The VIP Lunches have been running since September 2015 and we have been royally entertained on each occasion with a classic COXA game on the hallowed turf at Norbury.
Well, our luck was due to run out at some point and unfortunately it was this weekend. Heaven (Croydon Council) and Earth (The County Road Pitch) were both needed to align for the game to happen and both failed us in the end, with the council leaving it too late to cut the grass, before 3 days of heavy rain at Norbury made the ground unplayable.

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This put our plans for the day on a more relaxed trajectory; a slightly later lunch of fish and chips (excellent I must say!), followed by cheese, biscuits and kindly sponsored bottles of port eased us into a leisurely afternoon. Then it started…. After some traditional ‘Fines’, Scotty rose to his feet and started us off with a few stories from the past. The laughter started to grow, as did contributions from many of those present including Mick Collins, Graham Hudson, Frank Barretta, Colin Garvey and Mick McLoughlin, the atmosphere was fantastic, each new story seemingly more hilarious than the last (or was it just me?).

Just after 5pm the Vets returned to the clubhouse after their 5 – 0 win, to be greeted by an ebullient VIP contingent who by this stage had made serious inroads in the remaining port. They were closely followed by the 1st XI after their 3-1 win, keeping them in the hunt for end of season honours.

At that point, with a full clubhouse it was decided to carry out the long-awaited return of the Clapham Hall of Fame (last carried out in 2013). Numerous well deserved past and present recipients would see their names finally etched onto the board. Scotty again did the honours, handing out awards to those who were present; Mick Powell, John Hickey, Mick Collins, Andy Brannon, Michael Garvey, Spencer McGuire and Mick McLoughlin.

Others who were unable to be there on the day included: Frank Hixon, Aiden Coletta, Matt Cefai, Brian Casey, Chris Taylor, Ted Hayter, Brain Sanders, Roy Hartnett and Chris Smith. All will be receiving their awards by post.

Congratulations one and all!

The evening continued for another few hours with past and present footballers basking in the glow of another great day at Norbury.

Click the Picture Link to see photos of the day. PICTURES

Frank Barretta