60th Anniversary Dinner

Hawick United A.F.C. 60th anniversary dinner

Friday 20th May 2022

On the evening of the above date, a gathering of almost 60, past and present Hawick United players, got together for a night of celebration.

Sixty years as an affiliated East of Scotland football club, is something worth celebrating and celebrate they did. From the opening remarks and welcomes, given by club chairman Stuart Mackenzie, to the presentation of trophies to the 2021/22 seasons top players, the evening went brilliantly. The club secretary Steven Ellins was compere for the evening and did a great job of keeping things moving along. As well as listening to the accomplished guest speakers on show, past players were able to meet up again with teammates old and new. Some stories were told by these players that will live long in the memory.

The first speech of the evening, A toast to the history of the club, was given by club Vice-President Dougie Leithead. Dougie spoke of his association with the club over most of those sixty years. From a skinny wee player to club Vice-President during that time. Dougie gave a well-researched speech on the club, from the early days of its official formation in 1962, to the current squad of today. Along the way, Dougie spoke of the clubs many achievements and trophy wins, as well as the managers over the years, paying particular attention to club great Bob Muirhead, and more recently, the clubs longest serving manager, Geo Shepherd. He also regaled the audience with humorous tales of past players. The speech, delivered in Dougie’s inimitable style, was very well received by the company.

After a short interval, former Rangers player and Pod caster, Kevin Kyle, gave a Question-and-Answer session. As well as recalling some tremendous tales from his playing days, Kevin was brave enough to talk about his gambling and alcohol addiction. He warned of the pitfalls of being a professional footballer. The highs and lows as well as his feeling that he wasn’t good enough at times. This led him down a very dark path, which with the help of his friends and family, he was able to escape from. Kevins speech was given a well-deserved ovation, and all of those present were grateful to him for opening up the way he did.

The main speaker for the evening was ken-speckle figure Jim Leishman. Or Jim Leishman M.B.E. The Honorary Provost of The Kingdom of Fife, as he preferred to be called. Jim had the hall in hysterics as he told of his long career, both in football and politics. Jims style was to pick out someone in the crowd and relate his stories to them thereby using them as a foil for his wit. Jim had a tremendous career as a player and manager with his beloved Dunfermline. He manged other clubs as well, but his first and everlasting love, was his hometown. He explained the ups and downs of being a player back in the day, as well as the even more ups and downs of being a manager. He went on to say that his time is now spent attending various duties as Provost, as well as speaking at dinners like the one he was at tonight. Jim explained that he has always been a people person, and that the transition to politics was a natural one for him. His many funny stories told in his own unique way, went down a treat with all of those present, most saying that he was one of the best speakers they had heard. Jim didn’t just finish with the speech though. He spent a long time getting his picture taken with anyone who wanted it as well as presenting the players of the year trophies to Lewis Muir and Dylan Ellins. He was given a well-deserved standing ovation.

Also, during the night, other presentations were made, most notably to club manager Alan Campbell. As well as being manager, Alan also turned out in a playing capacity many times during the season. After this season, Alan has decided to hang up the boots once and for all, so he says. He was presented, by the players, with a signed number three shirt, which he had worn with aplomb, in a long and fruitful career. Alan said that the legs were getting too old now and he would concentrate on managing the club.

Throughout the night, a slide show was shown in pictures, and videos, of players past and present. Some in not so flattering situations. This went down very well with everyone. A vote of thanks was given by chairman Stuart Mackenzie. As well as thanking the speakers Stuart also thanked Adams Kitchen for the excellent meal and Deans Bar for keeping everyone well-watered. Some more well- watered than others.

Everyone there enjoyed a wonderful evening of catching up with old friends, and a good night was had by all.

The 60th Anniversary Dinner - December 2023