New Zealand, D9930

Charity Fundraising Dinner with All Black coach, John Hart, 1997.

John Hart, All Black coach

The Club Bulletin, dated 8th May 1997, wrote about the event.

"Words can hardly describe what a brilliantly successful night this was. A great dinner, fine wines, an inspirational speaker, and finally an auction that exceeded all expectations. Kevyn Moore was a patient and tolerant master of ceremonies who announced to all at the end of the night, that thanks to enduing memory of Kelvin Tremain and his place among the immortals of All Black and Hawke's Bay Rugby and the generosity of Hawke's Bay people, the Trust benefited by $21,000, which was in excess of expectations.

 

Pam Tremain enjoying the company of Sir Russell and Lady Pettigrew.

Tables were  sold at $850 plus GST for ten people.

The evening, at the Assembly Restaurant in Hastings, started with hospitality and drinks freely issued to relax everyone's hold on their wallets.  This was followed by a magnificent meal with a cheesecake pronounced exquisite by Diane Howell. In the midst of the meal, guests were entertained by All Black coach, John Hart, whose eloquence and polish has banished forever the image of the old style coach whose speaking talents were normally confined to a few well chosen epithets for his players in the locker-room.

 

Colin Hay can sell anything. Mark Read and Kevyn Moore spot the buyers

And following the meal, auctioneer Colin Hay, ably assisted by a bunch of Rotary heavies, extracted over $10,000 from the assembly, who purchased over 50 pieces of rugby memorabilia, including yours truly who purchased a tie for $40, and then got home to find he already had one!! (I can always donate it back again at the next auction)"

Notable events from the evening were-

  • The address given by guest speaker, John Hart, who spoke about his experiences as coach, and paying tribute to Kel Tremain. He was introduced by All Black great, Sir Brian Lochore.

  • Carolyn Kilpatrick won the raffle for a return trip for two to anywhere in the South Pacific.

  • Sir Russell Pettigrew bid $1525 for Sean Fitzpatrick's autographed jersey.

John Hart in full flight

Carolyn Kilpatrick wins Air New Zealand's prize of a trip to Cook Islands

Richard and Diane Howell enjoy the company of June Adams while Clive was hauling in the auction receipts