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On Wednesday evening at 6.30pm, the doors of the Great Room at Grosvenor House flew open to welcome guests and friends of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and quite a lot of rugby players.  It was the start of the 23rd Six Nations Rugby Championship Dinner and honour to top points scoring rugby champion, Charlie Hodgson.
 
The gold and glitter sparkled as celebrity guests including Amber Davies, Alex Bowen, Olivia Buckland and Sam Thompson made their way to the champagne reception along with a golden list of past and present rugby greats. Danny Care, Chris Robshaw, Andy Gomarsall, Martin Offiah, Ugo Monye and Brad Barritt were amongst some 70 players who pitched up to support Charlie.
 
David Flatman our host took to the stage of gold stars to thank our sponsors O2, Deezer and Crabbies and kick off the fun.  There were games, there was fine food, there was wine and there was so much noise and laughter in the room.
 
After dinner ‘Flats’ asked Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Brian Redpath, Danny Care and Schalk Brits (he of the incredible golden smile!) to join him on stage.  This was part of the evening where Charlie’s old colleagues could mercilessly make fun of him and share some awful and embarrassing truths of Charlie’s career.  Instead of finding dirt, they just found nuggets of gold……Charlie really is just the nicest, most well-respected guy!
 
The absolutely tremendous Irish band Academic led the musical entertainment with a brilliant performance.  Thanks so much for flying over to be with us!
 
The generosity of all our guests on Wednesday night will fund music therapy for so many people this coming year.  To all our guests – your gifts will transform lives.
 
And so, the night drew to a close on a high as Tony Hadley and band performed.  He sang from the heart, belted out some true favourites, spoke about Nordoff and what did he end the night on? – yes, it was GOLD!