A CHANCE meeting with Mike Sullivan, commercial manager of Brentford Football Club, and Alan Wheatley, captain of Farnham Golf Club, led to Chelsea legend Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris being guest of honour and after-dinner speaker at an auction of Chelsea memorabilia for the Rainbow Trust children’s charity.

Over 80 Farnham members attended the gala event, generously bidding on framed pictures of legendary footballers from the 1960s and 70s. A quantity of programmes from the same era, donated by Alan Wheatley and all signed by Ron Harris, were also snapped up and added considerably to the sum raised.

After a three-course meal prepared by Farnham GC chef, Bob Stott and his team, ‘Chopper’ was greeted enthusiastically by a predominately pro-Chelsea audience.

Ron, who played well over 700 games for the Blues and lifted the FA Cup for the first time in their history – he also had a short stint as Aldershot FC manager – had stories to tell, often hilarious, of soccer greats such as George Best and Jimmy Greaves.

The success of the night has prompted Mike Sullivan and Alan Wheatley to plan a similar event on October 15 when the speaker will be Pat Jennings, the former Spurs, Arsenal and Northern Ireland goalkeeper. For details, ring Farnham Golf Club on 01252 782109 (option 3).