2023 With David Gower

and Kevin Connelly

The evening was a resounding success, with our two speakers at the top of their game!

David Gower, arguably one of England cricket’s finest captains and players,

recalled some amusing anecdotes from his time as England’s captain and talked with a consummately relaxed style about his time with the greats of the game, like Sir Ian Botham. He was ably supported by Kevin Connelly, whose impressions were stunningly accurate. We lost count of the number of voices, all brilliantly funny!

Thank you to all who attended and gave generously to the raffle and auction to help Rotary raise funds for local charities. Final total to be announced in due course.

2022 with Steve Davis and Gary Marshall

The 2022 Charity Dinner was a great success, with 240 guests raising an amazing £7500 for local charities.

A big thank you to our terrific speakers, Steve Davis and Gary Marshall and thanks to everyone who attended, supported, donated and helped to organise another night to remember.

As one of our guests told us: "What a great night it was. Two great acts all made for a fantastic evening with some great company."

Back in the day....

The first Charity Dinner took place on Wednesday 24th April 1974 and was organised by Kettering Round Table. For over 40 years the evening has provided fantastic entertainment for thousands of people, while raising a huge amount of money that has supported local charities in many different ways.

For the past few years is has been jointly organised by Kettering and Kettering Huxloe Rotary Clubs. One Club meets at lunchtime and the other in the evening. You can find out more about the two Clubs in the section About Rotary.

It is estimated that the event has raised well over £300,000 in total.

The money raised has been used to support a wide range of local charities - you can see more about who we have helped by taking a look at our 'Who we support' section.

A host of well-known and well-loved celebrities have spoken at the event over the years. Early speakers were Cricket commentators Brian Johnson and Trevor Bailey and the 1966 World Cup commentator, Kenneth Wolstenholme followed shortly afterwards.

Entertainers Willie Rushton and Robert Morley were also among the early speakers too while we have also seen a number of ‘Sir’s’ on the top table with Sir Colin Cowdrey, Sir Henry Cooper and Sir Bobby Charlton helping to raise large amounts.

Other speakers have included John Conteh, Peter Osgood, Dennis Law, Tommy Smith, David Lloyd, Geoff Miller, Duncan McKenzie, Billy Beaumont, Nobby Stiles, Gordon Banks, Phil Bennett, Peter Shilton, Paul Merson, Graham Poll, Martin Johnson, Barry Fry and Jackie Charlton.