News
08 Jan 2010
Selkirk is coming ... and a' that!
SELKIRK is set to play a starring role yet again at Manchester City football club.
It may be 55 years since Bobby Johnstone joined the Blues to quickly become a firm fans’ favourite.
But later this month a few more Souters will follow in his footsteps to entertain some of City’s top officials and fans.
Craig Douglas is one of six Selkirk speakers on the bill at Manchester City’s charity Burns Supper. He told the Border Telegraph: "We want to do Selkirk proud just as Bobby did all those years ago.
"There’s an oil painting of Bobby hanging in the directors suite, next door to the boardroom suite where the Burns Supper is being held.
"I’ve been doing Burns’ Suppers for a few years, including a few overseas, but this will be the best one yet."Manchester City’s general secretary Bernard Halford and his wife, Karen, have been organising charity burns suppers at the club for several years.
And the club’s links with Selkirk led to this year’s invitation.
Mr Douglas, who is the former chairman of Selkirk Football Club, added: "Manchester City have been up to play Selkirk a couple of times and I’ve become good friends with Bernard and Karen.
"When they asked if I could help out at the Burns Supper I jumped at the chance."
Bobby Johnstone wrote himself into the history books when he became the first player to ever score in successive FA Cup finals during his days at City.
And many fans still regard him as amongst the best players they ever had.
Around 300 guests will enjoy Tam O’ Shanter, the Immortal Memory and Address to the Haggis in the plush suite above the Eastlands pitch.
Players such as Carlos Tevez and Shay Given have donated shirts towards the evening’s auction - with all proceeds going to four charities, Oldham Cancer Support Centre, Willowood Hospice, Harley’s Trust and Harry’s Trust.
As well as Mr Douglas delivering Tam O’ Shanter, Fleshers’ deacon Robert Thomson will Toast to the Lassies and also Address the Haggis, Silver Band stalwart Stuart Kemp will act as chairman, the Border Telegraph’s David Knox will deliver the Immortal Memory and local businessman Elliot Henderson will give the Vote of Thanks.
Mr Henderson told us: "We have been invited to Manchester City as guests in the past and they are really nice people. When we were asked to help at the Burns Supper we couldn’t say no."
Jennifer Hammersley, who moved to Manchester from Selkirk, has agreed to Reply to the Toast to the Lassies.
And even local butcher John Nairn has been coaxed out of retirement to supply haggis for the bash.
