David Gower scores high for Southampton-based Sailors’ Society

Date: 09.11.09 David Gower scores high for Southampton-based Sailors’ Society Over £15k raised for International seafarers’ charity Sailors’ Society The applause as former Hampshire cricketer David Gower sat down after speaking to 190 guests in the prestigious Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground was every bit as enthusiastic as when he reached a test century on the ground itself. Speaking about England’s Ashes win in the summer, with the first win at Lord’s in 75 years, and recounting his experiences as a celebrated Test Match Captain, David kept the whole of the Long Room spellbound for almost an hour. In excess of £15k was raised at the dinner in aid of Southampton-based international seafaring charity Sailors’ Society and sponsored by Brit Insurance, with 190 guests from the shipping industry coming together to support the international seafarers’ charity. Jan Webber, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Sailors’ Society was delighted at the amount raised and said: “The event was a great success; the funds raised will go towards worldwide projects supporting seafarers and we are grateful for the generosity shown by our guests.” “We were thrilled to have David Gower speaking at the event; everyone knew that this would be a memorable occasion, what more can you want – David Gower speaking in the Long Room at Lord’s about his career and the Ashes.” Anthony Forsyth, Marine Underwriter Director at sponsors Brit Insurance, said, during his speech: “A constant beacon to those at sea is the Sailors’ Society. The Society’s unconditional support for seafarers is so often the lifeline that no buoyancy aid can provide – the emotional and psychological wellbeing of individuals that is so vital for the team; that is the crew, when they are often so far away from home…. healthy crews, not just bodies but healthy minds are vital to all our businesses – alertness to avoid accidents, to operate machinery correctly, to run efficient ships. The Sailors’ Society is there in 100 ports in 30 countries providing that vital support – from enabling communication with loved ones back home, to providing food and recreational activities, to spiritual support onshore. We recognise that the work that the Sailors’ Society undertakes is absolutely invaluable.” Guests enjoyed a drinks reception held in the fascinating Lord’s Museum entertained by an accomplished string quartet, kindly sponsored by Weathernews.Inc. This was followed by a dinner in the elegant and historic surroundings of the Long Room, a charity auction and a live jazz band. Ends Words: 395 Notes to Editors: The Sailors’ Society is an international charity that provides a personal lifeline for seafarers throughout the world. Existing to enrich and enhance the well-being of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers, the charity offers practical help, emotional and spiritual support and, when in dire need, financial assistance and family liaison through our Port Chaplains and Seafarers’ Centres. Our Port Chaplains visit thousands of ships every year, directly addressing the needs of seafarers - irrespective of a person’s belief or nationality - as well as maintaining vital links within the Ports that they operate. For more information, please visit www.sailors-society.org, or contact Debbie Osborne at Logical Creative Marketing on: 0845 345 69 69 or email: debbie@lcm.co.uk Info about: Lords “The Home of Cricket” is renowned as the most famous and historic cricket ground in the world. The Long Room, hung with beautiful paintings and at the heart of cricket’s grandest clubhouse, is an opulent setting for our London Shipping Dinner 2009. Our guests can enjoy an ambience steeped in the history of the game, although you don’t have to be a cricket enthusiast for this Grade II listed building to give you a lasting impression of elegance and pleasure.