TOMMY BROOKBANKS AND PAUL HART WILL REUNITE 18 YEARS ON AT CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON!
Carlton Town joint manager Tommy Brookbanks is among those hosting a table at this years Christmas luncheon for what has become a legendary event at Stoke Lane.
Carlton Town Commitee man Dave Hodgson became the latest to book a table last week for the event on Friday 6th December which starts at 1pm.
This years guest speaker is former Nottingham Forest player and later manager Paul Hart, someone the club’s holds in great affection after he brought his side down to the ground some 18 years ago when Carlton turned on their floodlights.
It was Tuesday 9th October 2001 when Carlton Town, then known as Sneinton Fc took on Nottingham Forest at Stoke Lane, Carlton’s manager at the time was none other than a very young looking Tommy Brookbanks who features alongside Hart on the front of the Match night programme.
The standout name in the Forest squad that night was none other than Nottingham Forest’s Michael Dawson and getting Forest to visit Stoke Lane was Chairman Mick Garton’s first major big fixture in the hot seat, he had taken over from Bill Stokeld at the start of that season.
Garton was delighted to secure the Forest fixture with the help of legendary Trent Fm Djs Jo and Twiggy who are featured in the programme and whom broadcasted live from the stadium on the night.
Paul Hart wrote an article for the Matchday programme that night along with Nick Lucy from Nottingham Forest, the Chairman himself Mick Garton who then sported a headband , the late president Bill Stokeld, captain at the time Neil Holmes , Carlton youngster John Hickling who 18 years on is currently still helping with the programme, a man affectionately known as the Doctor along with Carlton Town’s coaches at the time, Brian Franks, Dave Nairn and Carl Younger and there were even some Fireworks.
It is a bumper packed edition and probably the greatest and most significant programme in Carlton’s history.
Carlton are looking at doing a reprint and resale of that historic programme, which both Tommy and Paul could sign to raise some money for the club and will keep Supporters in the loop re the plans.
From the Carlton perspective, in the squad that night was our own legend Ian White, now on the club’s Commitee and someone who gave valuable time up for the club during the summer Painting key parts of the stadium.
White will certainly be on Tommy’s guest list for the Christmas Luncheon among with others who have given up their valuable time and in some cases cash to help the club.
Another interesting back drop from that historic night was among the match officials, Mark Hutchinson was the referee and Des Brown and a certain Mark Steggles were his assistants!
To date, Carlton have sold 62 tickets for the luncheon which are priced at £40 and include a two course Christmas dinner.
Tickets can be purchased from Brian Dennett on 07850 234543 or by emailing the Carlton Town office at info@carltontownfc.co.uk
