Former England cricketer announced as guest speaker of sporting dinner

Former Derbyshire and England cricketer Geoff Miller OBE (pictured) will be the guest speaker at a sporting dinner at the Pirelli Stadium.

The event is being organised by Burton Hockey Club as part of its preparations for its 125th anniversary and will take place on Thursday 7 September.

Geoff Miller is a celebrated after dinner speaker with a string of tales to tell about his sporting life.

He had a long successful spell with Derbyshire, becoming the captain in 1979 and leading them to a Natwest Trophy success in 1981.

He played 34 tests for England, alongside legends of the game such as Ian Botham, David Gower, Graham Gooch, Mike Gatting and Bob Willis.

After he retired from playing, he became the chief national selector for the England team.

Joining him on the bill is brilliant sporting impressionist Aaron James, whose performances include shows in Las Vegas and TV appearances on the Jonathan Ross Show, the Big Breakfast and Match of the Day Live.

All the proceeds will go towards the development of young talent at the club and in maintaining the pitch.

Burton Hockey Club has five men's teams, three women's teams, a junior mixed team and runs a Hockey Academy for younger age groups.

The funds raised will help continue to develop the Academy and provide support for coaching as well as helping with pitch maintenance. Burton Hockey Club has a strong reputation for its friendly Academy and has seen many of its youngsters progress to the first team and county level.

The doors open at 7pm for the event with dinner service commencing at 7.45pm.

More details can be obtained from Willie Welch on 0790 8064 780 or Ian Whetton on whettons@tiscali.co.uk.

Booking forms can be downloaded here.