Meal Of The Day: Industry executives meet footballing legends

Most people can only dream of sitting down to lunch with a World Cup winner – but the dream became a reality for a host of executives from the mail, express and freight industries last week. 1978 World Cup winning Argentinean duo Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, and former England internationals Ray Parlour, Paul Merson and Rob Lee, were among an impressive list of footballing legends that joined 160 guests, including executives from DHL, TNT Post, Belgium Post, Swiss Post, Home Delivery Network, Citi Post, Royal Mail, Pack Post UK, Europa World Wide, Triangle Management Services, and many other industry leaders , for a lavish luncheon at the Park Lane Hilton, London, on 19 November.

The event – hosted by Keymail UK’s Tubbs Rooprah with 3 Spirit Events very own Jeff Binks – included a three-course meal, a question and answer session with the former professionals, and a sports memorabilia auction, which included a signed 1966 England jersey and an autographed Brazilian shirt from Pele.

Tubbs Rooprah (centre) with Ray Parlour (left) and Jeff Binks (right)

Rooprah said: “Today was about getting everybody together, networking with what is happening out there in a social environment whilst having a great time – and that is what we did. It has been fantastic. As an industry, it is always enjoyable when everybody gets together to do what they do best.”

Parlour – nicknamed ‘The Romford Pele’ during his successful career with Arsenal, winning three league championships and four FA Cups – had the audience in stitches with dressing room stories of old. Commenting on the day, Parlour said: “I have had a great time, the event went really well. It was pleasing to see so many of my fellow professionals attending the event. Everybody was laughing and joking and I have met a lot of interesting individuals.”

Post&Parcel editor Chris Dolan with Paul Walsh, Iain Dowie and Rob Lee

Ex-footballers Lee Sharpe, Nigel Winterburn, Martin Keown, Graham Roberts and Paul Walsh also attended the luncheon.