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lol jeff, i think it was you who said i should do that to sir ian, i dont remember agreeing but then again there was plenty of free drink on board at that stage. If i paid up the forum would be too quiet

I remember an NCU Dinner in the 90's and the after dinner speaker was no other that the great Sir Fred Truman. I must say that if all after dinner speakers were like Sir Fred then 'bring them on'.
His speech was centered around the chraracters in cricket and he also explained to us what the 'Training Appeal' was. Brilliant story!! Does anyone else remember his speech?

RE NCU dinner unfortuately Dundrums dinner is again on same night but in my opinion that there is no need for after dinner speaker as id say 85% are their too see the trophies handed out and another chance too meet all their freinds from other clubs? Dundrums website has been hacked again so hopefully be back up again soon . PS TAYTO the reason ill allways mention YOU owning 40£ too charity is you had the BALL$ stand up an say too all in SIR IAN BOTHAMS q&a session in the free RSA TENT THAT U WOULD PAY SIR IANS CHARITY but then again TALK IS CHEAP .LOL

NCU dinner speaker - surely not?

Re the NCU Dinner.
I was involved for many years in obtaining the speaker for the NCU Dinner. We had some good ones (Mark Nicholas,Dermot Reeve, Mike Watkinson and Robin Smith come to mind) and some not so good ones ( eg David Gower and Steve Rhodes)
In reality it became a very expensive business as costs rose. Also many speakers did want to do a Saturday night Dinner and would mark up their fee. In view of the fact that the cost was putting £5-10 per head on the bill, the decision was made about 4 years ago to have a local speaker and we had the excellent Sean Crummey and Gerry Donnelly amongst others.
I have not been involved in the organisation this year but I can assure everybody that Michael Ridley is a very clever and engaging Speaker.
Maybe Lurgan and the Union could consider having their events over the same weekend so that the same speaker could do both - although it would be rather boring for anybody attending both!
Do the guys attending Lurgan (Alex Stewart, Graham Thorpe etc) do a speech or Q&A? Maybe Neil or Graham could advise.

Michael Ridley confirmed James.
That should pack the terraces!

Nice one James. We have to assume nobody goes to hear the speakers despite what the editor writes. I'm old enough to remember wee Victor and Brian White and they were very entertaining. Maybe there is no speaker this year? I haven't been to an NCU dinner for years and obviously there are a few others around like me.

Re Dinner.

Announced today, apparently its a former principal of RBAI which will doubtlessly spark a last minute ticket scramble.

Perhaps the Union should get some of the good folk from Lurgan CC to help them with bookings, because the guest speakers for the last few versions of their Sportsmans Dinner have been top drawer cricket personalities.

Are the NCU thinking of announcing who the speaker is at their dinner?
Or have they and I missed it?

jeff, are you still going on about that lol.

Yes it will be good to get a few derbies with yourselves and saintfield next season, i have to say i would prefer to be still playing in the premier league but it will add a bit of spice for sure.

ATTENTION all gamblers downpatrick races is FREE ENTRY this sat . Im goin run cricket /punters day fri 5th nov @ Down Royal if any one interested www.downroyal.com theirs great offer if booked early punters pack ( cant get this on day so book asap if keen )20£ includes entry /5£ free bet / hot beef roll/ glass wine or bottle wcd/ racecard/ and use off private marquee. so my plan is is we can get few interested we will throw in few £ an have winner takes all challenge ?ps TAYTO your excluded as u dont pay up even when we agreed with SIR IAN BOTHAM an i was going too double the cash just get you pay up but then BANKER$ are renowned for losing peoples cash .lol , pps looking forward too the derbys next year easy points for you or us ?

Robin,
Yes, I think about 1976, as the Shankill LC only opened then. ( Are you that old Robin ? - I always remember you as a young fella ! )

re Simon and Vanburn

here here boys,remember the indoor league well and a great way to pass a Sunday.Simon did it start in late 70s or early 80s?

To any cricket groundsmen wondering what do in the winter months you should have a look at www.pitchcare.com

It is an excellent website which will provide you with plenty of good advice/information on squares and outfields

Indoor 6 a side
Go for it guys!! Great fun, and the original "frying pan" is still in the attic (alongside a real frying pan with Dundan Fearnley motifs appended, courtesy of Mr Corlett who obviously appreciates the finer points of the game!!!!)