relating to his management style and how it impacted players and officials. Along with Dick at the Top Table were ex-FIFA referee John Rowbotham and comedian Eric Davidson.
Gary Milne gives "The Arbroath Bowling Club Toast"
The French love their native wine
The English enjoy their beer
The Germans like their schnapps - it brings them joy and cheer
The Scots love their whisky
And the Irish their wee tot
But we're Arbroath Bowling Club and we drink the bloomin' lot.
Rowbotham, apparently frequently confused with his Italian counterpart Pierluigi Collina, gave a highly energetic performance (with no need of the microphone!), relating some highly dubious antics which may (or may not?) have occurred on the football field when he was in charge. Suffice to say that, for this mainly football-savvy clientelle, Mr Rowbotham hit the mark perfectly and left his audience reeling with laughter throughout his 25-minute performance.
After the now legendary auction, where the bids flowed almost as freely as the drinks, we were entertained by comedian Eric Davidson. Eric was on top form, his jokes and stories effortlessly keeping the gathering in stitches. His ukelele-assisted songs added to the hilarity and the audience didn't hesitate to join in.
John Rowbotham in action
Combine this amazing level of entertainment with a 3-course meal (I had the Home Made Soup and Crusty Bread, Chicken in Pepper Sauce with Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables, followed by Pavlova) and a raffle with 10 prizes (Including 2 Day-Passes for the SPA at the Carnoustie Golf and SPA Hotel for goodness sake!!) and you have just had a perfect evening.
It's no wonder Dick Campbell's vote of thanks was followed by a standing ovation which seemed to last for a full 5 minutes.
I'll be booking my ticket for next year.
A standing ovation after the vote of thanks
And Last, but not Least...
Congratulations must go to Gary Milne and John Christison and their team from Arbroath Bowling Club for organising the event.
Thanks to the sponsors:
Ferrari Packaging
Concept Events
Parklane Memorabilia
Arbroath Football Club
Arbikie Distillery
Carnoustie Golf Hotel
Edzell Golf Course
Robin Brunton
Also thanks to:
Members and friends of Arbroath Bowling Club for their donations and help to make the dinner possible. Also caterers Alex Graham Catering and Bar Staff plus the Herron family: Carol, Rachel and Lisa for all their assistance before and during the dinner.
Arbroath Bowling Club President Ian Stott with Master of Ceremonies Dick Campbell
Some of the Auction Items on Display
(and those lights which made all the photos pink)
Arbroath Bowling Club Junior Vice President Ian Williams with Eric Davidson
Dick Campbell shares a joke with leading club member and avid Arbroath FC fan Darren Burnett