On Friday 14th March Farnham Rugby Club hosted up to 400 members and guests at the club’s annual Sportsman’s Lunch.  The diners were joined by a constellation of rugby stars including the legendary All Black Sean Fitzpatrick, iconic Australian skipper Michael Lynagh and British Lion Martin Bayfield.  Martin is  also  a renowned  public speaker not to mention the body double for Harry Potter’s friend Hagrid!

This year the club broke with the tradition of booking a local venue and held the event in a marquee at the club’s Wrecclesham ground.

“I am delighted that we were able hold our key social event at the club,” said Chairman Geoff Robins. “To lay on what was a four-star event in a zero-star location is testament to the support for the club right across the local community.  I would like to thank all those that sponsored the event and gave freely of their time.”

The local catering businesses that supported the event include Dick Wright’s Lion Brewery, The Bull at Bentley, Bentley Brown Catering Hire, Humphries Butchers, Windmill Eating Rooms and the BBQ Shop. Graphix, Riverprint and BP Lightbrigade teamed up to produce the sponsor’s banners and the commemorative menu.  The guests were housed comfortably thanks to Carron Marquees, Key Floors and Loos for Do’s and they heard the speakers loud and clear over the PA system provided by SPS. 

“The Sportsman’s lunch is primarily a social event but it is also a key fund raiser for the club,” said Robins. “Given our campaign to relocate, we need all we can raise and so on behalf of the club  and its future I would like to thank those businesses that have supported this event financially in particular our prime club sponsor, Bourne Homes.”  Other contributors include CAD specialists Braylex,  financial advisers HFS Milbourne, building recyclers Comley Lumber, light industrial property developers Charles Park, HR consultants Capital Quality and GT Taxis.