Several weeks ago, I received a LinkedIn message from Chris Moss, nothing unusual about that, a new connection I thought. This was different, as Chris was inviting me to The Lighthouse Charity’s Sportsman Lunch at St Mary’s Stadium. Chris mentioned that we have a mutual acquaintance, the one and only Mr Andy Bishop. I accepted the generous invitation and was looking forward to spending some time with my friend Andy, meeting Chris for the first time, and meeting the others at the table and in the room!
It is now Friday 7th November, the day of the Sportsman Lunch. The compère, Mr Mike Osmand, comedian and impressionist, and the speaker, Mr Harry Rednap! I am intrigued and very much looking forward to the event and meeting new people. Andy arrives at the agreed time to pick me up in the ‘Make it Visible’ van. We make our way to St Mary’s Stadium and to the Mick Channon Suite.
This is a large room with around 50 tables, 10 guests to a table, every seat filled! Outside, while waiting to enter, I was introduced to some friends and colleagues of Andy and bumped into familiar faces. We made our way up the stairs to the room and to our table where I was introduced to Chris and the other table guests. Mike Osmand appeared on the stage, and the event kicked off with opening words about the charity, in particular the southern branch, with wit and humour.
Round one of the charity’s auction started with some solid bidding throughout the room. This was followed by lunch and round two of the auction. Mike kept it not only entertaining but engaging and knew how to extract the best bids. Who knew daffodil bulbs could reach four-figure sums! The highlight of the auction was the lifelong Saints fan, Mike Osmand who offered to wear a Pompey shirt to raise money. Well, this was electric and of course had the desired outcome, another four-figure sum! The blue Pompey top was lurking beneath his shirt. The table next to ours then offered to match the bid if he would take the shirt off and give it to them. After a short tussle, Mike did just that, brilliant. A total of £68,000 was raised on the day, fantastic!
Mike then asked for the room to be silent as the Alan Pulford award was to be presented. Alan Pulford, who I never met, passed away in July 2019. He became a member of the Lighthouse Club in the late 1970s and was a founding member of the Southern Club, becoming Treasurer in the 1990s. Alan was passionate about the charity and a driving force within. The award was established by the Lighthouse Club’s Southern Branch as a tribute to him and the work he accomplished for the charity in the construction industry. The award is presented in memory of Alan to acknowledge individuals who embody the same generosity, dedication, and belief in “giving back” that Alan demonstrated throughout his life and involvement with the Club.
As Mike Osmand was nearing the end of the introduction and preparing to announce the recipient, I was thinking to myself, this person that Mike was describing sounds like someone I would like to spend some time with, with shared values and similarities in character! Not until I heard my name read aloud to the 500 or so assembled in the room did the penny drop, stunned. I am honoured and humbled to have been this year’s recipient! Magnificent! The award was presented by Alan’s daughter Clare and two sons Ian and Neil. I am moved by this act and award.
My thanks for bestowing this honour on me are to the Lighthouse Club charity, and the Southern Club committee; to Chris Moss, Andy Bishop, Mike Osmand; to the guests in the room who raised, let’s not forget, a staggering £68,000 on the day that will directly help those in need within the construction industry. To the conspirators planning in the background to make this happen, you know who you are, and to Clare, Ian, and Neil. 🙏
#bestkeptsecret
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