You’ll see plenty of activity on the Forbes rugby oval today, as the club prepares to host nearly 900 people.
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The big marquee is going up for the 2018 Forbes Rugby President’s Lunch, which starts at midday Saturday.
A total 880 people were booked in for the long lunch at time of going to press, and everything was “ready to go” according to co-organiser Chris Sweeney.
The organising committee have had eyes on the weather forecast and have investigated cooling options for the marquee.
“It will be a really good day, I am really looking forward to it,” Mr Sweeney said.
This year’s special guest is Mick Colliss, who grew up with a dream of representing Australia on the sporting field.
How that dream became reality is not the story you might expect … but Colliss does promise a laugh out loud true story about mateship, having a go and never giving up, no matter what the odds.
One of the other features of the afternoon is the fundraiser auction, with the proceeds of two of the major auction items going to the Peter Murphy Foundation.
The foundation, to be launched on the day, will support locals in need – whether that be for sporting, educational or other purposes.
There’s a unique Forbes Platypi jumper on offer: it’s signed by those players selected as the best of the club’s first 40 years.
That honours list includes Dennis McGroder, Steve Betland, Randall Grayson, Chris Francis, Andrew Norton-Knight and Dave Hodder.
The recipient/s of the Platypus funds are yet to be chosen, if anyone would like to nominate you can contact Mr Sweeney.
Other major auction items, on offer to raise funds for the rugby club, include a 2017 Wallabies jumper framed by Justin Roylance and donated by Michael Cheika.
There’s a dinner for 10 at Ester restaurant in Chippendale and a dinner for 10 at Eat Your Greens featuring Robert Oatley wines.
Local artist Rosie Johnston’s painting “Kerry and Caviar” is also being offered at the auction.
Rosie has named the painting, inspired by her home and featuring flowers from the gardens at Wallah Wallah, for the books on the table “The rise and rise of Kerry Packer” and “Black Caviar” in the still life.
The day’s proceedings will wrap up about 5pm but guests are welcome to stay and enjoy the hospitality for a short time after.
