Testimonials
On behalf of Greenock Morton FC, I am delighted to write a few lines immediately after our recent Sportsman's Dinner which was held in the Greenock Town Hall.
Many thanks to Phil at After Dinner Speakers4u for organising Big Ron Atkinson who was absolutely fantastic. Big Ron thrilled a packed Town Hall of over 350 guests with his hilarious stories in abundance which had us all truly enthralled!
We cannot speak highly enough of the Big Man who mixed with everyone before and after the Dinner and never tired of signing autographs or photo calls.
From the time of booking, Phil made the whole experience seamless and many thanks to him for his help and advice.
I will be speaking again to them in a few months for next year.
Crawford Rae (Director), Greenock Morton FC (May 2008)
Our Gentleman's Evening proved to be a huge success. We have yet to finalise the accounts but we will have raised a significant amount in support of local charities.The speakers were excellent.
John McGovern spoke extremely well on his football career and we are sure that his name contributed to the success of our ticket sales with 173 people in attendance. A large part of his career was with Nottingham Forest so he is something of a local hero.
An overheard conversation:
" I can't believe that the man who lifted the European Cup and worked with Brian Clough is actually sat in front of me."
He spoke extremely well and was received with great enthusiasm.
Jamie Sutherland pitched his routine just right. I was happy to be the focus of some of his humour, the price I pay for getting older and wearing a scarlet velvet jacket (as MC I hasten to add, I am usually more conservative in my attire). He had the audience laughing all the way through. I believe that John and Jamie have worked together before.
I can highly recommend them both as individuals and, dare I say it, as a package. They complement each other well.
Many thanks also for your input.
Your advice was well received and everything that was promised happened and went off without a hitch. I was particularly impressed with the constant communication, prior to and after the evening.You will definitely be my first call for our next guest speaker event.
Best regards,
Keith Ryan, The Rotary Club of Mansfield (Jan 2008)
Just few words to thank you for the last minute booking Friday the 30th of November 2007, you did a great job providing us with a replacement in less than 2 hours for our corporate party after a comedian booked previously called sick. The comedian you sent us, Johnny Tait, did a great job and entertained our party with brio and a vast sense of humor. I have recommended Johnny Tait to our corporate & event department and asked them to book Johnny for further events.
Thank you so much again for your help and efficiency,
Jean-Christian Jury, Managing Director, MOTOWN CAFÉ Leicester Square (Dec 2007)
"Anybody who has organised a Sportsman's Dinner knows the most important decision that has to be made is the choice of the speaker. This is where the experience of Phil Payne from After Dinner Speakers4u was invaluable. After carefully considering our requirements, Phil recommended Graham Gooch. From that point on Graham's booking was confirmed quickly and efficiently and leading up to the dinner Phil kept in close contact with me to finalise the arrangements for Graham to attend the event. As promised, Graham was a highly entertaining speaker, whose natural warmth came across clearly. He successfully blended his funny cricket anecdotes with a number of great jokes so that even those in the audience with limited knowledge of the sport were kept entertained. It was a pleasure to make Graham's acquaintance and I would highly recommend him as a speaker, even if audience were not to comprise of cricket fans. I would also highly recommend After Dinner Speakers4u on the basis of both their friendly and efficient service and also their expertise in the after dinner speaking business."
Eddie Kelsall Fund Raising Chairman for Hull Round Table (Nov 2007)
I am writing to thank you for your assitance in arranging our guest speaker Joey Jones at our sponsors sporting dinner evening here at Yeovil Town FC last friday. Joey spoke for approx 40 minutes and was very interesting and funny from start to finish. I have received numerous comments from our guests saying how much they enjoyed themselves and stating that this was one of the best events they had been to.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to any sporting event/organisation and will certainly consider in using your agency in the future.
Dave Linney, Commercial Manager, Yeovil Town FC (Nov 2007)
I would just like to say 'Thank You' after our recent sportsman's dinner. The evening was a massive success, enjoyed by all. The feedback that I have received is absolutely unbelievable, all reserving tables for next year!
I can honestly say that this was all down to you, Alex Stepney and Jamie Sutherland, all true professionals that made the night go like clockwork. From the very first phone call to yourself until the end of the night, everything was handled with such professionalism that it made organising the event so easy.
Alex was a true gent who mixed with all the guest form the moment he arrived until after midnight.His stories were fantastic, a true legend !
Jamie was also fantastic who had the place in fits of laughter. He was also a true gent, doing the raffle, bingo and auction with Alex.
I would definitely recommend After Dinner Speakers4u to anybody who is thinking of fund raising events. An excellent, efficient business, that obviously cares about their customers.
Thanks again Phil, I will be touch regarding a future event.
Paul Cunliffe, Bury Amateur FC (Oct 2007)
Jimmy Tamley is a 'top draw' entertainer/ventriloquist. He had our after dinner audience rolling about from start to finish! Jimmy as an experienced entertainer quickly knew what made this audience buzz. He then with his colourful array of dummies (a monkey, boxer, Grandad etc) and face masks interacted and delivered non-stop humour that was well received.
You cannot go wrong with this great entertainer.
Ian Bernard - Chairman CIWEM CSB (Oct 2007)
Sally Kettle - a dynamic adventurer who did something most of us would only dream about - then she did it again! At our CIWEM Annual Dinner, Sally delivered a humourous, motivational and inspirational speech, which had the audience in awe at her double achievement of rowing the Atlantic twice, raising many thousands of pounds for charity. The first occasion was with her mother and the second with an all ladies crew. The audience drew breath at some of the 'events' that took place on her trips, which sally described in graphic detail.
I can fully recommend Sally Kettle as an inspirational entertainer!
Ian Bernard - Chairman CIWEM CSB (Oct 2007)
Just a short note to thank you for arranging Phil Hoyle’s ‘Tommy Cooper Experience’ for my wife’s 60th Birthday at Church Stretton Golf Club.
Your excellent communications, keeping us well informed running up to the event, was much appreciated.
Phil’s performance was the highlight of the night and it kindled many fond memories of Tommy Cooper among those present.
Without hesitation I would thoroughly recommend both Phil’s Tommy Cooper tribute along with After Dinner Speakers4u for anyone organising a similar event.
Thanks to you both
Mr Adrian Diver, Church Stretton, Shropshire (Nov 2007)
I write to you with regard to our recent Golf day at Mannings Heath Golf Club, Horsham, Sussex.
I would like to thank you for your help in providing us with a very amusing and versatile comedian in Russ Williams. Russ was very popular with our guests, provided great entertainment and was a pleasure to be with throughout the evening. All our guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves and Russ proved to be a great end to what was a great day.
Once again thank you for your support, I will have no hesitiation in recommending both Russ Williams and After Dinner Speakers4u to people in the future and indeed using you for any further events Morrison may have.
A P Gosnold Area Director, Morrison Utlity Services (June 2007)
In response to our recent National Panel Conference for Referees in June 2007, I would like to thank you for the recommendation of Sally Kettle as a motivational speaker. Sally was a lively and energetic presenter who enthralled the audience with her impressive tales. Funny, engaging and someone whose determined approach had achieved excellence in the face of adversity.
Delegate's comments included:
"a most interesting tale"
"A story recounted in an amusing and engaging manner.
"outstanding speaker, and a pleasure to listen to"
"excellent, best speaker of the whole conference"
Sally adapted quickly to the audience and supported her tales with pictures that enhanced her performance.
I would fully recommend Sally Kettle who was excellent booked through After Dinner Speakers 4 u.
Steve Savage, RFU, (June 2007)
Just a quick note to thank you for all your help and support in organising Aaron James to be our after dinner speaker at the above event. He was extremely well received, many people went out of their way to say that they hadn't laughed so much for years!
Of special note, I must say that the content of his act was exemplary and bearing in mind that it was a men's night it would have been very easy to resort to somewhat 'blue' content and yet it was quite the contrary - I can't even recall a single swear word.
Thank you once again and I won't hesitate in recommending both your service and Aaron to others running similar functions.
Best regards,
Phil Churchill, Club Captain Surrey Downs Golf Club (June 2007)
Graham Gooch was excellent and even better than I anticipated. He is a natural speaker and is able to relate to all manner of audiences. We had a mixture of ages, sexes and business sectors at both our Business Lunch and the Golf Tournament and meal and he perfectly adjusted his talk to suit. He is informative, highly amusing and full of wonderful anecdotes. I have personally received much positive feedback for my event and a large part of this is surely down to Graham Gooch. I would recommend him heartily!"
Emma Webber, Attik Events, Taunton (May 2007)
On behalf of Malton & Norton Round Table, I would like to thank you very much for organising at quite short notice Eric Jones as our MC and after dinner speaker for our recent 50th Charter Dinner Evening. He was excellent and truly made the evening a complete success.
Paul A Schothern, Malton & Norton Round Table (March 2007)
I am writing on behalf of the members of Truro Golf Club to record our enjoyment of Stewart Masters who was our guest speaker/comedian for the Annual Winter League Dinner on Fri 16 March. Stewart is an excellent entertainer who swiftly understood the audience and then proceeded to entertain us with an hour of original and highly amusing anecdotes, stories and jokes. All members to whom I have spoken thoroughly enjoyed the evening and are loud in their praises for an excellent speaker. I would be grateful if you could pass on our thanks for a most enjoyable evening. Many thanks also to you Phil at After Dinner Speakers4u for providing a very suitable act at quite short notice, many thanks indeed.
Hugh Leicester, Manager, Truro Golf Club (March 2007)
Hello, just a few lines of thanks to you at After Dinner Speakers4u who were very professional and helpful from start to finish. You were extremely easy to deal with and very reliable, I would thoroughly recommend them and will definately be using them again in the future. Mike Watkinson was excellent. He had some interesting, up to date, funny stories that appealed to our mixed audience. He worked well with the audience and would be a great speaker for any sporting dinner, not just cricket. Thanks very much indeed.
Nick Fawcett, Moorlands School, Leeds (March 2007)
Just a quick letter just to say thanks for your part in organising our sportsman's dinner on the 2nd of March 2007. Paul Parker our main speaker was awesome! One of the best we have had over the past 10 years. He was interesting, funny and a pleasure to be in the company of, and not many of our guest speakers over the years have sat down to a standing ovation….
The Comedian/Compere Jamie Sutherland was also very well received and very professional in his work, He kept the evening going and helped in raising the club just over £400 on the auction items we had, and again he was very easy to deal with… I would have no hesitation in recommending Paul or Jamie to anyone looking to organise an event such as a sportsman's dinner. I would also recommend the use of your services Phil at After Dinner Speakers 4u, you kept in touch and always had time to help and arrange speakers to within our tight budget. I had all my worries washed away on the day of the event when you very kindly rang me with an update and then both Paul and Jamie rang me to confirm time of arrival etc, this really is a bonus as it puts your mind at rest and you can get on with worrying about other things… Cheers Phil and I hope to speak to you soon to sort out our next event…again, many thanks for an excellent all round service.
David Flounders, Treasurer Barrowford Cricket Club (March 2007)
At the time of getting in touch with After Dinner Speakers 4U we were less than 3 weeks away from our Annual Presentation Evening and had been let down at the last minute. I had been quoted some prices elsewhere that were not far short of extortionate and the panic was setting in. How pleased I was to come across After Dinner Speakers 4U!! Phil was an absolute godsend; full of friendly advice and extremely helpful in enabling us to secure a booking at what was very late notice.
Our sincere thanks go to him for all his time and effort, which ultimately secured us the services of the 'Silver Fox', David Steele. With great passion and a dry sense of humour, David related some great tales to us and was a true gent when it came to chatting with the members in the bar afterwards. Not only did we have a fantastic 'do' on the night, but we are now looking forward to placing more bookings with Phil for future events. My advice to anyone who is scouring the internet for After Dinner Speakers is to call Phil; it will save you a lot of time, trouble…… and indeed money.
Matt Higgins Aldridge Cricket Club (March 2007)
On behalf of Whittington FC, I would like to thank you for your help in providing two excellent speakers (John McGovern and Stewart Masters) for our recent Sportsmans Dinner Evening. Both John and Stewart were very professional and provided great entertainment and company for the evening.
This was our first attempt at such an event, and the guidance and support you provided was also very welcome. We raised considerable funds for the club and are looking forward to holding a similar event next year using "After Dinner Speakers4u".
Many thanks again
Steve Kirk, Chairman, Whittington FC (Feb 2007)
On behalf of Guernsey 41 Club, I feel compelled to say a few words with regards to our recent Presidents evening on Wed 1 Nov 2006 and in particular the excellent performance Tank Sherman put on for the event. As you know this was the first time that we have brought someone over for this event, I could not have wished for a better outcome. Based on Tank's performance, not only his act but his general demeanour with all the people he spoke to, I can say that I would have no hesitation in recommending him to other organisations similar to 41 Club. I would also like to thank you at After Dinner Speakers4u for the friendly and efficient manner in which you handled my "distress call" and arranging for Tank to be present at such short notice. My successor as President will, I feel sure be calling you for next year's event.
Glen D'Arcy, President Guernsey 41 Club (Nov 2006)
Phil, I would like to thank you at After Dinner Speakers4u for all your help in organising the Sportsmans Dinner in November. The speakers you recommended, Jan Molby and Howard Kendall were both superb and I would have no hesitation in providing references if you wanted me to. Jan in particular was very approachable on the night and everyone has commented on what a great guy he was, down to earth and willing to talk to everyone, he was even buying drinks for people and had no hesitation in buying raffle tickets and signing autographs.Thanks again for all your help….we raised £5500 for the school on the night.
David Batterton, Bluecoat Tri Centenary Appeal, Liverpool (Nov 2006).
Just a few lines to say how much we enjoyed the talk by Peter Walker and are very grateful that you were able to provide his appearance for us.
He was both very interesting and amusing and apart from his cricket career, has led an adventurous life. Once again many thanks.
David John, Sussex Cricket Society (Nov 2006)
Aberdovey Golf Club recently held a Men's Dinner at the club with Alex Stepney as the guest speaker. The evening was most enjoyable, even to those present not particularly "football mad"!
Alex Stepney is extremely professional and an accomplished raconteur. I would recommend him to any organisation, be it male, female or indeed both.
After Dinner Speakers4u were similarly professional and easy to deal with.
John M Griffiths Secretary Aberdovey Golf Club (Oct 2006)
With Ron Atkinson and Jim Smith being the main attraction it was very important the comedian could follow their act, a job which I personally believe your comedian Stewart Masters did superbly. If you could please send my personal thanks onto him and thank him for making the event flow perfectly and manage to keep the laughter going all night long !.
Peter Corbett Commercial Manager Oxford United FC (Oct 2006)
Just to say a big thank you for all your efforts on our behalf - the feedback suggests that the evening was a big success. Along with comedian, Adger Brown, Alex Stepney proved highly entertaining & kept the 90 or so guests amused with his stories about his life and a series of football anecdotes. Many thanks to you at After Dinner Speakers4u for your recommendations and provision of 2 very professional speakers, in Adger Brown and Alex Stepney enabling us at Lewes FC to benefit to the sum of nearly £3000 which was raised on the evening.
John Brownbridge, Lewes FC (Oct 2006)
I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thankyou to After Dinner Speakers4u on behalf of The Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess based at 36 Engineer Regiment, Maidstone for an excellent Dinner Evening with Alex Stepney and Rod Beech. The Mess members were enthralled listening to the many stories of Alex’s career, and his playing days with such greats as Stiles, Best, Charlton, Law and co. A tremendous evening, Thankyou.
WO1 (RSM) Dave Woolford, 36 Eng Regt, Maidstone, Kent (June 2006)
Inaugural Dinner
Just a few words to say what a wonderful speaker Alex Stepney was. He captured the attention of the whole audience, which was a variety of age groups. The tales of his footballing experience were very entertaining and we certainly wont hesitate to book him again should we be in the position of requiring an after dinner speaker. Highly recommended.
Kate Green, Trustee Walcote Community Trust, Leicestershire (June 2006)
I am writing on behalf of Totton Amateur Boxing Club in Southampton and we would like to express our sincere thanks for the outstanding Boxing Dinner Evening held recently in May with John Conteh. He was absolutely brilliant and everyone who attended, were very impressed how professional and funny John was and a true gentleman, happy to sign autographs for all. Thanks very much to you at After Dinner Speakers4u, we helped to raise considerable funds for our club.
John Lambert, Northside ABC, Southampton (May 2006)
Ivybridge FC held their inaugural Sportsmans Dinner Evening in May 2006 and we would like to thank both celebrities for the Evenings Entertainment, Duncan McKenzie and Stuart Masters. An excellent fun evening was enjoyed by all. Thanks.
P Cocks, Ivybridge FC, (May 2006)
Many thanks for providing Dermot Gallagher for a recent function at Maidstone. He was a very good speaker and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening, Thankyou.
WO1 (RSM) Dave Woolford, 36 Eng Regt, Maidstone, Kent (Feb 2006)
