Saving Cricket @ Jesmond Fund-raising Dinner - report

Friday October 22nd 2004, St James’ Park, Newcastle

An auction of rare collectors’ items – including an oil painting of Sir Bobby Robson signed there and then – was the finale to a night to remember for cricket fans who’ve spent this year campaigning to save Jesmond’s historic cricket ground.

The Dinner at St James’ Park heard Sir Bobby Robson declare his support: “When I heard about the plight of trying to save cricket at Jesmond, I had to join. I wish the people who play cricket at Jesmond all the luck in the world.”

He recalled playing and watching in his teens before leaving the region to become a professional footballer. “Maybe if I haven’t got a job I might go to South Africa in December to watch the MCC.”
Sir Bobby spoke with deep affection of the talented players he had coached throughout his long career in football.

The best ? Ronaldo.

“He was the most exciting player I have ever seen in my life. Whatever was in front of him, he could just go through it. He was unspoilt, hungry, a beautiful physique.” And one other attraction ? “He called me Mister. I liked that. I’ve been called much worse since!”

But despite these highlights of his overseas career high spots, he was happy to return full circle 50 years on to the area he left as a youth. “I’m a Durham lad, my wife’s a Durham lass, we came back to the village where we went to school, the village where my wife and I were married. The last five years have been sensational, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

With a standing ovation marking his arrival and his departure – that enjoyment was echoed by his many fans around the room.

For further details read the November 2004 newsletter. [doc] [pdf]

All proceeds go to the Saving Cricket @ Jesmond campaign.