RUSS ABBOT - A HUGE SUCCESS
The annual Russ Abbot Classic was once again held over the May Bank Holiday at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel and Kingswood Golf Club. 370 sat down for the Cabaret Dinner and were treated to a wonderful cabaret featuring the hilarious Brendan Healy and 'The Rat Pack' of Bobby Davro, Kenny Lynch and Johnny More supported by the Dave Connoly Big Band. Ian Irving led all the guests through a most entertaining auction which together with the raffle raised £23,000 on the night.
The Monday morning saw everyone checking in for the golf at Kingswood on what turned out to be a beautiful day. Teams of 3 were matched up with a celebrity with Russ Abbot, Jimmy Tarbuck, Ronnie Corbett, Kevin Whately, Warren Clarke and Robert Powell all playing. There was plenty of fun and laughs around the course with Radio Susy conducting impromptu interviews beside the first tee. Once the rounds were completed all adjourned to the bar for well-deserved drinks before enjoying the magnificent buffet lunch laid on by Kingswood.
2 Sunshine Coaches were presented on the day - thanks to Bunny Lewis and The Lead Contractors Association - with a third being presented in Newcastle at the behest of member, Bob Morton. All of this only being made possible through the sterling efforts of Ian McRobbie and the GAMA team.
Prize-giving took place in the sunshine with former World Darts Champion, John Lowe, picking up the celeb prize and the team of Gavin Wilding, Michael Scott, David Crane and Peter Sands winning the best team.
A great day was had by all. Make sure you get a team place next year.