Michael Grahamslaw meets Jamie Graham, Chairman of Northumberland and Durham Lord Taverners
When was the Charity founded?
Originally in 1950 at the Tavern pub at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The Lord’s Taverners is the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity dedicated to giving disadvantaged and disabled young people a sporting chance. Prince Philip is our “12th man” and remains our patron despite giving up a lot of his charity commitments recently. Originally the regions were based on the first class county cricket grounds but this has now been expanded to 35 regions across Great Britian.
Which area do you cover?
The Lord's Taverners is the UK's leading youth cricket and disability sports charity dedicated to giving disadvantaged and disabled young people a sporting chance.
Jamie Graham, Northumberland & Durham Lords Taverners My Region is Durham and Northumberland but essentially the whole of the North East and to the boundaries of North Yorkshire, Scotland and the Lakes.
What type of fundraising events do you have?
We organise a full calendar including a Race Day, Golf Day, Pie and Pea Comedy Night and our famous Christmas party which traditionally is the curtain raiser to the corporate festive calendar. This years event will feature Darren Gough, Austin Healy and Rob Lee being interviewed by Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves with the whole event being compered by Doddie Weir. As always the event this year is a sell out.
Why did you get involved?
I have always had a keen interest in watching and playing sports. My father in law, Bill Ainsworth OBE, was the founding Chairman for this region and he took me along to a committee meeting run by the then Chairman Kevin Pattison, formerly of Handelsbank. I quickly realised it was a great fun charity with a great cause to be involved with and over time, I took an active role culminating in becoming Chairman myself 4 years ago.
What has been the proudest achievement during your tenure as Chairman?
Becoming the Lords Taverners youngest ever Chairman nationally gave me great satisfaction. Chairing the committee that last year organised a record Christmas lunch event which raised in excess of £42000, the largest sum Nationally made outside of the London Region. We have tried to encourage a more youthful approach whilst retaining the Taverners traditions and values. I am ably assisted by a strong and diverse committee including Treasurer Mick Thompson of KPMG, and Jan Mason, also KPMG, who is very much “the engine room” collating all payments and bookings.
How has your work helped disabled and disadvantaged children in the North East?
All money raised goes into a central pot from which any school or organisation can apply, via our website, for funding and equipment. We as a committee strive to make sure as much as possible all money raised in the region stays in the region. Its always a satisfying experience when you present the equipment to the schools and organisations and see how the donations will really help the children and the staff, the Large green Taverners Minibus being our flagship’ donation and really stands out when you see them on the roads.
What does the future hold?
More of the same really, with the increased demand on donations and ticket sales from companies and individuals. Because of other charitable organisations and foundations we will strive to strengthen and improve our current events as well as looking at possibilities of introducing further or alternative events throughout the calendar. I am confident with the current regional committee and regional supporters we will continue to go from strength to strength and carry on giving young people in our region a sporting chance.
Why should you become a member?
If you like to have great fun whilst raising money for a real worthwhile cause The Lords Taverners would be a great fit for you. It’s a prestigious high profile National charity to be involved with and one renowned throughout the country.
