Grand day at Diamond Club Christmas lunch

Last updated : 11 December 2015 By CNS/RD

Today saw the annual Diamond Club Christmas lunch at The Ricoh Arena where around 240 guests were served a tradition Christmas lunch.

Before the lunch,Joe Elliott spoke to former club director and founder member of the Diamond Club John Clarke. Joe could not stay for the lunch as he and his wife, Grace had another commitment and had to leave early. Joe also spoke briefly to the club ambassador Mick Parsons about his role in promoting the club.

Joe, then introduced the Diamond Club committee members to the assembled members and thanked then for their hard work throughout the year. It was not all good news as he  reluctantly announced that prices would have to increase in 2016 in order to cover increased costs surrounding the Diamond Club lunches.

The gathering were told that former Coventy City manager John Sillett was recovering from triple heart bypass surgery and the best wishes for a speedy recovery  were passed onto to John.

An auction was held for a 20th anniversary edition of a brochure celebrating the 1987 FA Cup win, signed by every Coventry City player, except Brian Kilcline, although efforts are underway to obtain his signature. Using a bit of reverse thinking, Joe Elliot, who conducted the auction, asked Jim Brown if another brochure could be donated, whcih was given, so two were sold for the winning bid of £60 each. So £120 was raised and given to Pat Raybould for the Sky Blues Family Zone to help pay for the forthcoming Junior Sky Blues Christmas party.

The members were entertained  by Danny Ansell, who sang a variety of songs and played the accoustic guitar.

The usual raffle and bingo were held to help raise funds for the Diamond Club..