Final Testimonial Dinner a Great Success

Over 100 friends, supporters and volunteers joined Rob, Sarah and Estelle Purdham at his final Testimonial Event, for an enjoyable and entertaining evening, a Dinner held at and sponsored by the Lensbury on Saturday, 28th January 2012. 

Notable guests were main speaker Sky Sports Stevo (Mike Stephenson), MC Andy Whitelam formerly of the RFL and Sky Sports, together with London Broncos Chairman and Owner David Hughes, 18 of the current London Broncos Super League Squad, Head Coach Rob Powell, Assistant Coach Latham Tawhai, Kit Manager Steve Magee, many of the London Broncos / Harlequins RL current and former off field staff together with other notable guests and longstanding fans of Rugby League and the Purdhams.

The Drinks Reception was against a background of Liaisons UK excellent Memorabilia display / Silent Auction and Rob’s career highlights DVD produced by Sky Sports. All sat down in the Lensbury Thames View Suite ready to applaud the entrance of the Purdhams for the three course dinner and formal proceedings.

MC Andy Whitelam commenced with an outline of the evening and “Heads and Tails” for some cash prizes, everyone entered into the spirit of the event and gave generously to Rob’s Raffle. The splendid three course dinner was interspersed with speeches from Andy Whitelam, David Hughes recognising Rob’s outstanding career on and off the pitch, supported throughout by Sarah.

The whole event was great fun, but in particular two contributions stood out and made many howl with laughter, the first was the Andy Whitelam locker room interview of Luke Dorn, Chad Randall and Jason Golden, naturally praising Rob’s playing and leadership talents, plus details of his physical prowess and habits, which could only be known by those who have played with him or know him intimately. Finally the main speech recognising Rob’s career was provided by Stevo who contrasted today’s players with his experiences of his playing days which reduced many present to tears of laughter.

Rob Purdham closed the official proceedings with thanks to all and an insight to his new life as a farmer and father in Cumbria, then all retired to the bar to reminisce into the small hours, as many guests stayed overnight at the Lensbury. As Rob said, a few were a little “Dusty” on Sunday morning, but all agreed Rob, Sarah and Estelle Purdham had been properly recognised and celebrated ahead of their new life in Cumbria.

For photographs of this Event, please see this link to Robert Purdham Testimonial Dinner Photos