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Falkirk Gala Dinner a resounding success
Falkirk Rugby in association with the Bill McLaren Foundation deliver the social event of the year.
Friday 31st October 2014 was an auspicious day for Falkirk Rugby and will be one of those days, nights and wee early hours of the morning that will go down in the clubs history.
250 members, parents, players and invited guests arrived at the MacDonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa for what was the must be at social event of the year.
Many of the Falkirk faithful were unrecognisable, kitted out in their finest attire, there was not a muddy rain soaked garment in site, the women were as usual beautiful, the men not so much but then they were/are rugby players. However, the king of the threads went to none other than our master of ceremonies(MC) for the night, the larger than life Mr Doddie Weir who decided to parade his newest tartan attire, nicknamed by some of the other guests the "Irn-Bru tartan Suit". Only a man of his stature and self confidence could have got away with it, although a few choice names were called out by some of the speakers.to describe how he looked.
Checkout our twitter account to see Scott Glynn comment, brave man
The guests were welcomed with a drinks reception sponsored by the Famous Grouse and as they took to their seats the evening opened up with Doddie recalling fondly his memories of the great man Bill McLaren and yes "like a runaway giraffe" was mentioned. If the Voice of Rugby was with us today that statement might have changed if he saw that suit, as only Bill could do. As Doddie recalled some of his stories, it was as if you were transported back in time and seated in front of the TV and you could hear Bill's commentary, awe-inspiring.
Falkirk club president Matt Dodd then formally welcomed everyone and spoke about the Falkirk Rugby Academy and the clubs hopes of developing our talent at the club and just as importantly developing the young people through the values of rugby.
Linda Lawson (daughter of Bill) then introduced the Foundation and gave some inspiring stories of how the work of the foundation has helped so many young people in Scotland. Linda went on to describe the Foundations Bhubasi project in Africa and how it is transforming so many lives through the sport of rugby. Very inspiring.
After a fabulous meal, the guests were further entertained with the wit of rugby legends Rodger Baird and Jim Renwick who shared memories and tales of rugby trips and games of bygone years. Alas, poor Rodger was reminded again and more than once about being the nearly man and not scoring a try for Scotland. HOW did he not SCORE!!!!
The main raffle was drawn with 2 lucky guests receiving a jewellery gift from Hamilton & Inches – so that’s their partners Christmas sorted.
Scott Glynn then took to the stage and for once ditched his trademark Hawaiian shirt for a crushed velvet suit and we could hear a rhetorical Doddie giving a comment or two in the background about Scott's attire.
Scott got the main auction of the evening under way. Guests certainly dug deep into their pockets for the silent and main auction of the evening, for items such as Bill’s Big Sheets, B&B at Gleneagles and a week in Spain at a MacDonald hotel & Spa
As carriages arrived, it was well after the witching hour and the night came to a close with traditional Patricks of Camelon pies soaking up the beverages consumed. The usual suspects were the last to leave and they were joined by the big man who decided to re-invent his MC role, to a Must Conserve role and helped recycle the remaining bottles of wine, a true eco warrior.
On behalf of Falkirk Rugby and the Bill McLaren Foundation we would like to offer our sincere and heart felt thanks for the support of our guests and all those that contributed to this successful evening, we are eternally grateful for your support. INSPIRATIONAL
A special thanks to all the staff, Colin and Jennifer at the McDonald Hotel for all their help, along with Linda, Alan, John, Lindsay and Emma from the Bill McLaren Foundation.
Falkirk Rugby would like to thank one of our own for all the time and effort she has put into organising and supporting this special event. Whilst she has not looked for recognition, we feel it is appropriate to thank Jennifer for her commitment and drive in making this a fantastic success.
To find out more about the Bill McLaren Foundation or if you are interested in attending the Voice of Rugby event at Prestonfield on Friday 13th February 2015, details can be found on their website:-