 The annual Book Launch dinner was held at the Culloden Hotel on 19 October and was a huge success. Peter Wood’s auction items once again were the real money-spinner – not surprising considering the quality of the items “up for grabs”, with Daniel Carter’s signed All Black shirt the biggest single earner at £2,700. The other items auctioned by Richard Livingstone from Mid-Ulster Auctions included rugby, golf, football and cricket memorabilia of the highest quality – no one item realized less than £1.000. A feature of this year’s dinner continued a trend which has been developing over the last 2 or 3 years – the presentation of cheques by groups of supporters from events and functions organized by them during the year. Their results this year totally surpassed any of their previous efforts:- £14,500 was presented by Adrian Kearney of Construction Register Ltd from the auction at their own dinner - as seen above with Willie John McBride and Dr Jack Kyle. £13,000 was presented by Colin Anderson as a result of the second sailing of the Wooden Spoon Yacht Squadron on Strangford Lough. £11,000 was presented by Graham Hunter of Hunter Apparel Solutions Ltd from their Golf Day at Ballyliffen Golf Club (as seen at left).
 The Ulster Committee of Spoon really appreciate the tremendous support given by these 3 organisations. Our thanks are also due to those who supplied ballot prizes and advertised in the menu card. Their generosity helped us to achieve the record amount raised at this year’s dinner. The Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment (seen at right) entertained us again this year – a truly unique event – and a framed “Certificate of Appreciation” was presented to them in recognition of their performances at our dinners for the past 10 years.Our speakers this year were Ray McLoughlin, British Lion and ex ~Ireland Captain and Gene Fitzpatrick, local entertainer extraordinaire – both of whom contributed greatly to the enjoyment of everyone present. We now look forward to next year’s dinner, which has already been booked at The Culloden Hotel on 18/10/07 – several tables have already been reserved – and paid for!
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