A Night to Remember
Following the hugely successful Players’ Dinner at the Broadway at the end of April, the senior end of the club came together once again on 9th May - this time for our Grand Centenary Ball as part of Letchworth Rugby Club’s Hundred Year Celebrations.
It was a night full of sparkle, laughter, and black-tie brilliance.
Familiar faces came from far and wide - including ex-Secretary The Don and his wife Christine, who made the trip from County Mayo, and the President of the Overseas Members, Classy Fitzmaurice, representing the Kingdom of Kerry in style.
The clubhouse was transformed by Teresa and her team, who did a fantastic job decorating the main clubroom and extension. Meanwhile, the Prosecco and gin flowed freely during the pre-dinner reception, under the ever-watchful supervision of Ace.
Photographer, Patrick Allen, was on hand throughout the evening, capturing the magic of the event. His fantastic photos tell the story of the night far better than words ever could - you can view the full gallery here.
The caricaturist had a particular talent for nailing the stereotypical rugby male profile... although, to be fair, few could compete with ex-hooker and former 1st XV skipper Rupert Howman’s glorious cauliflower ear!
Dan the Magic Man amazed with sleight of hand, loose ropes that tied themselves, and cards appearing in the strangest of places, all served up with classic East End charm and banter.
Club President Brian Burke delivered “100 Great Years” in just over ten minutes, before 1980s Cup-winning skipper Richie Davies brought the house down with a hilarious speech, highlighting what makes Letchworth that little bit different - including the infamous introduction of Mr Cockup.
Les Wilsher and his catering team laid on a substantial feast. A supermarket-style starter was quickly forgiven thanks to a superb main course of Beef Wellington and Salmon en Croute, followed by a fine selection of desserts. So full were many, the extensive cheese board (complete with grapes for Roman-style feeding of our beautifully bedecked ladies) went barely touched!
A bit of mid-evening exercise came in the form of the charity speed raffle, with some fantastic prizes - including a night out with our Tractor Award-winning groundsman, Digger!
Then came the band, The Jars, who played for over two and a half hours, treating us to a cornucopia of classics from the past five decades. The dance floor stayed packed, with even the Prez attempting some crutch-dancing, while Chairman Lunnon floated gracefully across the floor with his good lady. Classy danced with just about everyone, and Treasurer Taff observed from the safety of the bar... Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!
By 1am, most revellers had retired for the night, although a few faithful barflies clung on until Teresa called time on a truly unforgettable evening.
All in all, it was a night to savour - full of the warmth, energy, and slightly chaotic charm that epitomises our great Club.
Here’s to the next 100 years!
