Almost 150 Newtonians packed the Big Club on 2nd November as darts legend Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham and ex-Rangers and Scotland international goalkeeper Andy Goram joined forces for a charity sportsman’s evening.
The night began with a few hopeful punters taking their chance at the Oche against the Viking when spurred on by the crowd, the big fella remained victorious. A good old fashioned pie and pea supper kept hunger at bay. As the beer flowed, the audience roared with laughter as Goram told tales of the days he lost to drink and capers he got up to along the way with Ally McCoist and the legendary Gazza.
Comedy by local lad and compere Steve Walls led the evening to a grand finale, an exhibition match between Phil Nixon aka The Ferryhill Flyer and The Viking. On home turf and spurred on by his own very vocal supporters, it was The Ferryhill Flyer who took the glory.
The generosity of local businesses and individuals made for a charity auction jam-packed with top sporting memorabilia including signed Sunderland, Darlington, Chelsea and Newcastle shirts, as well as a signed Chelsea football which sold for a whopping £150!
The event, organised by local lads Michael Rippon and Robert Scott, the event was arranged to raise funds for two local charities; the Just Say Yes Fund and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. With the final sum raised reaching £1,850 there’s no doubt many have already been asking “When’s the next one?!”
Jaime Hume, representative for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, “Sincere thanks from the charities go to those who organised, donated and bought a ticket to make the night such a success.”
Michael and Robert would like to thank the Big Club for the use of the facilities, the Huntsman and Turbinia for their help in organising the darts equipment, Walker’s butchers for providing the pie and peas and Newton Press for the printed materials.
Finally, big thanks to all our family and friends for their assistance in making the night such a great success!
