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BASS CHARITY VASE |
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ANNUAL REPORT 2003To Vice-Presidents, Committee Members, Patrons, Sponsors, Helpers and Supporters INTRODUCTION2003
was a very successful year for the Bass Charity Vase. Our
website continues to be developed and is proving to be a good way of advertising
the work that the charity undertakes. Ken Fairbrother will welcome any items of interest to be
included on the site. 2003
proved to be an excellent year for the soccer tournament. Combined with our
other activities it is pleasing to report that once again just over £10,000 has
been distributed to nominated charities. One
great disappointment came when after lengthy discussions it was agreed that
unless substantial financial backing became available we could no longer take
the risk of staging the annual firework extravaganza.
Sadly no sponsorship was forthcoming and for the first time in 14 years
the Bass Charity Vase did not organise Burton's major firework display. MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR / SOCIAL EVENTSSPORTSMEN’S
EVENING
This
successful evening held at the Hospital Social Club once again made a
significant contribution to the charity funds.
Many thanks to all those companies and individuals who supported the
event. All those who enjoy this
evening should not underestimate the hard work put into the organisation by
Brian Eccleshall. Thank you Brian
and I am sure that all supporters of this event will be pleased to hear that the
event in 2004 is scheduled for RACE NIGHTThank
you to Nigel Peck and Ollie Daniels for organising this year's race meeting held
at the Marston's Sports and Social Club. Despite
there being fewer race goers than in previous years this once again proved to be
an enjoyable and profitable evening. Many
thanks to all race sponsors and supporters and we hope to see you again in 2004. BANQUET AND BALLThis
very popular event on the Burton social calendar was staged at the Hospital Club
to the music of the Stapleford Big Band. For
many years now this event has been organised by Brian Eccleshall, and no one
should underestimate his contribution to 'Charity in the Community'. PRESENTATION EVENINGIt
is very pleasing to report that the hard work of our committee and supporters
has once again made it possible for over £10,000 to be given to good causes.
Thank you to Theresa Chell and all our friends at Rocester for their
substantial donation to our funds via the Donald Hill Foundation.
Once again presentations to those nominated by competing and staging
football clubs have been made at matches. This
is a tremendous boost to the Charity when our work is put on show before crowds
of supporters whether that number is large or small. Sincere thanks to the Directors of all the competing clubs
for allowing us to make the match day presentations, and for the hospitality
given to our members during our visit. Particular thanks to my friend Dr. John
Evans at West Bromwich Albion who initiated the idea of match day presentations
four years ago. Other presentations were made at the Hospital Club on 27th
November. This was a very
successful evening and we were pleased that the Mayor and Mayoress of East
Staffordshire, Cllr. Tom Dawn and Mrs. Pauline Dawn, together with our MP Mrs.
Janet Dean were able to share the evening with the charity recipients.
Thank you to David Twigg who acted as compere for the evening. MUSIC AND CAROLSReplacing
the Firework Display a day of Music and Carols was organised in the town centre
on 13th December by Olly Daniels and Ray Holton in conjunction with
members of the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service based in Burton-on-Trent. A
rainy morning fortunately cleared away and choristers from the Fire Service
suitably entertained the Burton public and Bass Vase ably supported by musicians
from the de Ferrers Technology College. Proceeds from the day were shared
between the Bass Charity Vase and the Fire Service Benevolent Fund. Thank you to
Olly and Ray for being the inspiration behind this new venture. ANNUAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT2003
proved to be an excellent year for the tournament with 5,000 spectators
attending all matches. These bumper crowds helped to contribute nearly £9,000
to our funds. Three
matches were staged at Burton Albion and Gresley Rovers and two games played at
Rocester F.C. Very many
thanks to Ben Robinson, Mark Evans and Alf Hawksworth for allowing us to stage
matches at their grounds. Fortunately
this year we did not have to resort to the drawing of lots to decide the
finalists. After a series of hard
fought and competitive games “The John Crowson Final” on 31st
August was played between Burton Albion and West Bromwich Albion. This very competitive game was eventually decided by a
penalty with the 'Baggies’ running out victors by 2 - 1. Burton were inspired by Glen Kirkwood's magnificent strike on
9 minutes, but unfortunately for the large crowd of home supporters were unable
to wrestle victory from their experienced opponents who for that game included
Irish International Goalkeeper Joe Murphy and such well known names as Lee
Hughes and Jason Roberts. The Bass Charity
Vase has seen many well-known figures participating in previous years.
Older members will remember Gary Lineker appearing for Leicester City.
Few watching this years matches would have known of Tom Huddlestone, who
during the season at the age of 16 has established himself as a regular member
of Derby County's team. It is good
to see these young players at the start of their careers and to all team
managers, coaches and players we thank you for supporting our tournament and
wish you every success in the future. Thank
you to all our referees for officiating at our games and to the members of the
Burton and South Derbyshire Referees Associations who acted as the Assistants
and Fourth officials. Finally I would like to take this opportunity of thanking our chief guest
Richard Jobson for being with us at the Final Tie and wish him all the best in
his new career with the Professional Footballers Association. To echo the words of Richard's parents it was nice that a
successful soccer career should end at Burton Albion where it all started many
years ago. Sincere thanks also go to all our sponsors in 2003
TRUSTEESI
wish to report to all supporters of the Bass Charity Vase that our Vice
President, Peter Fenton has relinquished his position of Trustee. Peter was one
of the prime movers along with Tim Ward and Ken Fairbrother of revitalising the
Bass Charity Vase Football Competition in the mid 1970's.
We cannot thank Peter enough for all his work on behalf of the Vase. Many
of his efforts have been behind the scenes and out of the public eye, but
without people like Peter Fenton the Vase would not have achieved its current
importance in the charity work that takes place in our local area.
Peter thank you for all you have done and we hope to see you at Vase
events for many years to come. I am very pleased to succeed Peter as a Bass
Charity Vase Trustee, and with my fellow trustee Ken Fairbrother will continue
to ensure that the work of the Vase is maintained. COMMITTEEDuring
the year John Cunningham and Pat and Paul Parker have joined the committee.
To them we extend a warm welcome and hope that your association will be a
long and happy one. Owing
to travelling problems Ann Tracey has reluctantly decided to stand down from the
committee that she has served since 1976. We
are pleased that Ann still comes to help at events and has accepted the position
of Vice President. Roy Burton (that
premier league merry Flag Waver) has also left the committee.
Thank you Roy for all your work, particularly in dealing with the
unenviable task of referee's appointments.
We wish you well for the future. For the past two years, thanks to Roy's
connections, Nike International have provided the match footballs for our
tournament which is a considerable help to our finances. PATRONSIn
2004 Pat and Paul Parker will operate the very successful Patron's Scheme. Thank
you to all our Patrons and I hope that you will be able to continue your
patronage in the future.
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