2008-07-02 15:40:24 - Following the inspirational success of The Bunbury's 21st Anniversary night at Grosvenor House 2007, the raison d'etre for this year's celebration was in honour of the knighthood of Dr. David English's soul mate and Bunbury, Sir Ian Botham. The gala evening proved to be a stellar occasion, attended by around 1,200 and supported by numerous personalities from the worlds of sport and entertainment.

Having arrived in good time for the champagne reception, I decided to take up residence by the entrance of Aldford Suite as some terrific characters and long- term Bunbury advocates began to arrive. The guest list included Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Pink Floyd's Nick Mason, Sir Viv Richards, Allan Lamb, Phil Tufnell, Rory Bremner, Eric Clapton and Jeffrey Archer. Bill

Wyman was introducing the debutante Bunbury Charlie Watts to David English's legendary cricket club- and what a tremendous occasion to have selected for Charlie's induction! Bill was certainly his usual candid and friendly self in conversation, as David English oscillated between chats with Marie, Ian Botham's mother, Viv Richards and the many organisers, philanthropists and sponsors that comprise a supportive team in realising the surreal pro-celebrity cricket club. Our role model for the night was Sir Ian Botham, whose work as a sportsman, charity worker and icon of our times proved paramount to this honorary evening.

- A full report on the tribute at Grosvenor House, 8th May is now available on the Bunbury cricket homepage, together with a review of Eric Clapton's special concert: -

www.bunburycricket.com/pages/warren/articles/art08_greatestknigh ..

To find out more information about Sir Ian Botham's forthcoming charity walk for Leukaemia Research this October, please visit: -

www.bothamwalk.com/