Sproson Fund campaigners (from left) Tony Boult, Tommy Wilkes, and John Simmonds, along with Phil Sproson making a presentation of a limited edition print of Roy to Joyce Sproson

Joyce and Phil Sproson with bottles of Burslem's Legend and commemorative Wade tankard

The whole evening proved to be a resounding success as both draught and bottled 'Legend' were sold in good quantities, marking what will hopefully be the start of a perennial fund-raiser.

A host of invited guests attended the launch - Guests of honour were Joyce and Phil Sproson, who were both presented with the first of our comemorative bottles of 'Legend' as well as the first of a special half-pint 'Burslem's Legend' tankard. The tankards are also manufactured in Burslem by well-known potters Wade, and feature the distinctive 'Burslem's Legend' badge and descriptive panel. Also present at the launch were former colleagues of Roy's - Stan Steele, Graham Barnett, and John Poole - as well as more recent ex-Valiants Gerry Keenan, Martin Foyle, and Andy Porter.

Radio Stoke and Signal Radio were both in attendance to record interviews with the relevant parties, and a great deal of bonhomie was produced by this fine ale.

Burslem's Legend

Together with Burslem based Titanic Brewery, the Sproson Fund launched (no pun intended) 'Burslems' Legend', a strong, dark beer on 18th September 2003. The Beer was brewed with a description of Roy, that had been supplied by his widow Joyce, in mind - Strong, Warm, Consistent, and Corageous.