After the success of our March meeting last year, we once again held an all-day social gathering this March which was held in the Kingston Suite at the MKM Stadium. On arrival in the morning, members could catch up with friends whilst enjoying tea, coffee and biscuits.
During the morning John Hawley very kindly returned to offer his opinion on antiques and items of interest which members could bring to the event. This proved so popular that there was a constant queue to speak to John from the moment he arrived at 10 o’clock until it was time for lunch at noon.
It was just like an edition of the Antiques Roadshow.
Also, during the morning, we welcomed back David Burns and our resident interviewer Richard Beachell interviewed him. Burnsy was a very popular radio broadcaster with our members and is sadly missed especially his partnership with Peter Swann and their coverage of our beloved Tigers football matches. Burnsy and Swanny were quite the double act and for those who were unable to attend matches listening to them made it very enjoyable with a laugh and a story thrown in. He said they had some fantastic times at away matches.
Richard asked Burnsy what he was up to now he was not on the radio, his answer was ‘plodding through life’. Burnsy can currently be heard on Hull Live’s 1904 Club Hull City podcast which the football club supports. He can also be heard on his music show on Monday evenings on Hull’s Community Radio Station, 107FM. It is entitled Burnsy’s Electric Circus and can be found on all platforms.
Burnsy had us laughing at some of his stories. One story was regarding his famous ‘four-grand jag’. He had been to New York with John Tondeur to see the Rolling Stones and on the way home from the airport the four-grand jag broke down on the M62. The traffic came to a standstill and when it started moving again the jag didn’t. They were stranded in lane 3 with juggernauts and cars speeding past on both sides which meant they were trapped in the car. It was 15 minutes before all four lanes were closed. That 15 minutes was the longest 15 minutes in his life. They were eventually towed to safety. What an end to a fantastic trip. He is now selling the famous four-grand jag not because of that episode he hastened to add.
Burnsy is passionate about the community and loves the local music scene like The Sesh. He finished by saying he loves watching his grandchildren playing football, it is a great joy to him.
Burnsy joined us for our buffet lunch provided by Tiger Events which as usual was lovely.
Following the interview Barbara took to the stage to announce that Gareth Roberts will be our guest speaker on Thursday 4th April. She went on to give a big thank you to Ernie for sorting the tickets for the Leeds away game. The ticket allocation guidelines for this particular game have made things difficult for him. So, thank you, Ernie. She then informed us that she is considering organising a pre-Christmas trip to a matinee performance of a Rock & Roll pantomime at the Leeds Variety Music Hall followed by fish and chips. It’s early to be talking about Christmas but watch out for more information.
As a group, we have always given to charities each year and Barbara told the members about the donations we have recently made. We have donated four TVs to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit, Ward 33 at Castle Hill Hospital. Unfortunately, the representatives from Ward 33 were unable to attend our meeting as there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the ward. However, Barbara read out a statement from the staff. Next, she told the members about the Tigers Trust Boot Room Project. The Tigers Trust receive donations of unwanted football boots which they clean and give to those who cannot afford to buy any. To make the collection of donated boots easy, they are going to position sponsored bins around the city. We intend to have two bins with the Senior Tigers logo on positioned at the MKM stadium for a donation of £100. This will also give our group exposure. We have also donated £200 to the Stepping Stones Homeless Project. If you remember at our pre-Christmas lunch we sold handmade table mats and gifts which raised £182 we rounded this up to £200. Trish Scott and her friends from Stepping Stones attended our gathering to receive the cheque. Trish Scott who started the project explained how they help the homeless in Hull move into independent housing. They currently have twenty-six houses and rely on donations to furnish and equip the homes.
Following our lunch John Hawley took to the stage whilst we waited for our guest speakers, Alfie Jones and Matty Jacobs to arrive. He talked about the antique trade and about his playing career too. John then very kindly drew the raffle for us which raised £405.00.
Alfie Jones and Matty Jacobs’ interview with Richard ended an enjoyable packed day.
Alfie and Matty had come straight from training, preparing for Saturday’s game against league leaders Leicester. Alfie said how excited they were to be playing the league leaders and were hoping to do the double over them. However, they both admit they needed to be more ruthless in front of goal.
Matty told us how it seemed endless when he was injured. However, Liam Rosenior showed faith in him and we have seen him play for the first team and has now signed a new long-term contract. Matty is really happy about this because he will stay in his home city. Hull City is in his blood as his grandfather, Geoff Barker also played for The Tigers in the 1960/70’s.
Alfie, who came to us from Southampton has created a brilliant partnership with Jacob Greaves. He said they bounce off each other and know how each other plays. He said it was a proud moment to be picked as the Player of the Year for 2022/23 by the head coach.
The Tigers now have a three-week break, which they said will give them a chance to go over things. They will be jetting off to Turkey for some team bonding which they both said was beneficial, but said that the training will be intensive, just like playing a game. On this trip, they will be accompanied by the lucky supporters who were picked to join the players. Both said how special it was to have supporters with them.
Pat finished off the afternoon by leading a big thank you to Alfie and Matty for coming to our meeting and that we were all behind them.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day although I was very tired when I got home.
Shirley Cormack
Pete Wilson with our great raffle prizes Richard chatting with Burnsie
Allen with John Hawley Barbara presenting the cheque to Trish from Steeping Stones
Richard interviewing Alfie Jones and Matty Jacobs Our members filling the Kingston Lounge
