Portsmouth charity dinner to be bowled over by English cricket legend

Spin bowler Geoff Miller, who played 34 test matches and 25 one-day internationals for England, is hoping to bowl over the black-tie event staged by Portsmouth Property Association (PPA) on Friday.

The prestigious gala dinner, at the Trafalgar Ballroom in the Royal Maritime Club in Queen Street, will hopefully raise thousands for the New Blendworth Centre in Horndean through a grand auction and raffle.

The fundraiser, which is sponsored by The News and Portsmouth legal firm Verisona Law, will be attended by more than 230 people, with guests including the city’s mayor, Councillor Frank Jonas.

PPA chairman Steve Cripps nominated the New Blendworth Centre as the chosen charity for his year-long tenure.

‘I have known them for nine years and I know much of their sterling work goes unrewarded, so I felt they deserved to benefit from my year in office and it is satisfying to watch them grow,’ he said.

Over the past decade, the PPA has helped to raise more than £75,000 for good causes.

Items up for grabs at the auction include signed 1968 Manchester United v Benfica European Cup Final memorabilia, a motor racing experience, pamper day and a signed and framed 1980 West Ham United memorabilia.

Last year’s charity dinner raised £8,000 for Ickle Pickles, which supports premature babies.