More than 250 guests enjoyed the 28th annual Swardeston stag dinner in a marquee on The Common.
Paul Nixon with Swardeston’s Nathan Taylor.
Guest speaker Paul Nixon, the former England and Leicetershire wicketkeeper, entertained the audience with tales from his 23-year career in the game which saw him lift three T20 titles and two County Championships for Leicestershire, whilst also becoming Club Captain and a fans’ favourite in the process. He was also part of the Natwest Pro40 title winning team with Kent in 2001.
In 2007, at the age of 36, Nixon was called in to the England squad and represented his nation at T20 and One-Day International level, winning a series against Australia and New Zealand, before starring in the World Cup in the West Indies, nearly pulling off an incredible victory over Sri Lanka after an 87 run partnership with Ravi Bopara.
Nixon retired from the game in 2011 after leading Leicestershire to the T20 title and a place in the Champions League T20 qualifying stage.
At the beginning of the dinner Gibb Denley East Anglian Premier League secretary Andy Abbott presented the league trophy and winners’ medallions to 1st XI skipper Mark Thomas and players.
The dinner was once again sponsored by the Norwich office of Brewin Dolphin and we are grateful to Richard Larner and his colleagues for their support over the last eight years.
It was also great to see our main club sponsors – Parson Woodforde and Aquaterra Energy – well represented plus many Norwich and Norfolk businesses once again suppporting the event.
Auction and raffle prizes were kindly donated by Kevin and Carol Cooper, Eaton Golf Club, Wolf Brewery, The Last Wine Bar and The Unthank Arms.
Catering was again superbly provided by South Hill Catering and it was great to have a Swardeston-based business – The Production Bureau – provide the PA system for the evening.
Finally a big thank you to Swardeston’s David Thomas who has organised every one of the 28 dinners – a marvellous effort and fantastic achievement.
