STARS TURN OUT FOR SHEFFIELD’S BIG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Stars of showbiz and sport joined top figures from business and politics to write another big headline on the pages of Sheffield’s proud history.
The 150 years birthday celebrations of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest football club, marked the significance to our city of two of the region’s finest institutions. In the biggest birthday bash Sheffield has seen for a long time, celebrities, dignitaries, captains of industry and politicians raised their glasses at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre to toast the important contribution they have both made to business and sport over the years.
The glittering evening was star-studded throughout. Paul Carrack - ex Squeeze and Mike and the Mechanics – performed live at the event and was even joined by Tony Christie for a unique rendition of ‘Is This The Way To Amarillo.’
England World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Roy Hattersley and Sports Minister Richard Caborn were the guest speakers at the dinner, which highlighted Sheffield’s role in developing the world-wide game of football and the business achievements from the city region.
Sir Bobby said: “I never imagined I would be here speaking at a joint dinner to celebrate 150 years of the oldest football club. It is a great honour to be asked to attend. Sheffield is a proud football city and it’s amazing to think such a small club has played such a big influence on the world. “I have always been fond of Sheffield and played a number of interesting games in the city. I believe that without question Wednesday and United will be back in the Premiership before long.
“Both are traditional football clubs which are run properly, have a great spirit and come from a city with a big heart and a huge fan base – these are the fundamentals any club requires to play in the top flight.”
Lord Hattersley said that Sheffield has transformed itself into a modern vibrant city but continues to remember its past historical achievements.
He said: “Sheffield’s traditional industries are important and special to what the city has achieved and what we regard as the city’s glory. However, we are now looking at succeeding in the future and what the city aims to become with the development of new technology, new innovations, new business and new jobs.
“The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is key to this development and helping to take Sheffield forward.”
The former Labour deputy leader, a well-known Sheffield Wednesday supporter, added: “Not many people may believe me when I say that there was a tinge of regret when Sheffield United were relegated from the Premiership.
“Hopefully, next year we will see both teams crossing the finishing line together hand-in-hand with promotion. Sheffield’s two great teams both deserve their place in the Premiership.”
Sheffield MPs David Blunkett, Clive Betts, Angela Smith and Nick Clegg were also at the dinner, along with the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, the Assay Master and the Master Cutler.
Others joining the celebrations included singer Dave Berry, ABC star Martin Fry, actor Ian Reddington who is currently playing the boyfriend of Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, boxing coach Brendan Ingle, Sheffield football legends Tony Currie and Derek Dooley, ice hockey star Ron Shudra and boxer Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham.
Before the dinner, more than 100 dignitaries attended the opening of the our150th exhibition at the Millennium Galleries. The free exhibition runs until May 26 and features a host of medals, trophies and caps from the city’s prestigious football history.
Sponsors for the dinner were Irwin Mitchell, Meadowhall, Business Link South Yorkshire and A4e, while the exhibition is being supported by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the Kier Group, First Group and Siemens VAI.