Bradman Luncheon delivers as function season hits its stride

The winter and spring period traditionally brings a multitude of entertaining functions for members and guests to enjoy, and this year was no exception.

First up was the VRC/MCC Recognition Raceday Event on July 23 in the Champagne Bar at Flemington, thanks to the strong relationship with our reciprocal club.

The Bradman Luncheon on August 25 was another outstanding affair, held to honour Australia’s greatest cricketer.

Opera Trust scholar Jonathan Wilson was accompanied by Opera Australia soprano, Hannah Dahlenburg, to perform the first Queen of the Night aria from The Magic Flute. They later returned for a rendition of The Waltz Song from Romeo and Juliet.

In his welcome, MCC vice-president Stephen Spargo highlighted the history of The Bradman Luncheon, now in its 16th year. He reflected on the first luncheon in 2001 - the year of Bradman’s death - and the subdued promotion, which stated that it would be “a memorable occasion for cricket lovers with the intention of becoming an annual event celebrating his cricketing life and achievements.” Mission accomplished.

Master of ceremonies Gerard Whateley then held court on stage with MCC Test cricketer Brad Hodge, who spoke about his playing commitment to the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League and what his future may hold. Coaching holds some appeal, he said, but the sacrifices it takes are big, including being taken away from family.

Our keynote speaker, former Australian all-rounder Doug Walters, entertained with a collection of amusing stories and anecdotes, as only the boy from Dungog can. He recalled his first meeting with Bradman when The Don was chairman of selectors, noting that Bradman couldn’t remember Walters' name!

Walters noted that the teams of today miss out on some of the experiences that were shared when he played, such as travelling together, sharing rooms, associating at the bar, getting to know teammates and doing things as a team. He spoke about many of his amusing experiences whilst being on tour.

The final word came from Tom Bradman, grandson of Sir Donald. He read a text from his father John, who was unable to attend, saying The Bradman Luncheon is a special and enjoyable occasion to their family. He noted that Sir Donald would be touched that his life was being celebrated and remembered in this way.

Four days earlier, more than 150 members and guests attended a luncheon for dual MFC/MCC members in the Hans Ebeling Room prior to the Carlton-Melbourne match on August 21.

Several former Melbourne players were among the audience, and anticipation among members was high as the Demons needed to win to keep faint finals hopes alive. It was not to be, however, as the Blues won an uninspiring clash by 20 points.

The MCC Young Members Club held a Scotch Malt Whisky Appreciation Evening in the Long Room on August 18. This very popular event was again hosted by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and involved tasting some of the finest and rarest single cask malts in the world.

The scotch tasting was followed shortly after by a Young Members’ Ball on September 3, themed ‘Old Hollywood Glamour’.

Welcomed on the red carpet by ‘Marilyn Monroe’, more than 350 members and guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and canapés in the Long Room before heading into the Members Dining Room which was styled in glamorous gold, sparkling black and twinkling crystal.

Guests enjoyed two songs from ‘Marilyn’, including the famous ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’. Later, there was a buzz about the room when the social media photo area opened, with photos captured and converted into an instant animated file ready to share on social media.

After dining on a Hollywood-inspired menu, guests hit the dance floor and partied hard to a wide selection of tunes played by the band Radio Star.

As the AFL Finals Series got underway, an intimate group of 50 diners enjoyed a unique dining experience in the MCG Culinary Centre on September 14. This was the second consecutive year that our hospitality partner, EPICURE, has opened up its kitchen to allow members and guests to savour delicious fare and speak to the chefs in intimate surrounds. Expect to see it on the menu again in 2017.

As Sydney and Western Bulldogs prepared for their grand final battle on the first Saturday in October, a big week of functions was in full swing at the MCG.

The 24th Sporting Sections Grand Final Week Luncheon was held on Monday September 26 and was again hosted by popular duo Ian Cover and Tony Leonard. West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson provided a fascinating insight into the world of AFL coaching, demonstrating why he is so highly regarded among his peers.

That evening, the 11th edition of the annual Brownlow Dinner with the Coodabeens again proved to be one of the club’s most popular events. More than 480 attendees packed the Members Dining Room as the Coodabeens brought their usual wit, humour and song. Pictured at right is our “Brownlow medallist”, Jeffrey Greening.

Finally, our Women of the MCC special interest group held a function in the Committee Room on October 20 to recognise the contributions made by elite female athletes, in particular our Olympians.

Several Olympians from yesteryear were in attendance, as were four who competed in Rio - women’s eight cox Sarah Banting, backstroker Belinda Hocking, Paralympic table tennis player Barak Mizrachiand and rowing men’s coxless fours silver medallist Josh Dunkley-Smith.