Watford Football Club Community Sports and Education Trust celebrated its 30h anniversary with a Gala Dinner at Vicarage Road Stadium on Thursday (March 23).
A host of current and former Watford players were present, alongside Trust partners, local businesses, supporters and Trust staff (courtesy of a sponsored table paid for by The Bugler Group). The evening also featured the charity’s first ever Trust Champion Awards.
Michael Kurn hosted the event with stars including Luther Blissett OBE DL, Kenny Jackett, Nigel Gibbs, Steve Palmer, Alec Chamberlain and Richard Johnson watching on.
Adding to the Golden Boys buzz were current players Daniel Bachmann, Christian Kabasele and club captain Tom Cleverley. Other guests included Dean Russell MP, Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and the town’s Deputy Mayor Aga Dychton.
The Gala Dinner began with canapes and drinks in the Horizons hospitality lounge before moving into The View, with Community Director Rob Smith beginning the proceedings with a word of thanks to the supporters of the Trust and a nod to the legacy of Graham Taylor OBE which continues to drive this charity forward.
With welcomes complete, the night continued with live music provided by Bernice Clark, a three-course meal from catering company Levy, and the awards themselves.
The Trust Champion Awards - which recognised amazing local people who have been involved in the Trust and its various projects, activities and events - had been nominated and selected by those who engage with them directly; Trust members of staff.
All winners, categories and sponsors are listed below:
Sarah Priestley
Overall Trust Champion, sponsored by Mercer Hole
Alan Lau
Equality Champion, sponsored by PACAIR
James Lindsay
Mental Health Champion, sponsored by One Vision
Bernardo Lopes Santorum
Education Champion (11+), sponsored by Metro Commercial Printing Ltd
Antony Nolan
Physical Health Champion, sponsored by Herts Sports Partnership
Ella Fox
Community Champion (Youth), sponsored by Warner Bros. Studio Tour Leavesden
Colin Monet
Community Champion (Adult), sponsored by Watford Chamber
Frances Lynn
Fundraising Champion, sponsored by Rocket Graphics Ltd
Liam Fortune
Volunteer Champion, sponsored by Wenzels
Mason L
Education Champion (U11), sponsored by Atria Watford
Alfie Marriott
Football Champion, sponsored by Watford FC
Mercer & Hole, MK Ginder & Sons, and The Bugler Group
Business Recognition Award, sponsored by Watford Chamber of Commerce
With plenty to celebrate, once the formal part of the evening was done, there was time for guests to enjoy the DJ in the Horizons hospitality lounge.
During the evening, there was a silent auction that featured a host of Watford FC memorabilia, as well as unique experiences. This alongside the sponsorship meant a fantastic amount of money (£8,561.75) was raised for the Trust to continue its positive work in the community.
On the Gala Dinner, Community Director Rob Smith said: “It was a great celebration of our community and the important part we play in it – a fitting way to complete our 30th anniversary. I’d like to thank all our sponsors, those who attended on the night, and of course those behind the scenes who brought it all together.
“Thank you and congratulations must also go to all of our award winners. In truth, we see so many who inspire us every day but these people, in particular, have shown great commitment to the community and tackling any barriers they or others face with their everyday lives.”
