What an amazing day was had by all as 250 Barnes RFC players, ex-players, friends and guests attended this eagerly awaited annual rugby lunch at our new venue, The Montcalm Hotel in the heart of London’s West End.

Barry Williams was our MC, supported by myself and Kenny Worrall doing the auction and Martin Conway saying Grace. We also had a cameo appearance from fellow ’74 Lions tourist, Fergus Slattery who also spoke wonderfully.

Our main guest speaker, British and Irish Lions Captain Willie John McBride talking on the 40th anniversary of the 1974 Lions tour to South Africa, was extraordinary. At 73 he feels tough as granite still with hands like shovels and he regales us all with amazing tales from 40 years ago and made it feel like yesterday. I found out before the event that he had more Lions appearances than he played for Ireland (63) and in fact he had every reason not to be with us last Friday. His sister died on the Tuesday before the lunch and her funeral was the day after the lunch.

The word legend is too often bandied around these days but this great man is just that, a true rugby legend, a truly great and honourable man who lit up our lunch with his presence and words, and those there will never forget the experience.

As he spoke you could hear a pin drop. Five hours after the drinking had started every person in the room was quiet and enthralled and showed total respect for a giant of the game.

Thank you Willie John for coming and entertaining us and our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
You can see photos of the lunch here:

Gallery: http://archive.owenbillcliffe.co.uk/gallery/Barnes-Rugby-Club-City-Lunch-2014/G0000WrWpg6OlVV8/C0000_OSrdvlH4Fg

Put in the password: rhino

To download a photo in high resolution double click on a photo you like and then click the resolution you want and then click download. I will put this link on our website too later today but feel free to send to your guests.

There are 4 pages of photos and you will find the link to the following page at the foot of each page.

Thanks to everyone that came, we raised about £25,000 for the club which will go towards our plans as we build towards the 2015/15 season.

It was one of the most amazing days of my rugby life and I, and all of those who came, will never forget it.

Make sure you come next year if you didn't this time!

All the best,

Michael "Rhino" Whitfield