Inverurie Bowling Club Officials, Guest Speakers and Sponsors for the day
Inverurie Bowling Club hosted its inaugural Speaker's Lunch on Sunday 5th October. Master of Ceremonies for the day was Highland League Football legend Iain Thain, and he kicked off proceedings with a game of "Heads and Tails". More than 120 members and friends were then treated to a 2 course meal by local business Harry Fraser Catering Services. This was followed by an auction, where guests were invited to bid for some cracking items, all of which were generously donated to the club. These included a signed Barry Robson Aberdeen Football Club Replica Shirt and some Manchester United F.C framed memorabilia.
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It was then on to the main event, and Iain Thain introduced our first guest, former FIFA listed professional referee, John Rowbotham. John was an easily recognisable figure of the Scottish game in the 1990's, and officiated at 50 international matches, as well as the 1995 Scottish Cup Final. John described several real life tales, with an added twist of irony and humour, including some of his encounters with Paul Gascoigne and Heart of Midlothian legend John Robertson. He also went on to describe the nerve jangling moments he endured while officiating a crucial Scottish First Division match, the result of which was pivotal in affecting his beloved Raith Rovers's survival prospects in that division.
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John Rowbotham and Iain Thain
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John Gahagan has the audience in fits of laughter
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The microphone was then handed over to the final guest, former Scottish professional footballer John Gahagan. John enjoyed a distinguished career and came to prominence when he signed for Motherwell in 1979. Following his testimonial in 1990, he finished his playing career with four seasons at Greenock Morton. John went on to recall some of his favoured anecdotes in football, and also joked about many of his woes in life out with the game he loved. In particular, he went on to give an account of what it was like growing up in Maryhill, Glasgow and also gave the audience an insight into his many misfortunes he has experienced with women. It's safe to say that both speakers had the bowling club whipped up into a comical storm with their enthusiasm and hilarious narrations.
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The afternoon was completed with a raffle, before Iain Thain handed the floor back to President Kenny Gillies. On behalf of Inverurie Bowling Club, Kenny would like to give special thanks to the main sponsors, Universal Inspection Limited and Inspire Flooring - without their generous support, the event would not have been possible. Special thanks are also extended to club members Barry Sangster and Malcolm Mackie. They not only came up with the idea to stage the event, but also worked tirelessly to make all the arrangements necessary in order for the event to go ahead. Barry himself would like to thank all members who drummed up interest in the event, as well as getting the tables filled with guests and friends.
Below are a selection of photos from the day which will hopefully capture the atmosphere created on the day.
Many thanks to Paul Douglas Phography for providing these.