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.

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

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.