AS the snow fell on the Ayrshire coast last Friday, six lucky supporters of Celtic FC Foundation joined four of the Lisbon Lions at Seamill Hydro, where famous Celtic sides of the past prepared for some of the club’s most important matches.
Earlier this year we invited supporters to sign up to the Foundation’s membership scheme, Walfrid’s Wish, with members being entered into a prize draw to accompany the Lions on a very special trip to Seamill.
Having won the coveted competition, our winners gathered at Celtic Park on Friday morning to meet their guests of honour Bertie Auld, John Clark, Jim Craig and Bobby Lennox. On arrival at the hotel, situated with beautiful views over the Ayrshire beach, the squad of 10 was completed by Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton.
The group were then treated to an exclusive tour of the grounds, from the Seamill Hydro management team. Memories and stories of the importance of the hotel as the team base in 1967 then began to flow among the Lions, and there were poignant tales and plenty of laughs along the way.
As the group gathered to enjoy lunch, the occasion provided a perfect opportunity to celebrate the contribution of our supporters to the Walfrid’s Wish scheme, and the ongoing progress of Celtic FC Foundation’s community work as a result of this support.
For our winners, the trip provided an unforgettable experience. John Murray, who travelled from Aberdeen for the occasion, said: “When I saw the prize of ‘Lunch with the Lions’ I thought that would be wonderful and it was.
“Spending time with Bertie, Bobby, John and Jim brought back so many great memories – not just of ’67 but also of the ’65 and ’69 cup finals and so much more.
“The Lions could not have been more approachable and engaging. Meeting them for a top-quality lunch at the iconic Seamill Hydro made for a perfect day, which my wife Margaret and I will never forget.
“It was also great to learn more about the wonderful work being done by Celtic FC Foundation.”
Walfrid’s Wish supporter, Denise Fern said: “Thank you for an amazing experience. My Mum Maureen and I had a fantastic day. It truly was an experience of a lifetime to come along and be in the presence of true Celtic greats. The Lions are a credit to our club.”
And competition winner, George Gaffney added: “My brother-in-law Billy and I had a fantastic day on Friday.
“Everybody in the party was really nice and helped contribute to a truly memorable day. I would like to point out that the Lions were superb company, very down to earth and easy to talk to, and all have a really good sense of humour.”
Thank you to the team at Seamill Hydro for their hospitality, and congratulations again to our fantastic prize winners.
To join Walfrid’s Wish for the 2017/18 season, please text the word CHAMPION to 70020 to sign up by giving £3 per month or click HERE.
Those who join Walfrid’s Wish are invited to gain a closer relationship to the work of the Foundation via updates and events showcasing the impact of new funding:
- Come along to our project showcase events – Champions will be invited to Celtic Park to attend an event which showcases the work of the Foundation, as some of our project participants share the story of their journey (limited availability)
- Champions will receive a dedicated email newsletter updating on the impact of their contribution
- You can celebrate becoming a Champion of Celtic FC Foundation by clicking here
If you would like more information about Celtic FC Foundation’s Walfrid’s Wish programme, please contact [email protected] or call 0141 551 4321. The text service is a subscription service. You will be charged £3 plus a message at your standard network rate in the first month and £3 per month thereafter. Celtic FC Foundation will receive 100% of the donation. To unsubscribe text STOP to 70020 or call 0141 551 4321.
