A sell-out attendance of around 120 gathered for dinner at the Star Inn near Winscombe to welcome legendary TV and radio personality John Inverdale on Friday 11 April 2025, for his eagerly anticipated visit to the county, following his hugely successful visit to Cheddar back in 2005 when he hosted BBC Radio Five Live’s ‘Any Sporting Questions on the Road’ for a special evening in support of the Service Veterans Mental Health Charity Combat Stress – www.combatstress.org.uk
The evening started with an exceptional display of military music and precision marching from the Band and Bugles of Somerset Army Cadet Force, where the salute was taken by Brigadier Neville Holmes, The Rifles County Colonel for Somerset.
Those dining in the beautifully clad tented dining area were also treated to a musical accompaniment from top local singer-songwriter Ryan Cross. The evening had an additional top sporting attraction; Jeremy Scott, who enjoyed notable success at the recent Cheltenham Festival where he trained ‘Golden Ace’ winner of the Champion Hurdle in such dramatic style.
Inverdale captivated and delighted the audience with his many humorous tales from his worldwide coverage of sport at the highest level, recalling many of his highest moments from the Grand Prix Tennis circuit, the Rugby world cup, Olympic Games, and everything in between. Regional fundraising manager for Combat Stress, Darren Jackson also joined the evening, giving a moving and thought-provoking presentation. Sedgemoor FM covered the sound and PA system.
Organiser, Alan Cooper said “It was terrific that the evening proved to be so popular and everyone looked as though they were enjoying the entertainment and the delicious two-course dinner provided by the Star Inn, and I am particularly grateful to both Uncle Paul’s Chilli Charity and to Deane’s of Cheddar, the evening’s two major sponsors,for all their help in enabling the evening to go ahead. We have managed to raise close to £4,000 from proceeds to our ‘special opportunities auction, raffle and souvenir programme all going towards the excellent charity, Combat Stress and it was a very special evening all round”.
Last word from the great man himself John Inverdale… “A memorable evening in a glorious setting, topped up by the young buglers [from the Band and Bugles of Somerset Army Cadet Force] before the dinner, all in aid of a terrific cause. It was great to be involved in it.”
