Arthur's 'surprise' 80th Birthday Party held at Old Leo's on Saturday 7th February 2009
He thought he was attending Neil Hamer's 40th birthday party so was taken
by complete surprise on entering to a rousing refrain of ‘Happy
Birthday’ to him. Later in the evening, he was presented with the above
caricature portrait and saw his name in lights at the end of a
highly entertaining song by club members Catherine Mellor and
Tony Ashdown, sung to the tune of ‘Johnny Be Good’.
Here are the words of "SONG TO ARTHUR"
Down in deepest Roundhay, Shaftesbury Avenue
Roundhay Lawn Tennis Club welcomes you
The reason why we're all congregated here
Is to celebrate Arthur Kasher's 80th year
You may wonder why he's fitter than you think
He's the only one we know who's never had a drink
CHORUS
Go,Go
Go Arthur Go Go
Go Arthur Go Go
Go Arthur Go Go
Go Arthur Go Go
Arthur Kasher Go
His mother told him you need to work on your game
And maybe someday you will achieve some fame
You worked on your forehand and your serving stance
But with those knobbly knees you never stood a chance
With your lobs and your drop shots you could still be a winner
In the over 80's where the competition's thinner
On Saturday mornings we appreciate
All the time and effort that you dedicate
We're not so sure about the biscuits and cakes
But your tea-making skills sometimes compensate
If we ever fail to put the tea-towel on
We don't hear the end 'till the day is done
Arthur is in charge with his 'LAST GAME' calls
But we wish he wouldn't buy those damn cheap balls
His lovely wife Jean you will rarely meet
If he wasn't at the club he'd be under her feet
I bet you thought you'd never have your name in lights
Well tonight Arthur Kasher this is your night.
And to prove it:
‘Any Excuse’, a local band including club member Peter Stagg, provided live music at the event, much appreciated by all.
A superb buffet was laid on by Steve & Jan Mayne, fuelling young and old before they took to the dance floor. Steve is the steward at The PHG Snooker Club
And here's a photo of the cake:
All in all a wonderful evening to crown a ‘king’ of the courts, typifying the friendly atmosphere to be found at Roundhay.
Visit the Roundhay LTC Facebook Group site hosted by Sean Brittain to see more pictures AND videos.
Feb 2009
ACJ who was proud to make the presentation speech
Other organisers who deserve the highest praise: Camala Marsh, Catherine Brittain, Catherine Mellor, Melanie May (also photographer on the night) & ticket sellers Ann Voss, Chris Harper, Jean Lawson & Jonathan Saddler whose message of thanks and congratulations was read out as he and Becky couldn't attend.
Arthur's Award for Outstanding Service to Sport by Volunteers
The presentation took place at the Leeds Sports Awards Gala evening on 15th March 2005, organised by Leeds Sports Federation, in association with the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds City Council and SportLeeds.
The Leeds Sports Federation is a voluntary body, which represents the many hundreds of sports clubs, leagues and associations in our City and tries to help all of you who take part in sport or help to organise it.
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Amongst those present (or invited) were The Right Worshipful, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Christopher Townsley, together with the Lady Mayoress, Margaret Townsley, several members of the Leeds City Council who have shown special interest in sport including Cllr Bernard Atha, Cllr Les Carter, Cllr Bill Hyde and Cllr Brian Jennings, the Director of Learning and Leisure for Leeds City Council: Mr John Davies, the Editor of the Yorkshire Evening Post: Neil Hodgkinson, the Chair of SportLeeds: David Heddon, the Regional Director of Sport England: David Gent, the Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University : Prof Simon Lee and last but not least, the hosts for the evening, the Officers of the Leeds Sports Federation, including: President: Keith Mitchell, Chairman: Liz Wilson and the other members of the Executive Committee of the Federation who helped with the organisation of the event, especially the Secretary of the Federation, Mel Welch and his team from Leeds Metropolitan University who did so much to organise the event so expertly.
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Guests invited included theChairman of Leeds Rugby : Paul Caddick, the Chief Executive of Leeds Rugby: Gary Hetherington, the Head Coach of Leeds Rhinos: Tony Smith and several other members of the Leeds Rhinos – including Daryl Powell, Kevin Sinfield, Mark Calderwood, Richie Mathers, Chev Walker, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Ryan Bailey and Danny McGuire, the Manager of Leeds United : Kevin Blackwell, the former Yorkshire Cricket captain : Anthony McGrath, the long serving stalwart of the Leeds Tykes: Mike Shelley, the leading boxing referee: Micky Vann, the veteran athletics coach – Wilf Paish
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Awards Presentations were duly made to honour the professional and full-time sportsmen and women from our City who have captured the limelight.
Next came those whose achievements, it was said, were not reported in the newspapers; nor heard on the radio; nor seen on TV. However it was recognised that, without them, and thousands of others like them, much of our sport would simply not happen. These were three shining examples of the unsung heroes who work so hard in the background so that the rest of us can take part. The awards were for Outstanding Service to Sport by Volunteers, and in this category there is no such thing as runner-ups, they’re all winners!
One of these was our own Arthur KASHER and the presentation of his award was made by the Chairman of Leeds Sports Federation: Liz Wilson.
The winner was described as a man who has been the mainstay of his tennis club for over 30 years.. During that, it was said, he had taught hundreds of youngsters to play tennis; he had guided the club through the installation of floodlights and re-surfacing of all 6 courts; and opening of a brand new pavilion. If there is a job to do, he’s the man to do it. As a result, the club had gone from strength to strength, both in terms of membership numbers and performance – now holding a place in division 1 of the Yorkshire League, and holding its own against clubs with far greater members and resources. And he still finds time to play himself – 6 times a week! (But never on a Thursday!) The doyen of Roundhay Tennis Club: ARTHUR KASHER. Senior Golden Oldies Party
Ex-members (most of whom were playing in their prime back in the 60s and 70s) were invited to the Annual Christmas Party which took place this year in the Club pavilion on 7th Decemeber 2006. In total, 33 'Golden Oldies' attended. Comments could be heard like “I see you are growing through your hair”, and “Can you pinch an inch? - I can”!
The party began with a swing at noon with wine tasting.
At 12.30pm, home-made Mushroom Soup and Rolls were served followed by Minced Beef or Home-made Chilli (as the Vegetarian Option) , Cheese and Onion Pastie, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Onion Rings and Mixed Vegetables. The Sweet was home-made Trifle and Ice Cream. Coffee/Tea, accompanied by Chocolate Mints, rounded off the feast!
The afternoon concluded with a quiz, games and carols.
Thanks were due to able helpers: Jean Lawson, Ann Voss and Nick Jones - [Ed: in so far as Arthur would let them help, I guess!]
The next event will be the annual June Garden Party - perhaps Mansoor Bahrami will honour us with his presence?!
A.K.
Similar events have been held twice a year at the clubhouse and we were glad to see many former members at Arthur's 80th Birthday Party
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