A Knight to Remember film launched to celebrate Sir Bobby Robson's life

Nov 12 2009 by Elizabeth Lawrence, The Journal

TEARS of laughter and sadness blended in Newcastle yesterday as a film celebrating the life and career of Sir Bobby Robson got its first screening.

A Knight to Remember, which is now on sale, was played to a specially-invited audience at the Tyneside Cinema.

Sir Bobby’s widow Lady Elsie and son Andrew were joined in the audience by Alan Shearer, Tim Healy, Bobby Pattinson, Ray Laidlaw and film-maker Geoff Wonfor who directed the DVD, which will benefit the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Featuring Sir Bobby’s last interviews as well as contributions, memories and tributes from family, friends and stars of the worlds of sport and entertainment, the DVD is sure to touch the hearts of football fans and Geordies everywhere.

Gary Lineker, Sir Bobby Charlton, Ant and Dec, Des Lynam, Brendan Foster, Shay Given, Sir Alex Ferguson, Malcolm Macdonald, Jack Charlton, Bob Moncur, Steve Cram and Paul Gascoigne are just some of those who lined up to play their part in the film.

While Des Lynam recounts Bobby’s first curry experience and Ant and Dec reveal he told them they had a future in the business, Gazza shares hilarious memories of the World Cup in 1990.

Alan Shearer, who voices the DVD introduction as well as talking about Sir Bobby as a manager, said: “It is an extremely special tribute to Sir Bobby. It’s very funny, very touching and reminds us all why he was so loved.

“The respect and affection he commanded from everyone lucky enough to have known him shines through in every interview. He would have loved it.”

Geoff, who is known for his groundbreaking work on The Tube as well as the Grammy award-winning Beatles Anthology said: “It was an absolute privilege to have met and interviewed Sir Bobby. I’ve never been involved with a project which inspired so much affection and co-operation. That’s a measure of the man. It’s been an experience I’ll treasure forever.”

The DVD also features footage from Sir Bobby’s career, family photos and a specially-recorded version of The Blaydon Races from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet stars Tim Healy, Kevin Whately and Jimmy Nail, who also make their tributes.

Tim said: “It was really flattering to be asked to do it, and lovely that Mitch (Billy Mitchell) wrote the last verse for Sir Bobby. He was an amazing man, and the DVD captures every aspect of him and the affection in which he was held.”

Lady Elsie, who was married to Sir Bobby for 54 years, said she thought her late husband would have loved it

“He would have been thrilled,” she said. “I loved the music which was used, and of course it’s lovely to hear people talk about him like that. It’s also wonderful that the DVD is benefiting the Foundation, which gave Bobby such a purpose and focus.” Alan, who was recently named Patron of the Foundation, said: “Sir Bobby was totally committed to his charity and thanks to incredible and generous support, it’s already helping to fund pioneering cancer research.

“I’m sure the DVD will be very popular and raise a lot of money for this important cause.”

Geoff added: “I remember a headline on a picture in 1955 when Newcastle won the Fair’s Cup which said ‘the picture every Geordie will keep forever’. I hope we’ve made something here that Geordies will want to keep forever too.”

:: Click here to see Alan Shearer talking about Sir Bobby Robson

:: Click here to see the full version of the Auf Widersehan Pet boys singing the Blaydon Races

:: A Knight to Remember costs £17 and is available from JG Windows, HMV and other good DVD shops. You can also buy it from The Journal front reception in the Groat Market, Newcastle or online at www.journallive.co.uk/shop