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SPARKS Patrons |
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Worldwide Golf TV commentator who took over the mantle of Henry Longhurst with BBC TV. His TV work follows a highly successful career as a pro golfer during which he won many tournaments and represented Great Britain & Ireland in the Ryder Cup.
Former Lions, England and Wasps rugby standoff. He was the lynchpin of his side in the late 1980s and early 1990s and one of the great traditional No.10s. Rob spearheaded England’s campaign during the 1995 World Cup. His last-gasp drop-goal that defeated Australia in the quarter-finals, one of the greatest ever moments for English sport.
Jeremy has been playing tennis since the age of nine and retired from the international tennis circuit in 1996 to become Manager of Men’s National Tennis. Ranked British number one from 1988-1995, six times winner of the national championships, member of British Davis Cup team from 1985 -1994. Jeremy’s highest ever singles world ranking was 54. He won the Korean Open in 1994, two Mixed Doubles titles at Wimbledon with Jo Durie and the 1990 Men’s Doubles at Queens Club with Kevin Curren. Jeremy often plays at SPARKS golf days and has a handicap of 12.
Centre-three-quarter in Scotland’s rugby side since 1986 when he and brother Gavin made their debuts on the same day. Now holds the record number of caps. Has performed with distinction in the Grand Slam success of 1990 and the World Cups of 1991 and 1995 when Scotland reached the semi-final and quarterfinal respectively. Toured with the British Lions. Scott annually hosts a golf day for SPARKS in Scotland.
Sir Alec Bedser was one of the founder members of SPARKS. He began his cricketing career in 1938 when he joined Surrey Cricket team. Played for England in the 1951 Test matches, managed the England team, member and Chairman of the selection panel. Sir Alec has a golf handicap of 14.
TV presenter on Children’s BBC, Angellica was nominated for a Bafta in 2002. Angellica is a keen SPARKS supporter she has run the London Marathon and Great North Run for SPARKS, modelled in both Fashion Shows and is a regular attendee of the Summer and Winter Balls.
Children’s television presenter Floella Benjamin was awarded the OBE for services to broadcasting – but it was her love for children which shone through. She once said: "I love working with children. It’s particularly gratifying because I feel I’m able to communicate with children of all kinds." She now lives in London with her husband Keith Taylor. The couple have two children, Aston and Alvina. She is best known to a generation as the presenter of the BBC’s pre-school children’s programme Play School, alongside mute co-stars Humpty, Jemima, and Little Ted. Floella now runs her own production company, and is Chairman of the film and television organisation Bafta. She has promoted the Commonwealth around the world, and sits on the government’s Millennium Commission alongside former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam, and former Conservative deputy leader Michael Heseltine. Floella is a loyal SPARKS Patron enjoys golf and will be attending the SPARKS 2003 Polo Tournament.
Roger Black represented Great Britain for 14 years at the highest level in the world of athletics; both as an individual 400 metres runner and as a member of the 4×400 metres relay team. He won fifteen major Championship medals including European, Commonwealth, and World Championship Gold medals. Currently Roger is a presenter for BBC Television Sport and an accomplished motivational speaker.
Life Vice-President of Thorpe Hall Golf Club, Captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 2000, and Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club from 1983 to 1999. Sir Michael first won the Essex Boys Championship in 1950 and retained the title in 1951.
One of England’s most charismatic cricketers of all time. As an all-rounder he played for Somerset, Worcestershire, Queensland and Durham over 20 years. Now commentates for the BBC and SKY. Ian has played in SPARKS golf days and has a handicap of 4.
Martin Brundle started his racing career in 1973 at the tender age of 12, driving a self-built Ford Anglia grass track car near his West Norfolk home. He has not missed a season in the subsequent 24 years. 1992 was Martin’s most successful Formula One season alongside Michael Schumacher in the Benetton Ford team, scoring points in 11 of the final 12 races, including five podiums. Significant awards include British Racing Drivers’ Club Gold in 1988 and Silver Stars in 1983 and Segrave Trophy in 1988 for "Courage, Imagination, Initiative" by land, air or water. Martin regularly attends SPARKS Clay Pigeon Shoots and generously donates some of his commercial fees to SPARKS.
European Ryder Cup team member who has made three consecutive appearances in 1997, 1999 and 2001. Darren represented Ireland in both the World Cup from 1994-1996 and the Alfred Dunhill Cup from 1994-1999 and represented GB & Ireland in the inaugural 2000 Seve Ballesteros Trophy. Darren is currently 9th in the World Ranking.
British comedian, television personality and actor who found early TV fame with David Frost and John Cleese in ‘The Week That Was’. Ronnie went on to become one half of the hugely successful "Two Ronnies" series, with Ronnie Barker throughout the seventies and eighties. Ronnie then starred independently in the TV sitcom "Sorry". Ronnie is one of Britain’s most instantly recognisable and well loved show business stars, whose many gala performances in cabaret and theatre have taken him all around the world. A loyal SPARKS Patron, Ronnie hosted a golf day for many years and regularly supports the charity.
Olympic Gold Medallist James Cracknell first won a gold medal in 1990 with the coxless four at the Junior World Championships at Aiguebelette, France. Seven years later he returned to the same lake in the senior coxless four and became World Champion. He has continued to confirm his place amongst the best rowers in the world by repeating this performance at the 1998 and 1999 World Championships. This was cemented in Sydney by winning Gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. James is currently paired with Matthew Pinsent, together they won Gold Medals in two events within two hours in the 2001 World Championships at Lucerne. The pair competed together in the World Championships in 2002 and will represent Great Britain in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. James annually attends the SPARKS Winter Ball and has competed in a rowing square mile challenge in aid of SPARKS.
Admired and well-respected athlete. Steve Cram won Gold at the Commonwealth Games in 1978,1982 and 1986. He achieved an Olympic Silver medal and 2 Gold and a silver medals at the European Championships in 1982, 1986 and 1990. Steve has set World Records at 1500m, 2000m and the mile. He began his broadcasting career in 1995 as athletic commentator for Eurosport, covering 2 World Championships and the European and Olympic Games. Steve is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 5 Live and has covered the British Athletics for Channel 4’s weekly Athletics Magazine show. In 1999 Steve joined the BBC as an Athletics Commentator. His media work includes writing for The Daily Telegraph and a weekly column for Sports First. He has hosted and presented FIFA Player of the Year Awards and presented Eurosport’s World Cup coverage.
One of the best flank forwards in World rugby, Lawrence has won League and Cup Club honours as Captain of Wasps, and was voted the RFU’s Player of the Year for 1995/96. Lawrence has captained England and Wasps and won the Five Nations Championship. Lawrence wore the number 8 jersey as part of the victorious England rugby team, winning the World Cup 2003 in the nail biting 20-17 victory in extra time over Australia. Lawrence regularly attends SPARKS Golf Days and the Winter Ball.
One of Britain’s top entertainers. As an illusionist and magician Paul has starred in many Royal Variety Shows and hosted several series of his own show on TV. Paul annually hosts his own golf tournament for SPARKS with his ‘beautiful assistant’ and wife Debbie McGee.
Lions and Wales wing Gerald Davies. One of the greatest attacking rugby players the world has ever seen, Gerald was switched from his original position of centre to the wing in 1969 by Wales coach Clive Rowlands on their 1969 tour of Australia and New Zealand. He toured South Africa with the Lions in 1968 and New Zealand with the famous side in 1972. His most dramatic try for Wales came at Murrayfield against Scotland in the 1971 Five Nations. In the dying moments of a furious match that had seen the lead change hands many times, he sprinted around the Scottish cover to score a try, which brought Wales within a point of the Scots. John Taylor’s subsequent conversion snatched a 19-18 victory for the Welsh. Captaining Cardiff for three seasons in the 1970s, his most famous performance for his club came in a 1977/78 Welsh Cup game against Pontypool when his four tries helped Cardiff to a 16-11 win. After helping Wales to their Grand Slam in 1978, Davies played his final game for Wales against the side he made his debut against, Australia, in June of that year as he captained the national side in their narrow defeat. After his playing days Davies went on to become a renowned journalist with The Times newspaper.
One of Scotland’s most-capped rugby players and one of the most accomplished hookers of his time. Colin also played for The British Lions on a number of occasions. Colin has a golf handicap of 24.
Until 2002, Richard was the most successful National Hunt Jockey of all time. Richard retired in 1999 having ridden 1,699 winners. High points in his riding career include winning the Grand National on West Tip in 1986 and Minnehoma in 1994 as well as the Gold Cup on Charter Party in 1988. To the racing public, Richard is best known for his partnership with the hugely popular Desert Orchid. The pair won seven races, including the King George VI Chase in 1989 and 1990. Richard ran the London Marathon for SPARKS in 2002 and the New York Marathon in 2001 as well as attending many Clay Pigeon Shoots, the Winter and Summer Balls and modelling in the 2003 Fashion Show.
World Snooker Champion 2002 after dramatic wins in the semi and then final against Stephen Hendry. Listed as No.3 in the world rankings. Former winner of the Grand Prix, Irish Masters and Regal Masters and a finalist in the 1996 World Championship and 1995 UK Championship. For a period of time Peter donated 10% of his prize winnings to SPARKS and regularly plays in SPARKS golf days.
"The Eagle" – British Ski Jumper. Well loved for his dramatic ski jumping in the 1998 Winter Games in Calgary. A keen SPARKS patron, Eddie cycled 850 miles from Inverness to London for SPARKS in National Bike Week and in 1998 headed the SPARKS Scenic Cycle for Life covering 1,146miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a tandem. Eddie Edwards regularly plays in SPARKS golf days, attends the Summer and Winter Balls and Polo Tournaments. ( to a handicap of 12 remove ) . Eddie is currently in discussion regarding a movie about his life.
Lions and Wales scrum-half Gareth Edwards is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Probably the finest half-back ever and the player who scored the famous 1973 Barbarians try against New Zealand. With 53 international appearances, all of them consecutive, a world record for his country and 20 Test tries, the No.9 is renowned the world over for his competitive spirit and athletic displays at the base of the scrum during Wales’ glory years in the 1970s.
Ieuan first appeared on the wing for Wales, Llanelli, Bath and the Lions. He wore the red jersey of Wales for the first time in the 16-9 defeat by France at Parc des Princes in February 1987. Going on to win 72 caps and score 33 tries for his country, Ieuan was a first choice winger on three successive Lions tours including the 1989 tour of Australia. Remarkably, his last game for Wales also came on February 7 – in Wales’ 23-20 win over Italy in 1998. Ieuan is heavily involved with the preparations for the Ryder Cup 2010 at The Celtic Manor, South Wales and will host his first golf day for SPARKS at the resort in 2003.
Nick Faldo is one of the greatest modern golfers. Faldo has won Six major championships including the 1996 US Masters, 1992 British Open, 1990 British Open, 1990 US Masters, 1989 US Masters and the 1987 British Open. Nick is on course to be only the fifth player in history to complete the grand slam of all four majors Sarazen, Hogen, Player and Nicklaus. Also the most successful Ryder cup player of all time he has amassed most points in the competition. His first appearance was in 1977 and he has played in the winning sides of 1985, 1987, 1989, 1995 and 1997.
Former British Champion tennis player in 1982 John was a semi-finalist in the French Open in 1981 and represented Britain in the Davis Cup from 1980 to 1985. John held the record for 20 years for the number of aces served in a match – 42 against John Newcombe. Now John serves on the committee of the All England Lawn Tennis Association and is Director of Events and Tournaments at the LTA. John has a golf handicap of 11.
One of Britain’s most versatile entertainers, Bruce has won seven showbiz personality of the year awards and appeared in films "Star", "Bedknobs and Broomsticks", "The Seven Deadly Sins" and "Pavlova". He starred with variety performances in the London Palladium Shows and on TV in "Bring on the Girls", "Bruce and More Girls", Bruce hosted a golf day for SPARKS for many years and plays to a golf handicap of 10.
Olympic Gold Rowing Champion at the Sydney 2000 Olympics with Redgrave, Pinsent and Cracknell. Tim won Olympic bronze in 1996 with the Searle brothers and Rupert Obholzer. Rowed for Oxford in the 1997 Varsity Boat Race and joined Redgrave, Pinsent and Cracknell to form a new four. They were unbeaten throughout 1997 winning all three World Cup Regattas and the World Championships. After injury Tim won his place back in the four in 2000, after stringent trials. To win Henley, 2 World Cups and finally Gold in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Currently coaching University of London. Tim regularly plays golf for SPARKS (to a handicap of 24), modelled in the 2001 and 2002 Fashion Show and attends as many events as his schedule will allow.
One of TV’s most entertaining sports presenter and analysts. John commentates for Channel 4 Racing and the "Morning Line". Regarded by many as the greatest jump jockey ever, he was Champion Jockey 7 times, won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, and has also written 14 books. John regularly attends the Winter Ball and annually hosts a golf day for SPARKS to a handicap of 16
The name Bernard Gallacher is synonymous with professional golf – he was a successful European Tour player notching up 14 victories, eight time Ryder Cup player, Head Professional at Wentworth for 21 years and, of course, Europe’s successful Ryder Cup Captain in 1995. In terms of golf experience, Bernard has few peers. Although now retired from his post at Wentworth, Bernard continues his enjoyable association with the Club and became Captain in 2000. Having recently turned 50, Bernard has begun a new career playing seniors golf. Although he is yet to record a victory on the European Seniors Tour, Bernard has had five top ten finishes and fully expects to win his first seniors title in 2001.
Well known cricketer who had a long and distinguished playing career as a Middlesex and England all-rounder and Captain. Mike appeared in 79 tests and 92 One-Day Internationals. He scored ten test hundreds and was skipper from 1986-1988. In all he played more than 500 first class matches scoring 94 hundreds, won 7 County Championships (3 as captain), 4 NatWest Trophies (2), 2 B&H Cups (2), and one AXA Sunday League (1). Mike hosted his own golf day in aid of SPARKS for many years. (to a handicap of 11). He regularly attends the Golf Dinner, Winter and Summer Balls and as many events as his commentating commitements will allow.
David Gower is England’s second highest ever runs scorer in Test Match history. His stylish play took him to 18 Test Match 100s and 32 Tests as Captain of England. Since retiring from cricket David has entered the world of broadcasting. He was a columnist for the Sunday Express for 2 years, Sunday Telegraph for a further 2 years as a cricket correspondent, and currently writes for The Sun. David is a resident team captain for "They Think It’s All Over". David has attended the SPARKS Winter Ball, Who’s Wine Is It Anyway and has attended many Clay Pigeon Shoots on behalf of SPARKS.
Currently SKY Sports resident soccer match analyst and one of the most highly respected pundits in the game. This follows a glittering career as fearless (and feared) striker scoring 224 goals in total. He was one of the first £million-men on signing with Wolves, capped 20 times for Scotland. Whilst at Everton he won a League Championship, the FA Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup, and a Charity Shield. Andy also played for Aston Villa, Glasgow Rangers, Dundee United and West Bromwich Albion. Andy annually hosts a golf day for SPARKS and has a golf handicap of 8. Andy regularly donates money to SPARKS most notably by starring on Who Wants to be a Millionaire with Richard Keyes where together they won £64,000.
Well known actor who found early fame working with Jon Cleese during his university days, on radio in "I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again" and on TV as one of the three "Goodies" with Bill Oddie and Graham Garden. For many years Tim was a regular in the BBC Radio panel game "I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue". His TV series include "Me and My Girl", "You Must be the Husband", "Marty" and "At Last the 1948 Show". Tim is a loyal SPARKS Patron, Vice President and trustee of the charity. He annually hosts a golf day for SPARKS and attends as many SPARKS events as his schedule allows.
Former West Ham and England Soccer midfielder who played in the 1982 World Cup and scored a customary headed goal against Arsenal to win the 1980 FA Cup Final for West Ham. Trevor currently presents and commentates for the BBC on "Match of the Day" covering all England football matches shown on the BBC. Trevor is a loyal SPARKS patron, Vice President and trustee of the charity. He annually hosts a golf day for SPARKS, attends the Winter and Summer Balls and has attended many trading days raising huge amounts for SPARKS.
Ray is coach to both goalkeepers in the Senior England Football Squad and many of those at different international age levels. His England goal keeping duties took him to Japan and Korea for the World Cup 2002. Former goal keeper for Liverpool, Spurs and England – winner of many League, Cup and European honours. Ray has also managed Spurs and Barnet and has been a commentator and analyst with ITV, Sky TV and BBC Radio. Ray is a loyal SPARKS Patron and Vice President and annually hosts a golf day for the charity. He attends as many events as possible and during his Year of Presidency in 2002/3 he donated a number of unique items collected from the World Cup 2002 which raised huge amounts for SPARKS.
Former World, European, British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion. John won the Commonwealth Games gold medal and the ABA Championship in 1970. He turned professional and advanced to World Champion in 1974. He held the title until 1978 and retired in 1980 with a record of 34 wins from 39 fights. John now uses his Liverpudlian wit and charm to entertain audiences at dinners and luncheons. John is a loyal SPARKS Patron and Vice President, he annually hosts a golf day, and has raised huge amounts for the charity during the many auctions he has conducted.
Bernard is one of Britain’s well loved actors on stage and screen. He has starred in a host of films including ‘The Railway Children’ and ‘Wrong Arm of the Law’ with Peter Sellers. Hit the charts with the comedy records "Right Said Fred" and "Hole in the Ground" and most recently starred in Coronation Street pretending to be a millionaire. Bernard is a loyal SPARKS Patron, Vice President and trustee of the charity. He regularly attends SPARKS Clay Pigeon Shoots, Golf Days and fishing tournaments for SPARKS.
England, British and Irish Lions rugby prop, Jason Leonard is currently England’s most capped rugby player of all time – he historically won his 100th cap in the 2003 Six Nations tournament against France and went on to even better things as part of the victorious England rugby squad winning the 2003 World Cup in Sydney during the nail biting 20-17 victory in extra time over Australia. Jason has played for Harlequins for over a decade. A keen SPARKS Patron, Jason has attended numerous events on behalf of the charity. |
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