Last night, Bloxham hosted an evening with OBE David Gower, in which he gave an ‘Eve of Ashes’ talk, in support of Banbury Young Homelessness Project as part of the ‘BYHP Presents’ series.
David was a World Ranking No 1 cricketer and England captain who’s first class career stretched from 1975 to 1993. He was one of the most naturally gifted batmen ever and is still the fourth highest test match run scorer for England totalling 8231 runs, including 18 centuries, and played alongside the likes of Ian Botham, Geoffrey Boycott and Bob Willis. He has since forged a successful career in broadcasting and journalism and is now the face of Sky TV’s Test Match coverage.
The evening began with a meet and greet session in the ‘Green Room’ in which selected guests from Bloxham and BYHP enjoyed drinks and canapes with David, before heading to the Great Hall. After an introduction from Bloxham School Headmaster, Paul Sanderson, guests were entertained with an “engaging and funny” talk from David in which he touched on his career and prospects of the upcoming Ashes, followed by a Q&A session hosted by Wellers sponsor and BYHP Trustee, Simon Smith.
The evening was a huge success, with BYHP commenting that the evening was “exactly the “value add” type of charity event small charities need to do to raise funds”.’One audience member added; “David Gower hasn’t changed. As a batsman, he was elegant, relaxed, classy and graceful. He has shown tonight that this mirrors his personality. A wonderful evening of humorous and thoughtful insights of some of his illustrious career; as well as surviving his spitfire flight to tell the tale. David spoke candidly about his sporting career, a true gentleman spreading his word.”
Thank you to David Gower, everyone at BYHP and all involved in making this such a successful and inspiring evening. The total value raised currently stands at a fantastic ‘4,400. To view photos from the event, please click here.