Sir Tom Finney Night Reflection
Mar, 1 2017
~Thursday 23rd February 2017 at 7pm in the evening for the majority of us would have meant another evening in front of the box. For the attendees of those at UCLAN’S Mitchell and Kenyon cinema however, it would have meant spending an evening in front of a footballing hero from the box, the late great Sir Tom Finney.
It was £10 admission and all the proceeds raised went to local charities. The event included interviews with Eric and Peter, a screening of Sir Tom’s 'This is your Life' TV programme, a football quiz, hotpot supper and music from acoustic duo Ben Ainsworth and Darren Jackson.
Russell Hogarth, UCLAN Honorary Fellow, community ambassador and chair of the Creative Communities Group expressed these words of elation and the poignancy of seeing Tom’s son, Brian,
"What a tremendous evening we had in the UCLAN Mitchell and Kenyon theatre looking back at the life and times of Preston's most famous footballer “Sir Tom Finney.” It was delightful to see Sir Tom's son Brian making a personal appearance at the University to support his father's legacy”.
He also thanked the following people that made the night a success,
"I would like to thank my fellow UCLAN Creative Communities Group members Malcolm Rae O.B.E and Nigel Farnworth [CCG manager] for helping to put together a fabulous evening" .
Brain Finney responded with the up most gratitude and appreciation following an evening that recognised his father’s triumphs,
“I was delighted to be invited to attend the event and it was great to catch up with dad's former footballing colleagues and listen to them reminisce about the old days playing for Preston North End football club.
I'd like to thank Malcolm and Russell, the UCLAN Creative Communities Group and the Preston North End Former Players Association for organising the evening and for the warm reception and hospitality.”
Former PNE players Eric Jones and Peter Higham had the audience spellbound when reminiscing about the old days playing alongside Sir Tom in the 1950s.
Eric Jones felt proud to have known Tom and gave a notable accolade making him an influential sportsman for young people,
“It was a delight and privilege to have been associated with and encouraged by Sir Tom Finney, who was without doubt the greatest footballer we'd ever seen and a true gentleman.”
Nigel Farnworth UCLAN Creative Communities group manager reflects on the people attended, chief organisers, additional support and the refreshments provided on the evening,
“A capacity audience attended the event arranged by the UCLAN Creative Communities group in partnership with the Preston North End Former Players Association and supported by UCLAN Honorary Fellows Malcolm Rae O.B.E and Russell Hogarth”.
A special thank you to Dr Nigel Harrison, Executive Dean Faculty of Health and Wellbeing for kindly sponsoring the catering on the night and Foster catering and hospitality who supplied the wonderful food and service”.
Malcolm Ray O.B.E UCLAN Honorary Fellow concludes with an overall summary of the night and what it meant to each and everyone who was present,
“I Wish to thank the university for enabling this very successful event to occur. The evening was hugely informative and entertaining. Everyone present was struck with the ex players articulate recall of their life as footballers in the 1950's, along with their humility and their interesting comparisons with modern day elite players. Everyone present was a winner. We were entertained, informed and reminded of great memories and players and two worthy charities benefited from the generosity of those who attended”
Football certainly came home on Thursday 23rd February 2017.
^Alex Ashworth.
