About The Jim Birrell Memorial Sports Dinner The Jim Birrell Memorial Sports Dinner was started by friends and family following Jim’s passing in 2005 after his battle with cancer. Jim loved going to sports dinners and attended many events over the years, enjoying the entertainment in the company of family and friends. His son and two of Jim’s close friends felt it would be a fitting tribute to organise a dinner in his name. The first dinner took place in 2006 with a top table of Frank Robb, Tony Higgins and Frank McAvennie.
The aim of the dinner was to give Jim’s friends and family an opportunity to come together at an event he loved. Over the years we’ve been entertained by some of the best speakers on Scotland’s after dinner circuit and the dinner has created some very special memories for Jim’s family and friends. Due to generosity of the dinner’s friends, we have also been able to support a number of national and local causes and charities and we are sure Jim would’ve been proud of what has been achieved in his name.
It was a memorable evening that raised over £9000 for the Maggie’s Centre – a charity that had helped the family during Jim’s illness. Despite a few issues with the catering - Frank McAvennie is still waiting on his dessert - everyone enjoyed their evening and hoped the dinner would be repeated.
This year’s dinner takes place on 8th March and will be raising money for the Dunfermline Foodbank and one other local children’s charity (to be confirmed at time of writing). Full event details are included on the next page. Items for both auction and raffle are always hugely appreciated and credit always provided on the night to those who have donated and supported the dinner.
In 2007, the dinner moved to the Civil Service Club in Rosyth, the dinner’s home every March since then. Many of the guests have attended since the inaugural event including some local businesses and we have also had many of Jim’s old friends and work colleagues join us after hearing about the event from friends or through the local press.
IN PICTURES
Jim Birrell Jim told his family he would keep going with the chemotherapy to ensure he could meet his first grandchild. Here he is with Robyn, the day after she was born in September 2004.
Fundraising As well as having an enjoyable night with friends and family coming together, the dinner has raised thousands of pounds over the years for a range of local and national charities and causes. (Above) Local press coverage from 2012 where Dunfermline Athletic players and manager presented the cheques to the Arran Brown Rainbow Foundation and the family of Mille McKenzie.
Plans are already underway for 2015 when the 10th Jim Birrell Memorial Sports Dinner will take place on either 7th or 14th March. Contact: Steven Birrell steven.birrell@me.com 07841 497315 www.facebook.com/JimBirrellSpor tsDinner
Meeting Macca Frank meeting Jim’s wife Margaret at the inaugural dinner, an emotional evening in 2006.