Former players join forces with current squad to support festive feast
Pompey players past and present came together to support a community Christmas lunch held at Fratton Park last week.
Current stars Simon Ferry, Ashley Harris and Jed Wallace came along after training to join Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Lynne Stagg and former players Alan Knight, Ray Crawford, Bill Albury, Lyn Powell, David Reid, Pat Neil and Mick Mellows, who all attended the event which was coordinated by the Pompey Supporters’ Trust.
With support from the Central Branch Supporters’ Club, Snows BMW of Portsmouth and the Shepherd’s Crook pub, which supplied the food, more than 50 old people and their carers from across the city enjoyed the lunch.
After the festive meal, the Military Wives Choir entertained the audience and Pompey mascot Nelson also put in an appearance.
One of the attendees was Gladys Thompson, wife of former Pompey player Bill Thompson.
Organiser Steve Tovey said: “This was a PST community event and we co-opted Ann Williams, wife of director Mick who was serving, to help organise.
“We had local elderly people attending, some from residential homes and some from their own homes. The event is for carers as much as the elderly people to show the club support work they do.”
The event was a huge success and it is intended to repeat the initiative next year.