On 1st November 2024, the Lighthouse Southern region hosted its highly anticipated annual Sporting Lunch at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton. The event, held in the Mick Channon Suite, welcomed 470 guests for an afternoon filled with entertainment.
The wonderful Mike Osman once again served as the event’s compere, keeping the room thoroughly entertained with his sharp wit and charm. Guests were also treated to a captivating speech by Sir Bill Beaumont, a true rugby legend. Sharing stories from his journey as a youth player to captaining England and the Lions, Sir Bill even reflected on his time alongside Emlyn Hughes on A Question of Sport, leaving the audience in hysterics with his humour.
The event’s auction showcased the generosity of the guests, with several unique items fetching remarkable sums. Two bags of daffodil bulbs raised an astonishing £3,250 each, a guitar signed by Liam and Noel Gallagher brought in £4,000, and a table at Ascot Racecourse reached an impressive £8,000. The support for the auction was breathtaking, demonstrating the attendees’ commitment to supporting the cause.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the annual Alan Pulford Award to Tom McNamara of McNamara Contractors Ltd. A longstanding supporter of the Lighthouse Club, Tom’s dedication was met with thunderous applause, a testament to the high regard in which he is held by the community.
The Sporting Lunch once again proved to be a resounding success, combining entertainment and generosity to make a meaningful impact. With plans for the 2025 event already underway, the Southern Branch is set to continue this fantastic tradition!