An afternoon of laughs and frivolity is guaranteed when funnymen Bryan Fletcher and Nathan Hindmarsh take to the stage for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) next week.
The former league greats, and The Late Show with Matty Johns regulars, will share tales of their incredible careers – including head coaching roles with the Nepal Donkeys – at the Belmont 16s on Thursday 23 November from noon to 3pm.
Lunch with Fletch and Hindy, hosted by the Lakes United Seagulls, the club’s Old Boys and Belmont North Plumbing, also marks the opening of the venue’s new South East function room.
But, more importantly, the duo and ex-NSW and Australian Test stars are there to raise funds for the region’s beloved WRHS.
“The Belmont 16s support Lakes United, so we wanted to stage another event there,” Seagulls president Craig Kimmorley said.
“Not only was this an opportunity to do that, we saw it as a chance to get behind something in the community.
“I think we’ll be the first [function] in the South East room; I’m looking forward to it.
“Instead of raising money for the club, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service immediately sprung to mind.
“Thankfully, we (Lakes) haven’t had to use it.
“However, I’ve certainly been to matches where the chopper has unfortunately arrived.
“You never want to see them, but they’re always there.
“It’s such a vital service to the region because no one has ever had to pay to use it.
“And, if we can help the WRHS in any way, that’s even better.”
Fletcher and Hindmarsh reached the elite level of the game, via the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs, and Parramatta Eels, respectively.
Collectively, they played 565 NRL matches, 31 State of Origins for the Blues and 36 Tests with the Kangaroos.
While Fletch enjoyed premiership success, Hindy claimed five Dally M Second-Rower of the Year awards.
Now, the larrikins are making a mark away from the footy field.
“It should be great,” Kimmorley told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Both guys are extremely popular, it’s terrific to have them on board.
“The afternoon will be a typical kind of fundraiser, Fletch and Hindy will do ‘their thing’, followed by a Q&A.
“Then, we’ll hear from a young local fellow Beauyn, who was rescued by the WRHS off Redhead.
“He was out in the water for 40-to-50 minutes, so he’ll speak about his experience with the service.
“We’ve also organised an auction with some fantastic prizes.
“For example, there’s a table for 10 people, and race day sponsorship, at the Newcastle Jockey Club, which was donated by the WRHS; an epic lunch at Hungerford Hill; a seven-day Jayco motorhome and Reflections stay; and a Coolmore Stud experience.
“I can personally vouch for the latter, it’s magnificent.
“We stage a lot of charity events… and found weekends away or experiences tend to do better.”
Ticket prices – tables of 10 ($1,500) or individuals ($160) – include a two-course lunch and three-hour beverage package.
For enquiries, contact Craig Kimmorley on 0401 713 137 or Ali Kimmorley on 0421 697 428.
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