Nobby Stiles visits the Priory.

At first inspection of the headline, one may be forgiven for thinking that another footballer had succumbed to the need for rehabilitation from a life of excess. The truth however is somewhat different. The Priory in question is Priory Seventeen, one of Christchurch’s latest and Greatest Bistros, offering a blend of Mediterranean and traditional English Cuisine.

The Priory restaurant in conjunction with Terry and Freda Baker from A1 Sporting Speakers, hosted and intimate fundraiser for The Murry Foundation to raise money for its orphanage developments. Guests enjoyed an intimate champagne reception and a highly commended three course meal as they were wooed by the trickery and mind reading skills of Samuel Kastrani, one of the country’s finest close-quarter magicians, and an avid supporter of The Murry Foundation.

The highlight, of the night, was arguably the appearance of Nobby Stiles, the only English footballer, along with Bobby Charlton to win a European and World Cup. Whatever Nobby may have lacked in stature was more than compensated for by his larger than life personality, good manners and warm approachable nature. One of England’s most decorated footballers ever, Nobby spoke to an absorbed audience about his career, its highs lows and everything in between.

Terry and Freda Baker, loyal supporters of The Murry Foundation provided memorabilia for the guests in a typically generous style and helped to raise thousands of pounds for the deserved causes. The intimacy of the event allowed guests to truly relax and find time to speak to Nobby who made sure he had time for every one of his fans.

As the hazy summer sunshine set over the roofs of Christchurch, guests slowly meandered home reflecting on a successful and enjoyable evening; one that will undoubtedly stay in their memories for some time to come.