Wellingborough Old Grammarians

WELLINGBOROUGH
OLD GRAMMARIANS
www.wellingborough-ogs.org
Association Magazine
2014
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Number 80
August 2014
The Old Grammarian
2014
The annual magazine of
Wellingborough Old Grammarians’ Association
www.wellingborough-ogs.org
Lisa Peverell, Headquarters Manager (right) and Nicki Fogden, Assistant Manager.
WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS
Association Headquarters
46 Oxford Street, Wellingborough
Northamptonshire NN8 4JH
Tel: 01933 226188
Headquarters Manager: Lisa Peverell
# Wellingborough Old Grammarians 2014
No part of this magazine may be stored in a retrieval system or copied in any way
without the written permission of the publishers.
2
CONTENTS
Editor’s Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General Committee Report and Accounts . 6
Sportsclub Management Report . . . . . . . . 8
Membership Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Social and Fundraising Report . . . . . . . . 18
Catering at Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Remembering John Darby . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
In Memory of Tony Nutt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Letter from John Hyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Wrenn Year 11 Remembrance Assembly . 35
Association Lunches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Presentation to Jim Mandeville . . . . . . . . 37
Memories of WGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Annual Prize Draw Results 2013. . . . . . 41
Sportsfield - The Beginning . . . . . . . . . . . 42
All Our Yesterdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Korean Veterans Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Canal Zoners Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Gotchy’s OGs Memoirs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cricket President’s Day Report . . . . . . . . 49
Table Tennis Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Cricket Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Rorke’s Drift Appreciation Society Report . 60
Golf House Matches Report . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Football Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Youth Football Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Pool Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Hockey Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Bowls Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Richard Armstrong Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Rugby Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Index To Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
DON’T FORGET
TWO IMPORTANT
2014 DATES FOR
YOUR DIARY
Monday, December 1st
THE A.G.M.
The Annual General Meeting
for both the field and
Association commences
at 7.30 pm at Headquarters.
Monday, December 22nd
CAROL SERVICE AND
PRIZE DRAW
Traditional Carols with
‘Brass Ensemble’
The evening commences at
7.30 pm at Headquarters
(Bar Extension).
PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND
ADVERTISING ON OUR WEBSITE
Have you considered placing an advertisement on the Association’s website? Why not
take a package deal consisting of space in the magazine and on the website? To enquire of
our rates or for further details, please contact Steve Cheney at
[email protected]
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EDITOR’S NOTES
W
elcome to the 2014 edition of The Old Grammarian - your magazine. This is the first edition
that I will have edited from my new home in Kent. That in itself has proved to be a logistical
challenge. However, I do enjoy the job in a sort of perverse way and hopefully I can continue for a
good many years to come (she who must be obeyed permitting!).
As I’m sure you will all know, possibly the most famous of the school’s Old Boys, Sir David Frost
died last year. A rather detailed obituary appears within the ’In Memoriam’ section. The sporting
clubs also lost two very dear friends, Tony Willers and Tony Nutt. The last year has also seen the
passing of Mrs Wrenn, the former Headmaster’s wife. They are all remembered in well-written
obituaries.
Last year, I appealed for Old Boys to come forward and provide articles that would make
interesting reading for those receiving the magazine. I’m pleased to say that Bob Gotch came up
with a really good one and it has been included in its entirety. Many thanks Bob for showing
interest and also for taking the time to compile and send the piece to me. If anyone else would like
to follow Bob’s lead for next year’s edition, please contact me on my new email address [email protected] or by telephone on 07711 376784.
Within the magazine you will read about new developments at the Memorial Field. Any members
who feel that they must continue to grumble about what is on offer at Sywell Road should
appreciate how far the Association has come since the humble beginnings of the early 1950’s, as
outlined by the very old photographs showing where it all began. Major thanks go to John Billing
for his considerable efforts in obtaining the necessary grants from Sport England and Football
Foundation to allow the plans to come to fruition. As a result of the funding, amongst others, we
will be welcoming an archery club in the near future. The press releases relevant to the funds
being gained are also included in full within this magazine.
Once again, included with your magazine are the annual draw tickets. It would be appreciated if
you could try to sell them and return the stubs and money to Oxford Street as soon as possible.
The continued response we have to the raffle is very much appreciated by the Committee and you
can rest assured that the money received is put to good use on behalf of all Association members.
Also in the magazine, you will read an update on Target 81, a fund raising initiative launched last
year. Obviously, if you can find a way to support it and at the same time continue to sell your raffle
tickets, it would be marvellous.
Our chef, Brian Williams, continues to supply our clientele from a varied menu and we ask our
members to give it a try. To enhance the meals, we also stock an excellent range of wines,
something for everyone. You will find the most recent menu within this magazine, together with
the wine list.
Finally, thanks must once again go to our advertisers for their very important support and also to
Margaret Elvie (our typesetter) and the Printing Services team at Weatherbys for their continued
assistance with the production of the magazine.
Hopefully you will all enjoy reading this year’s edition and if you have constructive (or derogatory)
comments to make about it, or any ideas for future editions, please let me know. It is always good
to hear from fellow ’Old Boys’, no matter what subject you wish to raise. Until next year.
Steve Cheney
5
GENERAL COMMITTEE REPORT
W
e are pleased to report that we were successful in our applications for grants from Football
Foundation and Sport England Inspired Facilities. This will expand our facilities in providing
for Junior Football and Archery on the sportsfield site and shows our commitment to ’provide for
local sports’. We are extremely grateful to those who supported the Target 81 initiatives which
have enabled us to find the additional finance to fund these projects. There will be more about this
in the Sportsfield Report, but thanks are also due to John Billing who has spent many hours in
completing the necessary application forms that were needed.
Our finances continue to be healthy, although as can be seen on the Income and Expenditure
Account the sportsfield turnover was well down. In the current year, we have been more
successful in obtaining bookings for functions at the sportsfield, but Oxford Street is slightly down.
In order to try to rectify this situation, we managed to keep beer prices unchanged despite a 3%
increase from breweries. Although we are a "non-profit-making organisation", we have to keep a
certain level of profit in order to pay off loans and improve facilities. We are currently modernising
the ladies toilets and will be providing improved facilities for those who like to have a drink outside
when the weather is fit. The Oxford Street premises have been open for nearly 50 years and there
is always some repair, renovation or modernisation work required and we have to keep our
reserves at a certain level to meet this expenditure when it is needed.
The catering continues to provide excellent food at very reasonable prices. This facility deserves to
be better supported and if you have not tried one of "Brian’s" meals, why not come in and try one.
You will see the menu in this magazine and we are sure there will be something there that you will
enjoy.
We are still short of committee members and anyone who is interested can contact any member of
the committee to find out what is involved. We are also appreciative of those who help even
though not on the committee. Richard Hall is always doing jobs at Oxford Street, and Ged Eady
continues to help at the sportsfield with deliveries, stocktaking, etc.
So, to sum up, we are doing better than most, but we must not be complacent, as many clubs
such as ours have not survived. Please help in any way you can, even if it is only popping in for a
drink. You will be very welcome.
David Bayes
President:
Chairman:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Membership Secretary:
David Bayes
John Sumner
Mike Steele
Dave Toop
Eileen Peasnell
Committee: John Billing, Steve Cheney, Martin Layton, ’Cat’ Marriott, Kev Odell, Ian Peasnell,
Andy Peverell, Bill Mandeville and Steve Kendall
DO NOT FORGET
I
f you, or anyone you know is looking for a venue for that larger event, the Sportsclub
facilities are ideal. Recommend us to family and friends.
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INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the year ended 31 August 2013
Oxford Street
£’000
Bar Sales (net of VAT)
Catering Services (net of VAT)
Sywell Road
£’000
TOTAL
£’000
Cost of Sales
Gross Profit
291
82
373
178
195
50
50
24
26
341
82
423
202
221
Fruit Machines etc.
Room Hire
Total Income
16
2
213
1
9
36
17
11
249
Staff Costs
Overheads
Net Trading Profit/(Loss)
107
60
46
20
31
(15)
127
91
31
Subscriptions
Pitch Rentals
Treasure Chest
Fund Raising / Other Income
Rent Received
4
8
4
5
12
64
Less Ground Maintenance
Interest Payable
35
6
41
23
Net Profit
BALANCE SHEET as at 31 August 2013
£’000
Freehold property (at cost)
Oxford Street
Sywell Road
£’000
248
893
Other Fixed Assets
26
1167
Current Assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at Bank and in Hand
14
13
40
67
Less Creditors
64
Less Loans
Net Book Value of Association
3
1170
222
948
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SPORTSCLUB MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
A
slightly shorter report this year (phew sigh most!) as the main topic of the year will be covered
in the Target 81 report and the associated press releases.
Suffice it to say here that investments of almost £150,000 have been granted to the Association,
to be used to promote and improve sporting opportunities at our sportsfield and this has been no
mean achievement in the current economic climate.
The Youth football section has now been with us for ten years after it took over a very fragmented
approach to youth football within the Association. A little bit isolated in the beginning it has gone
from strength to strength and is now our largest section offering opportunities for youth football
from U7’s right through to U15’s. They have been able to benefit from the security that the
Association can offer while enjoying their own autonomy in the day to day running of the section
and this is the blue print that our success hinges on. This is not a world where an insular
approach offers many positives and while it is nice to be independent and be totally in control of
your environment, there is ’strength in numbers’ and by working together we should be able to
utilise the benefits that a multi-sports club can bring.
The Target 81 has shown a glimmer of this with the support offered by some other sections
towards the 200 club. Not all unfortunately but it is a start.
While putting together the current grant applications I found a report that I submitted to Sport
England for the original bid we did in 2000 and it is perhaps worth noting that on occasions, we
appear to be better at highlighting the Disadvantages than the Advantages.
New roadway to archery area
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Pros & cons of a Multi-sport SportsClub
Advantages
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A multi-sport club allows 12 month a year usage of the facility
The individual sporting sections can share equipment and thereby significantly reduce the
capital cost of maintenance.
The larger membership increases turnover.
The larger social areas allow for easier marketing of the facility and the opportunity to offer it
for community use.
The broad base of sporting activities offered encompasses all age groups.
With many sports being represented on the one site it allows cross-sport interaction.
With an increasing number of users it offers a more secure site for youth activities.
Lower profile sports can be accommodated.
The larger playing area reduces wear and tear on pitches.
The larger areas available also allows for community and school use to be offered,
especially during the summer and midweek thus raising the profile of our community
involvement.
Individuals can wear ’many hats’, especially from a committee point of view, thus reducing
the number of overall volunteers required.
Disadvantages
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The club can be viewed as ’too big’ making it difficult to generate enthusiasm for fund
raising activities and volunteer work.
Individual clubs can become insular - ’this is our area’ - or at the other extreme, superior ’we are the biggest therefore the most important’ - neither stance being beneficial to the club
as a whole.
Sports governing bodies can be reluctant to offer loans/grants that may not wholly benefit
their own sport.
The HMRC still fails to comprehend multi-sports clubs and hence achieving Community
Amateur Sports Club status is virtually impossible under the current legislation.
Although times are still tough and it is a very competitive world out there, as a sportsclub, we are
riding the storm reasonably well. This year has seen an improvement in the function bookings and
although the bar-take at individual parties is still well below what it was, the sportsfield clubhouse
is moving back towards the target of break even. It is not there yet but the signs are promising.
There is still more that could be done and there are some great deals on off- peak booking of the
function hall for members parties so please check out the website for details.
All sports are cyclical but it is the continuity of the Association that allows our sporting sections to
ride those ups and downs and hopefully emerge from any low points leaner and fitter.
With the remembrance ceremonies of the D-day landings at the forefront of the news lately, it is
perhaps fitting to use a quote from Winston Churchill to conclude.
‘Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is key to unlocking our potential.’
Mr Wrenn may frown on the intelligence bit but he would whole-heartedly endorse the effort part.
John Billing
Sportsclub Chairman
9
Aerial view of site
Aerial view of Youth football area.
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Aerial view of proposed archery area
11
Press Release
WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS ASSOCIATION
AWARDED £50,000 OF FUNDING FROM SPORT ENGLAND
Date: 9th May 2014
W
ellingborough Old Grammarians Association is among 324 local sports projects to secure a
share of £17 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities
fund.
Since 2011, Inspired Facilities has been helping breathe new life into community sports facilities
and converting existing buildings into venues suitable for grassroots sport.
The Wellingborough Old Grammarians Association will receive £50,000 of National Lottery
funding to develop a dedicated Archery range at its Sywell Road Memorial Sportsfield. The new
facility will be developed in partnership with the Wellingborough Open Archery Club as they
continue their transition to the Sywell road site.
Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: "The Inspired Facilities Fund has had a
huge impact on grassroots sport across the country. Since 2011, we’ve invested £88 million into
more than 1,600 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting
venues into vibrant community sports clubs.
"It’s great to see Wellingborough Old Grammarians Association join the long list of successful clubs
to benefit from this fund."
Sportsclub Club Chairman, John Billing said: "We are delighted to have secured this investment,
which means we can move ahead with the development of the new area. The Wellingborough
Open Archery is a very proactive and successful Archery Club and deserves the opportunity to
enjoy some of the best sporting facilities in the area. By becoming members of the Old
Grammarians they will be able to expand the opportunities for Archery and hopefully in time be
able to host events at the top level in archery. Together with the work being carried out with the
Football Foundation the Target 81 Project will be a huge boost to youth sporting opportunities in
the area.
We are all very proud to have the opportunity to become part of the Olympic legacy."
Archery Club Chairman, Rev B.Higgott said "The new shooting ground will enable provision of all
year round facilities for archers, and add to the reputation of the OG site as a multi sport recreation
facility. The Archery Club, which is to celebrate its diamond jubilee next year has already hosted
one successful regional competition at the OG site, and looks forward to many more in its new
surroundings.
12
Local MP, Peter Bone, said: "I am delighted to see that the Wellingborough Old Grammarians
Association has yet again been successful in receiving funding to improve sporting facilities in our
community. Recently they received £50,000 from Sport England to develop an Archery area.
This follows a grant of £75,000 from the Football Foundation to further develop Youth Football.
It shows the Old Grammarians are recognised throughout the sporting community for delivering
first class sports facilities."
Once the new area is developed the Archery section will be holding taster sessions for anyone to
come along and try one of the oldest sports in England. Details will be available on the Old
Grammarians website (www.welingborough-ogs.org) and follow the link to Archery.
Many more communities are set to benefit from the hugely popular fund, with the latest round of
the Inspired Facilities now open. Community and voluntary organisations, councils and schools
can bid for a share of £20 million to help upgrade facilities that can be unattractive, expensive to
run and difficult to maintain, and to convert existing non-sporting buildings into venues that are
suitable for grassroots sport.
Applying for funding has never been easier. Based on feedback from previous applicants, the
Inspired Facilities Fund is now an open programme which means projects can submit
applications as soon as they are ready rather than being restricted by a specific deadline. To find
out more and bid, visit www.sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities.
For more details about the project, please contact John Billing or Eric Jackson through the website
at www.wellingborough-ogs.org or www.woac.co.uk
At least 70 per cent of the funding will go to community and voluntary organisations, through
grants of between £20,000 and £75,000. The remaining funding will be open to a wider group
of organisations, including councils and schools, with grants of up to £150,000 available.
To make sure the technical elements of the application process do not put off groups with good
projects, Sport England has created a catalogue of typical facilities developments and costs, based
on what sports clubs have told us they need.
Sport England is focused on helping people and communities across the country create a sporting
habit for life. We will invest over £1 billion of National Lottery and Exchequer funding between
2012 and 2017 in organisations and projects that will:
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Help more people have a sporting habit for life
Create more opportunities for young people to play sport
Nurture and develop talent
Provide the right facilities in the right places
Support local authorities and unlock local funding
Ensure real opportunities for communities.
The National Lottery has been changing lives for 18 years. Every week National Lottery players
raise over £30 million to help change people’s lives across the UK.
For more information please contact the press office: Jan Singleton on 020 7273 1800 or
[email protected]; Amy Wright on 0207 273 1593 or [email protected]
13
Press Release
EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR
YOUTH FOOTBALL IN WELLINGBOROUGH
Wednesday 11th December 2013
W
ellingborough Old Grammarians have been awarded a £74,997 grant from the Football
Foundation, the country’s largest sports charity, which will help enhance their provision of
youth football.
Work has now commenced on the project and the funding will allow the flourishing sports and
social club to make grass pitch improvements to two acres of land at its Sywell Road Memorail
Sportsfield site that will be dedicated to youth football.
The improved pitches, which will be maintained meticulously by the club, will complement the
existing eight changing rooms and three full-sized grass pitches that the site already offers and
hopefully, weather permitting, the pitches should be available by next season.
It is hoped the £99,997 project will address the shortage of small sided, 9x9 facilities in the area.
This format of the game applies to children aged from Under-11s to Under-13s: this is a vital step
in the development of players’ skills, and a pivotal stage for inspiring and maintaining the interest
of individuals in physical activity.
The club worked in partnership with the Northamptonshire FA to secure the £74,997 grant from
the Football Foundation towards the project. Funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the
Government, via Sport England, the Football Foundation is the country’s largest sports charity.
Since it was launched in 2000, the Foundation has awarded around 9,600 grants worth more
than £412m towards improving grassroots sport, which it has used to attract additional
partnership funding of over £565m.
Across the whole of Northamptonshire, the Foundation has awarded 91 grants worth over £5m
towards grassroots sports projects worth £10m.
John Billing, Chairman of the Old Grammarians Sports Field Committee, said: "The funding
received has been a huge boost to the Youth Football Section and will allow them to address
the problem of the 9x9 facilities. Even with 28 acres of developed grassland, it was difficult to
find a suitable area to play to the 9x9 format without encroaching on areas used by adults or
other sports.
"In the endeavour to secure the grant we have received considerable help from the Borough
Council and the Northamptonshire FA, who have guided us through the process.
"From little acorns of fund raising through sponsored walks etc., we were able to accumulate
sufficient funds to consider match funding a more expansive project. With the Football
14
Foundation scheme, Build the Game, offering generous incentives for grants the idea was
developed and eventually grew into a complete project. While the application procedure is
very thorough, it is fair and robust and the Football Foundation can be proud that it has helped
to make a significant improvement to the provision of grassroots football."
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "I am delighted that a Football
Foundation grant of £74,997 will enable the Wellingborough Old Grammarians Association to
develop the facilities at Sywell Road, which will allow them to expand their provision of youth
and disability football. In partnership with the Northants FA, Wellingborough Old
Grammarians have worked extremely hard to secure this funding from the Football
Foundation."
"Since 2000 our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and the Government, via Sport
England, have generously provided the investment to improve facilities throughout the
country, just like this one in Wellingborough."
If you live in or around Wellingborough, and would like to know more about the youth set up at
Wellingborough Old Grammarians, please visit www.wellingborough-ogs.org.
For more information about the work the Football Foundation is doing all over the country visit
www.footballfoundation.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FootballFoundtn.
For more information contact:
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John Billing on 01933 223887 or [email protected]
Abi Jones on 0845 345 4555 Ext: 4282 or [email protected]
————— . F U N D I N G PA R T N E R S .
—————
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
P
lease note that the fee for a new Life Membership is £25. This applies to Old Boys of the
School as well as Social Members.
15
WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS SPORTSFIELD
STANDARD HIRE CHARGES - EVENING PARTY RATES
The Function Room is ideal for around 75-150 people for an informal party.
ROOM HIRE - this includes the hire of the function room from
£130.00
5.00pm to midnight with tables and chairs set up in the function room to the customer’s
specifications, and a staffed bar.
BOND - this can be claimed back by you during the following week
as long as no damage is caused during the event.
£70.00
PAYABLE TO SECURE THE BOOKING
£200.00
MEMBERS OFFER - REDUCED PRICE FOR FRIDAY NIGHT PARTIES
...............................................
STANDARD HIRE CHARGES - WEDDING FULL DAY RATES
The Function Room will seat 40 to 90 people in a formal layout during the daytime and is ideal
for around 75-150 people for an informal evening party.
ROOM HIRE - this includes the hire of the function room for the day
from 10.00am to midnight, set out to your specifications, including a staffed bar.
BOND - this can be claimed back by you during the following week
as long as no damage is caused during the event.
£250.00
£70.00
PAYABLE TO SECURE THE BOOKING
£320.00
...............................................
EXTRAS AVAILABLE
EXTRA HOURS to allow for more time to set up your event
£18 PER HOUR
HIRE OF UPSTAIRS PAVILION to provide extra space,
for example, to lay out food if you have large numbers attending.
£40
HIRE OF WHITE COTTON TABLE CLOTHS to fit our function room
tables which are 1.83m long and 0.76m wide.
£5 PER CLOTH
HIRE OF KITCHEN to prepare cold food (within Function Room hire time)
HIRE OF KITCHEN to prepare hot food (within Function Room hire time)
HIRE OF CROCKERY, CUTLERY, COOKING EQUIPMENT etc.
PRICES ON APPLICATION
TO SITE A BOUNCY CASTLE IN THE GROUNDS
If you have any other requirements, please do not hesitate to ask.
TO BOOK, PLEASE CONTACT JOHN SUMNER - 07886 925885
16
£50
£100
£25
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
M
embership has remained fairly stable this year, but I would still ask you all to encourage
friends and family to join.
DON’T FORGET - MEMBERSHIP IS DUE 1ST SEPTEMBER.
The £5 fine will be enforced again this year for those members renewing after 1st November.
As an incentive this year, the committee have decided that we will return all membership fees
paid on time as vouchers against drinks at Oxford Street. New members will be issued
vouchers to the value of fees paid. If you renew your membership in September you will also
receive vouchers to the value of your subscription. Should you be eligible for life membership
(10 consecutive years) and pay the £25 fee, you will also receive vouchers to the value of fees
paid. The vouchers will only be redeemable at Oxford Street.
We are still trying to increase the membership email database that we have so that we can let you
know what is happening in and around the club. Please email your name and address or
membership number to [email protected] to be included on the database.
As in previous years, could I please ask that if any members change postal addresses or know of
any fellow members that have sadly passed away, would you please let me know the details?
Every magazine posted to an incorrect address costs the Association money.
Eileen Peasnell
adventsigns.co.uk
17
SOCIAL, FUNDRAISING AND FACILITIES REPORT
T
he Club continues to be well supported by its members, and the facilities utilised by some 26
internal and outside organisations.
The catering side of the business continues to be successful with changing menus, weekly
’specials’ and some successful themed menus for Burns Night, Chinese New Year and Valentine’s
Day. We also offer ’Meal Deals’ for £6 and Senior Citizen ’2 for £10’ offers on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays.
The Wine Appreciation Evening on November 18th was again very successful, and we have
another planned for November 10th 2014. The evening is supported by our vintners Cockburn &
Campbell, and we offer a 5-course meal, 6 to 8 different wines matched to the menu, tasting
notes and tutorial from our wine expert Suzy Spilling.
Fundraising continues with the weekly Treasure Chest Draw, and this has helped to fund some of
the premises maintenance /improvements like the electrical fuse board replacement, full
refurbishment of the Ladies toilets and redecoration of the corridors, bar and function room.
Up and Coming Events:
November 10th
December 19th
December 21st
December 22rd
Wine Appreciation Evening
Live Music with ’After the Storm’
Children’s Christmas Party
Christmas Carol and Draw Night
Andy Peverell
‘Brass Ensemble’ performing at the 2013 Christmas Carol Evening
18
BULL’S EYE
Quite a year for the Target 81 project which has eventually moved off the drawing board and into reality. Not a smooth
transition but then nothing seems to be these days, yet a very successful one. It did not start off with much promise when
the original bid to Sport England was rejected but it did hold a glimmer of hope with the comment that the bid ’ had
considerable merit and should be resubmitted for the next round’.
Not long after this, things took a turn for the better and the Football Foundation submission received a very positive
response from them. A few issues needed to be addressed, most notably our fund raising, but in all the project was up
and running. Like all things, this seemed to have a snowball effect and with this £75,000 of funding secured it made the
Archery part of the project much more inviting and gave us more impetus to polish up the bid. This we did and submitted
it just before Christmas and eventually had the response last month that we had been successful. As mentioned last year
there was 25MB of data that needed to be put together to make up the bids so it is a huge relief when all that work bears
fruit. Nearly £6,000 per MB which sounds very rewarding.
To summarise: the project will allow us to construct a new Youth Football Area (£100,000) and a dedicated Archery area
(£75,000) and the breakdown of the funding is as follows.
.
.
.
.
Football Foundation Grant
Old Grammarians Fund-Raising
Sport England Inspired Facilities Grant
Archery section Fund-Raising
£75,000
£25,000
£50,000
£25,000
All parts of the funding are now secured except for the Old Grammarians fund-raising but this is getting there slowly. To
date we are nearly at the £20,000 mark and the Association has agreed to stand the balance as a loan against future
fund raising. The 200 club is in its third outing and is well supported although it could always use more support. Details
of how to enter are all on the website under the Target 81 TAB. The next club will be starting end of September and again
payments can be made by BACS/PayPal or cheque so please support it if you can. The Youth Football have put a
tremendous effort into raising the lion’s share of the money through sponsored walks, their tournament and many other
initiatives so please help them to achieve their goal.
The Archery club has already raised their money and it is now up to us to fulfill our part.
I have included the two official press releases from Football Foundation and Sport England to offer an insight into the two grants.
There will be an opening ceremony but unfortunately, being an outdoor project and very susceptible to weather it is
difficult to indicate exactly when it might be. Hopefully in the Autumn but we will keep you posted through the website
and notice boards.
How can You help
We will need to continue running the 200 club even after the development is complete so please keep supporting this
fund raising. The next club will be starting at the end of September so please keep an eye out for posters and/or details on
the website at www.wellingborough-ogs.org.uk.
. Send a cheque made payable to WOGICC for £20 and addressed to Wellingborough Old Grammarians, 46 Oxford
Street, Wellingborough NN8 4JH. Please mark the envelope Target 81 and include your name, address, postcode
and phone or email so we can let you know when you win!!
. Online payments (PayPal). Just fill in the online form and click PayPal option and follow on-screen instructions.
. Fill in on-line form and choose BACS option then send £20 by BACS to WOGICC. Account No. 81127766 Sort
Code 55-70-37.
. If you have set up a Standing Order then please keep it running.
BUY NOW - WIN LATER.
John Billing
Sportsclub Chairman
19
CATERING AT HEADQUARTERS
Please find below the most recent menu available at Oxford Street. The kitchen opening hours are as follows:
Monday: Closed all day
Tuesday to Saturday Lunchtimes: 12.00 noon - 2.00pm
Sunday Lunchtime: 12.00 noon - 5.00pm
Tuesday to Saturday Evenings: 6.00pm - 9.30pm
Sunday Evening: Closed
Our resident Chef, Brian Williams.
Please note that all meals, where possible, are prepared to order and as such when we are busy
there may be a slight delay.
We may be able to accommodate meals outside of the advertised opening times for a group of customers,
if arranged in advance.
We can also provide Dinners or Buffets for events held in the Function Room.
Please ask the bar staff for information on bookings.
Buffets range from £5.00 per head.
Coffee, Cappuccino, Chocolate, Latte (£1.25) and Tea (£1.00) can be ordered and collected from the Bar.
Starters
Stilton Stuffed Mushrooms £4.00
Seafood Platter £4.25 or £8.50 to share
Asparagus & Parma Ham Spears £4.25
OGs Combo £4.25 or £8.50 to share
Prawn Cocktail £4.00
Main Courses
Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Chicken £9.50
Seared Salmon with Asparagus £9.50
Italian Chicken £9.50
Lime & Ginger Sea Bass Skewers £9.50
Ratatouille Linguini £7.50
Steak & Ale Suet Pudding £7.50
Battered Cod & Chips £7.00 (or choose Breaded Plaice for £5.50)
Lasagne Verdi £6.50
Bar Meals
SPECIAL OFFER - Choose any 2 meals from the list below for £10.00
Lambs Liver and Bacon £5.50
Marinated Bacon Chop £6.00
Lincolnshire Sausage and Mash £5.50
Breaded Scampi £5.50
Ham and Eggs £5.50
Chilli Con Carne £5.50
3-Egg Omelette £5.50
All-Day Breakfast £5.50
20
From the Grill
12oz Mixed Grill £9.50
8oz Gammon Steak £5.50 or £8.50 for a double Gammon Steak
8oz Sirloin Steak £9.75
Hunters Chicken £8.50
Chicken and Ribs £9.75
Full Rack of Ribs £9.50
Build a Burger
Plain Burger £3.75: Cheeseburger £4.00: Cheese & Bacon £4.25: Mushroom & Stilton £4.25:
Lamb & Mint with Minted Sour Cream £4.75: Chicken Breast £4.75: Chicken, Bacon & Cheese £5.25
Double Beef burger £2.00 extra
Double Lamb burger £2.00 extra
Add a portion of Chips & Onion Rings for only £2.25 extra
Salads
Warm Chicken & Chicory £8.00: Asparagus & Tuna £8.00: House Salad £8.00
Light Bites and Sandwiches
Sandwiches and Toasties - Ham & Tomato £2.75: Sausage & Fried Onions £3.00: Cheese & Onion £2.75:
Sausage, Bacon & Egg £3.00: Tuna Mayonnaise £2.75: Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato £3.50:
Prawn & Seafood Sauce £3.50
Filled Jacket Potatoes £4.50
Nachos £5.50
OGs Combo £8.50
Seafood Platter £4.25 or £8.50 to share
Filled Ciabatta
Chicken, Bacon & Cheese/Steak & Onion with Mayo Dressed Lettuce £6.50 or
Jumbo Fish Fingers with Tartar Sauce and Rocket £5.50
Children’s Choices
6 Chicken Nuggets with Chips and Beans £3.00
2 Jumbo Fingers with Chips and Peas £3.00
2 Sausages with Mash, Peas & Gravy £3.00
4oz Beef Burger in a Salad Bap with Chips £3.00
Pasta Bolognaise £3.00
Kiddy Burger with Chips £3.00
Side Orders
Chips with flair
Onion Rings £1.50
Garlic Bread £1.75
Cheesy Garlic Bread £2.00
Side Salad £1.50
Side of Vegetables £1.50
Grilled Field Mushrooms £1.50
Sliced Bloomer & Butter 75p
Coleslaw 75p
Cheese 50p
Portion of Chips £1.50
Basket of Chips £2.50
Basket of Cheesy Chips £3.00
Basket of Cheese & Bacon Chips £3.50
Basket of Cheese & Beans Chips £3.50
Basket of Chips & Gravy £3.50
Basket of Chips with Chilli £4.00
Basket of Chips with Chilli & Cheese £4.50
MEAL DEALS
TUESDAYS - Ham, Eggs & Chips* - £6.00
WEDNESDAYS - Chilli, Chips & Rice* - £6.00
THURSDAYS (Steak Night) - 2 x Steaks & a bottle of wine - £23.00
FRIDAYS - Fish & Chip Friday* - 2 for £14.00
SATURDAYS - Burger Day* - £6.25
SUNDAYS - Sunday Roast available, choose from Topside of Beef, Loin of Pork or Chicken
Brilliant value at £6.00
*Meals come with a selected drink, please ask the bar staff.
21
CURRENT WINE LIST
125ml
Available by the Glass
175ml
250ml
Bottle
WHITE WINES
Light, Elegant and Fresh.
Wonderful with our fish, salads and dishes cooked in batter.
1. Sauvignon Blanc, Paso del Sol, Central Valley, Chile
£1.90
£2.80
£3.70
£10.75
£2.20
£3.25
£4.30
£12.75
Powerful aromatic nose with dry ripe gooseberry and grapefruit flavours.
2. Rioja, El Coto Blanco, Rioja, Spain
Excellent wine. Pale in colour yet delicately aromatic, this well balanced, refreshing white displays refined citric fruit.
3. Pinot Grigio Garganega delle Venezie, Villa Borghetti, Italy
Dry and refreshing with a hint of almond on the finish.
£2.20
£3.25
£4.30
£12.75
£3.25
£4.30
£12.75
£2.20
£3.25
£4.30
£12.75
£2.20
£3.25
£4.30
£12.75
4. Chardonnay, Unoaked Crystal Brook, South Eastern Australia
Melon and pineapple characters on the nose and a soft creaminess.
£2.20
ROSE WINES
Excellent versatile wines as an apéritif, or with salads and fish dishes.
5. White Zinfandel Rosé, Stamps of the World, California
Very easy drinking with strawberry and raspberry flavours in abundance.
6. Rioja Rosado, El Coto, Rioja, Spain
Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes, this modern style rose has a wonderful intensity of strawberry fruit.
RED WINES
Easy, Vibrant, Fruit Driven.
This wine is great on its own and compliments our red meats and cheeses.
7. Merlot, Stamps of the World, California
£1.90
£2.80
£3.70
£10.75
£2.40
£3.40
£4.70
£13.95
Mellow, soft red with raspberry fruits.
Smooth, Elegant and Supple.
8. Rioja Crianza, El Coto, Rioja, Spain
Raspberry fruits and soft spicy flavours, creamy with lovely vanilla notes after oak ageing for 9 months.
International Wine & Spirits Challenge 2010 - Silver Medal.
Hearty, Rich and Full Bodied.
Marries well with our steaks, other red meats and cheeses.
9. Classic Malbec, Alta Vista, Argentina
£2.40
£3.40
£4.70
£13.95
This wine has an intense nose, with aromas of red fruit, particularly plums, and with vanilla notes and subtle coffee
touches resulting from its storage in oak.
10. Shiraz, Crystal Brook, South Eastern Australia
£2.20
£3.25
£4.30
£12.75
This is a cracker, full of black fruit and chocolate flavours with a spicy peppery finish.
FIZZ
11. Brut Spumante, Prosecco, Donna Trevigiana, Italy
£15.95
Dry, light easy drinking bubbly from the north-east, primarily produced in the district of Valdiobbiadene, in the region of
Veneto. With mineral and earthy notes, along with tangy apple and peach scents and flavours.
Ports, Brandies and Liqueurs available by the glass on request.
22
IN MEMORIAM
TONY ALDER (8.3.1976 - 26.10.2013)
I
t is with great sadness and regret that we have to report the death of a valued member of the
youth football section in October of last year. Tony Alder was a fantastic volunteer and was
always there to help whenever we needed him. Tony was also a great friend to many of us and the
life and soul of the party. He will be sadly missed by his dear family and friends. Rest in peace
Tony!
Mike Parsonage
SIR DAVID FROST
P
erhaps the school’s most famous Old Boy died suddenly last year. The following obituary has
been compiled from a number of media articles that were published after his death.
Sir David Frost died on Saturday night, August 31st 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship,
where he was due to give a speech. He leaves behind his wife Carina and three sons.
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "My heart goes out to David Frost’s family. He could be and certainly was with me - both a friend and a fearsome interviewer."
He added: "Sir David was an extraordinary man - with charm, wit, talent, intelligence and warmth
in equal measure. He made a huge impact on television and politics. The Nixon interviews were
among the great broadcast moments - but there were many other brilliant interviews."
The media personality, journalist and comedian mixed political satire programmes with serious
big name interviews - the most notable of which was with Richard Nixon and provided the
inspiration for an Oscar-nominated Hollywood movie.
During a career that spanned 50 years, he presented The Frost Report, Breakfast with Frost and That
Was the Week That Was.
Paying tribute to the icon, television personality Esther Rantzen said: "I think fellow interviewers
have always been awestruck by David Frost’s capacity to elicit memorable, sometimes historically
significant quotes from all the movers and shakers or our time - presidents, prime ministers, A list
celebrities - but for all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him socially, it is his kindness,
generosity, loyalty and humour that we will miss so much. His summer party was always the best
party of the year. His fund of anecdotes and his constant wit was a joy. In fact, it was always his
greeting: ’a joy to meet you’ and it was always a joy to meet him."
Former PM Tony Blair said: "This is very sad. Being interviewed by him was always a pleasure but
also you knew that there would be multiple stories the next day arising from it. David was a great
professional and a good friend. My deepest condolences go to his lovely wife Carina and family."
Born on April 7, 1939, the son of a Methodist preacher, at Tenterden, Kent, he was educated at
Gillingham Grammar School, Wellingborough Grammar School and Gonville and Caius College,
Cambridge.
At Cambridge he joined the renowned revue society Footlights and got his first experience doing
television for the regional station in Norwich with a programme called Town and Gown. His big
break came when he co-created and hosted satirical show That Was the Week That Was in the early
1960s. Another of his early programmes, The Frost Report, effectively launched John Cleese,
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett on their subsequent glittering careers.
23
In more recent times, he had hosted Breakfast with Frost on Sunday mornings (1993-2005) and
panel game show Through the Keyhole (1987-2008). At the time of his death, he was working for Al
Jazeera English and had recently interviewed the Chilean novelist Isabel Allende and F1 driver
Lewis Hamilton. Sir David’s list of interviewees included virtually every US president and British
prime minister during his working life. During his series of five interviews with Nixon, the
notoriously slippery former president known as ’Tricky Dicky’ dramatically admitted that he had
"let down the country".
His appeal to American audiences saw him become one of the Concorde’s most assiduous users,
and he claimed to have been on the supersonic plane "somewhere between 300 and 500 times".
Other historic moments in his career included a tense interview with Margaret Thatcher over the
sinking of the Argentine warship the Belgrano during the Falklands conflict, in which he suddenly
introduced the word "bonkers". He was also the last person to interview Mohammad Reza
Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. Outside world affairs, his roster ranged from Orson Welles,
Tennessee Williams, Noel Coward, Peter Ustinov, Woody Allen, Muhammad Ali, The Beatles,
Clint Eastwood, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sir John Gielgud, Norman Mailer, Warren Beatty and many
more.
The Prince of Wales was among more than 2,000 of the great and good from entertainment,
politics and royalty who packed Westminster Abbey for Sir David’s memorial service. Figures such
as Sir Michael Parkinson, Rowan Atkinson and Sir Michael Caine were among the congregation.
And former BBC director-general Greg Dyke - who gave the address - joked that the gathering in
the Abbey looked "remarkably like one of David’s summer parties but without the alcohol".
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr. John Hall, said Sir David was "amongst our greatest
communicators". He said: "Surely it was the warmth of his humanity, his interest in people, and
what made them tick, that made his ’Hello, good evening and welcome’ welcome in the world’s
living rooms."
Charles was joined by Sir David’s widow, Lady Carina Fitzalan-Howard, to lay flowers on a
memorial stone dedicated to the broadcaster. The inscription read: "1939 Sir David Frost OBE,
Broadcaster, 2013".
The memorial was a star-studded affair, attended by Pippa Middleton, David Walliams and his
wife Lara Stone, Julian Fellowes, Sir Terry Wogan, Esther Rantzen, Stephen Fry, Anne Robinson
and Angus Deayton. Guests from the political sphere included Cherie Blair and Sarah Brown.
Greg Dyke spoke of Sir David’s talents and how he made "television history", but also joked about
his "shortcomings". Sir David never mastered technology, even "old technology", he said,
recounting how, when they walked past a cash machine, and "I said ’Hang on a minute, I need to
get some money’, he looked at me in awe. He’d never used a cash machine in his whole life." Sir
David, despite changing the face of television, also used to get his sons to help him tune in the TV
to the football match he wanted to watch, he said. He drew laughter when he said that when
Carina, after she first met Sir David, was asked whether he was a religious man, she replied: "Oh
yes, he’s very religious. He thinks he’s God."
Mr Dyke joked that while Sir David did not touch alcohol for the first 18 years of his life, he "made
up for it after that". He said that when broadcasters initially failed to recognise his talents it was
the "television equivalent of Decca turning down the Beatles".
Steve Cheney
24
WILLIAM NEIL (BILL) NICHOLS (8.6.1925 - 4.8.2013; WGS 1936 - 1943)
U
pon leaving WGS, Bill was employed in Lloyds Bank until he was called up for war service.
He became a corporal in the Royal Corps of Signals and landed on Juno, one of the
Normandy invasion beaches on his 19th birthday, revisiting there during a Rorke’s Drift Society
tour in 2009. Bill saw service in many parts of Europe including Holland (subsequently a
member of the Market Gardeners’ Association), Germany, Austria and Italy. He was also present
during the relief of Belsen concentration camp. After the war, Lloyds Bank wanted to re-employ
him in Luton, which he did not want to do, so he joined the local Co-op as Chief Cashier, where
he stayed until retirement.
Bill was very involved with Irthlingborough Methodist Church, including being Captain of the
Boys’ Brigade for over 45 years, taking them on the annual camp. He was also on the Property
and Finance Committee, the Church Council and he collated and produced their newsletter for 45
years. Amongst other voluntary tasks, Bill was Treasurer for Irthlingborough Carnival Committee
over many years, and also the Normandy Veterans’ Association (branch 39) from its formation in
1986 until its closure in 2006. Bill went on Rorke’s Drift Society and Veterans’ trips to Normandy,
Holland (where, whilst seated immediately behind me, he corrected me more than once during
my front of coach commentary at Arnhem) and the Cenotaph.
According to Belinda Knight, his niece, Bill’s other main interest was clocks and watches. He
made, repaired and collected them throughout his life, and his mother used to say that the only
way to keep him quiet in his pram was to give him an old clock to take apart.
A true gentleman, Bill will be missed by family and friends alike.
Steve Cheney
ANTONY DAVID (TONY) NUTT (1.4.1945 - 25.4.2014; WGS 1956 - 1961)
T
ony, who died in April, played cricket for the OGs from 1969 to 1995.
He was a captain for 16 of his 27 years with the club, leading the first XI to the Division 4 title in
1978 and leading the second XI to the Northants Alliance 1st Division title in its first year in
1986.
He took 581 wickets for the club and scored over 1400 runs.
He was a regular tourist to the Cotswolds and was always a great character on and off the field. It
was often said that batsmen got fed up with waiting for the ball to get to them, and they lost their
head, went for a big shot and got out.
Tony also played football and table tennis for the club.
Tony leaves his wife, Lynne, together with children Beverley, Amanda, Rachael, Andrew and
Emma, along with his five grandchildren.
David Bayes
D. G. (DENIS) PEARSON (WGS 1952 - 1959)
O
ver 150 mourners filled St Mary Magdalene Church in Ecton for the funeral of Rotarian Denis
Pearson, who passed away, after a long illness on 7th September 2013. The Church was full
with family, friends, bell ringers, Rotarians and Higham Ferrers’ church-goers and the bells were
rung in Denis’s honour by Ecton and Higham ringers. Denis,72, was a member of the Ise Valley
25
Rotary Club, was a keen bell-ringer being tower captain at St Mary’s Church, Higham Ferrers, and
had several craft hobbies including wood carving. After leaving Wellingborough Grammar School,
Denis studied architecture at Sheffield University, later going into partnership with Bob Gotch in
Wellingborough.
John Garley
MRS SHIRLEY TEMPLE
T
he wife of the late Richard ’Buzz’ Temple, former WGS Master, died peacefully at Rosewood
Court, Wellingborough on March 17th, 2014.
I attended the funeral on Tuesday 8th April at Kettering Crematorium to represent the Grammar
School and the old staff.
Shirley was 92 and a lady not to be trifled with. She was a staunch supporter of her husband,
Richard, the Grammar School and its events. She also worked tirelessly in the community.
David Wilson
R.W. (BOB) TIMPSON (WGS 1938 - 1943)
O
n the 21st May a packed congregation at St. Mary’s Church, Wellingborough took part in a
service of celebration for the life of Bob, a well-known local character.
Bob served the O.G.s in many ways: he played cricket, rugby, and bowls for O.G. teams; he sang
with the popular O.G.s’ Singers; he served on the Association Committee; and he sank many pints
in the O.G.s’ Club.
In the town he took part in dramatic and choral activities: he was a founder member and
president of the Orpheus Choir and he performed with distinction on the operatic and pantomime
stages.
Derrick Pearce
ANTONY (TONY) WILLERS (25.1.1952 - 1.10.2013; W.G.S. 1963 - 1970)
T
he loss of Tony Willers in September 2013 came as a major shock to all of his friends at the
OG’s as it was not known that he had been so ill until just a few weeks before he passed away.
Tony attended the Grammar School from 1963 to 1970 and after having trained as an accountant
whilst working at Textile Bonding in Higham Ferrers during his formative years, he eventually
moved into the estate agency business spending many years working for Berry Brothers and
finally Harrison Murray in Northampton.
He played both cricket and football with distinction for the Old Grammarians, always giving his all
to the cause. He played for the cricket club from 1973 to 2000 with the exception of a 3-year
break in the 70’s when he transferred up the road to Wellingborough Town. He captained the 1st
team in 1988 and 1989 and the 2nd team in 1993 and 1994, as well as serving on the general
committee for many years. He was without doubt the finest wicketkeeper the cricket club has
seen, holding the record for taking 255 catches and effecting 90 stumpings. He was a brilliant
keeper, particularly to the spinners as his stumping total would testify. If further proof were
needed, he holds an amazing record in taking a hat-trick of stumpings for the 1st team against
26
Great Oakley in 1981 off the bowling of Andy Bayes. That feat has only ever been accomplished
once in first-class cricket, way back in 1893!
On the batting front he could on occasions make significant contributions with his swashbuckling
style. His best league score came in 1979 when he fell one short of a half century for the 1st team
and indeed finished third in the batting averages that summer. However, that elusive half century
came finally in 1998 when he made 62 for the Chairman’s XI against the Captain’s XI and
produced a spontaneous standing ovation from players and spectators alike to celebrate the
landmark. Unfortunately Tony’s regular, vocal, self-promotion regarding his batting prowess rarely
resulted in him being moved too far up the order, but he could produce some mighty hitting on his
day.
Knee problems caused him to retire in 2000 but for many years after he would be seen
supporting the club at the ground on a Saturday afternoon, walking around the boundary with
that distinctive gait and never afraid to point out where we were all going wrong!
His easy-going style and sense of humour always made him a popular member of any side he
played within and conversely made him a well-respected captain. This was reflected in the
number of colleagues who paid their respects at his funeral and were afterwards able to recount
the wonderful times that they had shared with Tony both on and off the field over the years.
Tony also graced the football field for many seasons for the Grammarians, being a hard tackling,
no nonsense full back who terrorised many a winger in his time. He first started playing for the
club in 1970 for the Sunday side, and then, in 1973 for the Saturday team. He remained first
choice full back for the rest of his time, eventually retiring in the mid 1980’s. Playing twice a
weekend throughout that time Tony achieved the Club’s second most appearances. Tony was a
speedy, overlapping full back with a deadly cross, but he could also defend and his sliding tackles
were legendary (and would probably earn many a booking in today’s game). At his peak several
senior clubs such as Irthlingborough Diamonds and Higham Town wanted to sign Tony, but he
remained loyal to OG’s throughout. In the dressing room he was one of the key Club members,
always cheery, enthusiastic and optimistic whoever the opposition; he believed we could beat
anyone, and in those days we usually did!
Tony was an accountant by profession and for many years was the Football Club Treasurer, in
recognition of which he was made the Football Club’s Honorary Vice-President in 1985. Coupled
with his cricketing career, Tony is unquestionably one of the OG’s great sportsmen and Club
members and he is deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of playing with him or hearing that
cheeky laugh!
He was a regular visitor to the Oxford Street club on a Friday tea time, enjoying a pint and putting
the world to rights with his mates on his way home from work.
Our sympathy goes to his wife Davina, their four sons, (Gary, Mark, Lee and Tim) and their
respective families.
Clive Bellamy/Mick Ball
MRS WRENN
M
ary Barbara Wrenn (nee Wharram) was born on the 28th February 1916 at Fir Tree Farm in
Naburn, a small village some 4 miles south of York on the River Ouse. Her father Matthias
was a farmer, descended from a line of farmers, and her mother Annie Ethel was an accomplished
local oil paint artist. The family can trace its routes back to a north Yorkshire village called
27
Wharram le Street, from which they moved to Naburn in the 17th century. Barbara had two older
brothers, George and Jack, who in turn became farmers.
When she was about 3 years old her parents inherited and moved to Providence Farm, near
Naburn, and it was on this farm that Barbara spent her childhood and adolescence. In her
childhood, until she was eight years old, she was taught by a governess, who each day walked to
the farm from Naburn to teach her. From the age of eight years she attended York College for Girls,
located close to York Minster. She travelled there and back in a horse and trap. When she was 12
she was sent to boarding school in Saltburn, in Yorkshire’s East Riding.
She was a very good tennis and badminton player, and she loved to describe how she used to
play hockey for the school on the beaches at Scarborough and Whitby. Farming was in Barbara’s
blood, and throughout her life she instinctively understood the problems of running a farm. So it
was a great pleasure for her when her younger daughter Lyn married a farmer, Roger Weston, and
settled down to a life on his farm at Yardley Gobion in South Northants. Barbara had a great love
for the countryside and was a first class shot as a young woman, once cleanly shooting a pigeon
through the head from a considerable distance, to the amazement of her father and brothers who
witnessed it.
On leaving school Barbara began nursing training in York. It was on a badminton court at St
Peters’ School in York (where he was a teacher) that her future husband, Dick, first spotted her.
He asked a friend for her name and address, and telephoned her to ask her out. Up to that point
they had not met! So began a courtship. But Barbara demurred over Dick’s initial proposal of
marriage and he eventually gave up asking her, and said that when she had made her mind up to
accept his proposal of marriage she was to buy him a new pipe. After a while, and to his surprise,
Dick received his new pipe!
They married at St Matthews Parish Church in Naburn on the 12th August 1937. Her father had
died the year before. Her mother moved out of the farm so that her son Jack could live there, and
from 1937 until her death in 1963 her mother lived with Barbara and Dick. In 1942 Dick
became Head of Languages at Bradford Grammar School, and the family moved to Shipley, and
then moved to Wellingborough in 1946 when Dick was appointed headmaster of Wellingborough
Grammar School.
Initially they bought a house in Third Avenue, but in 1948 they moved to 28 Broadway where
they remained until 1970 when they moved to Tall Trees, Harrowden Road, Wellingborough in
anticipation of Dick’s looming retirement. They had four children, Ricky (born 1942), Helen (born
1946) Lyn (born 1949) and Mike (born 1952). Barbara did not pursue a nursing career, but
settled down to being a full time wife and mother and devoting herself to supporting Dick in his
career. On their arrival in 1946 Barbara joined the Parents’ Committee at the Grammar School,
raising money through whist drives, jumble sales and bazaars; in the early days primarily to
provide funds for the Old Grammarians’ Association to enable them to buy a sports’ field, but also
to provide funds for pupils from poorer backgrounds who could not afford school sports
equipment, gear or uniforms. She worked very hard at this and the committee achieved a great
deal. She would, though, always typically help from the background - making coffee or washing
up and never pushing herself forward. Her support for the school and for Dick never wavered.
Barbara joined in the life of the town. She served on the committee to save the Tithe Barn from
demolition. She was a member of Inner Wheel from 1952, which she greatly valued and enjoyed.
She served on the Wellingborough Committee of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution until her
late eighties, and spent many years helping at the Darby and Joan Club in Mill Road. She served
Meals-on-Wheels well into her late eighties, often joking that she was taking meals to pensioners
28
some twenty years younger than herself. At Nora Bavin’s behest, she tested Girl Guides in first aid
and nursing, and it was at one of these tests that she first met her future daughter-in-law, Denise
Reading, whom she passed! Indeed she was not known to have failed anyone.
When Clem Ward retired as a master at the School, Dick decided to take over his role as support
member of staff to Martin Cheale, and go on all future school trips abroad. Barbara accompanied
him on all of them, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
On New Years’ Eve 1977 she and Dick suffered a tragedy when their youngest son, Mike, aged
25, was killed in a car crash, a tragedy from which they never really recovered.
In 1976 Dick retired from being Headmaster of Wellingborough Grammar School, and they
devoted their retirement to the pleasures of gardening, and holidays in this country and abroad
and enjoying their family life with their children, and nine grandchildren. (Although after two
months of retirement Dick started a second career as a legal clerk in his son, Ricky’s, solicitors
firm where he worked part time until a few months before his death). On the 6th February 1991
Dick died, and Barbara devoted her energy to her family, her involvement in local charities and to
her garden.
In 1992 she sold Tall Trees and moved to a bungalow in Whytewell Road, where she lived very
happily until the age of 93 when she suffered a broken hip in a fall at a local supermarket. She
spent her remaining years contentedly at the Richmond nursing home in Northampton until she
suffered a fall on New Year’s Eve 2013 and broke her other hip. She died of resulting pneumonia
on the 6th January 2014, just 53 days short of her 98th birthday. She is buried next to Dick and
Mike in the family grave at the Doddington Road cemetery.
Ricky Wrenn
T
he following were either Association or social members whose deaths have been brought to
our attention since the compilation of the 2013 magazine.
David E. Billing (WGS 1953 - 1960) - Association Life Member and a resident of Hitchin,
Hertfordshire.
H. Brown - Association Life Member. No further details on record.
L. E. Brown (WGS 1936 - 1941) - Association Life Member, born 18.5.1924.
Jack Clarke - Club Annual Member, born 8.3.1934, a resident of Wellingborough.
F. J. Crawley (WGS 1930 - 1938) - Association Life Member, a resident of St. Ives,
Cambridgeshire.
Donald B. Houghton (WGS 1937 - 1942) - Association Life Member, born 19.7.1926 and a
resident of Orton Longueville, Peterborough.
Peter Johnson - Peter, a Club Annual Member, was born 17.3.1934 and a resident of Kettering.
He was a member of the Korean Veterans’ Association which meets at the Oxford Street
Headquarters.
Terence William King - Terence, a Club Annual Member, was born 19.6.1927 and was also a
member of the Korean Veterans’ Association.
David McLaren - Club Life Member, born 11.3.1925, a resident of Wellingborough and a
member of the Bowls section.
Graham Norris (WGS 1946 - 1952) - Association Life Member, born 9.2.1935 and a resident of
Kirby Muxlowe, Leicestershire.
Alan Philip Percival (WGS 1950 - 1955) - Association Life Member and a resident of
Wellingborough.
29
John Rawlins - John, a Club Annual Member and resident of Raunds, was born 24.8.1931 and
was also a member of the Korean Veterans’ Association.
Christopher R. Talbot (WGS 1955 - 1962) - an Association Life Member, born 20.8.1944 and
residing in Bedford.
T. Thompson - an Association Life Member who lived at Romford, Essex.
Peter Ward (WGS 1939-1934) - Peter, an Association Life Member and resident of the Isle of
Wight, was born 24.9.1926 and died 10.5.2014. Peter was an old school friend of Bob
Timpson.
Chambers & Brighty
The Only Independent Family Funeral
Directors in Wellingborough
Ian Chambers & Jeff Brighty
Tel: 01933 222707
5-9 Buckwell End Wellingborough NN8 4LR
Golden Charter pre-paid plans available
W
e would be most grateful if next of kin would supply us with the necessary details of
deceased Old Boys or social members and mention whether they wish the details to
be published within the ‘In Memoriam’ Section in future editions of the magazine. Always
remember, where possible, to give the dates of birth, attendance at WGS (where applicable)
and death. Please notify the membership secretary at HQ or Steve Cheney on
[email protected]
30
REMEMBERING JOHN DARBY WHO, TO QUOTE HIS WIFE,
"USED HIS LIFE WELL"
February 1941 to August 2013
I
met John in our first year at WGS and we soon became friends, a friendship that was to last a
lifetime. On leaving school, I moved away but he stayed in Wellingborough, nevertheless we
always met up for some medicinal beers on my frequent weekend home visits.
John joined the Old Grammarians Rugby Club where he claimed to have been led, possibly even
pushed, astray by Don Barker, John Jarvis and others of that ilk. He became word-perfect in all rugby
songs and attended many a stag party as choir leader, and entered fully into the spirit of rugby tours.
In 1966 he married Mary and I was privileged to serve as his best man.
The family moved around as work demanded, Brighton, Pershore, Worcester, Minehead and
finally to West Sussex, where the rest of the family had gravitated back to their birth place. During
his time in Pershore and Worcester he was part of the coaching team for the mini-junior section of
Worcester RUFC, though by then he no longer played himself.
He kept in touch with his own roots in Wellingborough with regular visits to family and friends, by
telephone and, after much persuasion, even e-mail.
His career started with an apprenticeship at York, Ward and Rowletts Garage in Oxford Street, that
site is now occupied by Morrisons, and continued with Aston Martin at Newport Pagnell where,
rumour has it, he may have had connections with some of the high-tech features in James Bond’s
vehicle. But that is shrouded in secrecy and known only in fact by certain personnel in the
Cheltenham Doughnut. Cosworths in Northampton were next to benefit from his skills in
supplying engines to Formula 1 racing teams. In the sixties and seventies these power units were
usually referred to as Ford.
In 1966 he opted for a major career change and took a training course in Huddersfield to become
a teacher in Further Education. Those who have read Tom Sharpe’s Wilt novels might have
thought this was an ill-considered move but John made a success of it. His first post was at
Brighton Municipal College, where he also became a City and Guilds examiner. His final post took
him west to Evesham College, where he was appointed Head of Motor Vehicle department. This
was his last paid employment from which he retired in 1999.
Retirement resulted in a move from Worcester to Minehead, which had for some time been a
favourite holiday spot. Here John found a new hobby in the Williton Sheds of the West Somerset
Railyway, where he assisted in the "re-build" of 34046 "Braunton" a Southern Region, West
Country Class locomotive. After its post restoration maiden trip, during which it melted a
crankshaft bearing, it underwent a little more repair and has since hauled ten or so carriages on
several special heritage trips.
Throughout the years, after initial treatment and subsequent remissions and occasional
treatment, he carried on as normal and he never lost his ironic sense of humour. Only in the
last couple of years did he fail to make it to Wellingborough for the annual boozy day in March
with a few friends, and known as "The Ides of March" Club. The remaining members met to toast
his life close to the Ides of November 2013.
He leaves his widow Mary, daughter Ruth, son Adrian, three grandchildren, and a host of friends
who will continue to miss him.
John Lewis
31
IN MEMORY OF TONY NUTT
Reproduced here in its entirety is an article which was compiled by Northamptonshire Telegraph
cricket writer, Andrew Radd. I would like to thank both Andrew and the paper for allowing it to
appear. Ed
T
here will be an empty chair - metaphorically at least - when players and officials gather at the
County Ground in October for the Northamptonshire League’s annual dinner and prize-giving
beano. I say ’metaphorically’ because Tony Nutt, whose death last Friday has saddened the entire
local cricket fraternity, would have harrumphed good-and-proper about a ticket for the event he
masterminded for so long going to waste. In fact, I suspect some of us who’ve slipped out of the
habit of attending will go along this year simply as a tribute to a thoroughgoing decent chap who
exemplified what’s really valuable about sport in general and our game in particular. And while
there’s a drop of hoppy ale left in the pumps he’ll be there in spirit.
Tony wheeled away season after season on behalf of Wellingborough Old Grammarians, but in
1986 assumed a higher profile in the county as President of the newly-formed Northants Alliance
League. He remained involved until the merger of 2002-3 and thereafter chaired the NCL’s
Finance and General Purposes committee before concentrating his efforts almost exclusively on
the dinner - acknowledged as one of the biggest events of its kind in the country.
"Tony made cricket administration enjoyable," says Weekley & Warkton chairman Colin Issitt, a long-time
friend and Alliance colleague.
"When I served with him on the Alliance committee I actually looked forward to our monthly meetings at Brixworth.
"He didn’t take himself too seriously and didn’t like others taking themselves too seriously, either.
"Tony never had any self-interest or a side agenda. He just cared about the good of the game and wanted players to
enjoy their cricket.
"Occasionally there was stuff in committee you had to deal with - but it was done with what they’d call in modern
parlance ’a light touch’.
"Meetings used to go on forever - not because we’d got a lot to talk about but because people used to sit around and chat,
basically!"
That’s also a familiar scenario to those of us who pitched up to his ’F&GP’ gatherings at Great
Oakley. Anyone making a long-winded and po-faced speech - like yours truly opposing the need
for a comedian at the presentation night - would be listened to and then offered a pint at the next
’interval’. After which the burning issue of half-an-hour ago somehow didn’t seem that burning
after all.
Issitt is also full of praise for Nutt’s creation of the ’NATS’ - the Northants Alliance Taverners - as a
way of assembling cricketers from rival clubs in the same team.
"It was an inspired idea," he recalls.
"Thinking back to when the Alliance started up, there were undoubtedly some feisty characters around and some
equally feisty matches being played.
"Tony’s thinking was to form a midweek friendly side, bringing some of these players together and engendering a
mutual respect."
A sample extract from one of Tony’s own NATS tour reports, published in the 1993 Alliance
yearbook, gives a flavour.
32
’Drinking till 5am and a morning round of golf was not ideal preparation and our next opposition, Redditch,
comfortably reached a target of 190.
’I had the satisfaction of bowling Geoff Humpage for nought. Unfortunately it was not THE Geoff Humpage, but I
can live off that for a month or two’
As Issitt explains: "Tony believed cricket was about much more than turning up, playing a match and going home. It
was a belief he took to extremes on many occasions!
"He always expected people to stay after the game - and we tended to stay rather longer than our wives and families
wanted us to!
"That’s missing now, and I think he became a bit disenchanted with how league cricket has gone.
"It’s a recreational game at the end of the day, and very few of the individuals playing it are good enough to take it as
seriously as they do."
Tony summed it up himself on the eve of the Alliance’s last season: ’I can’t help but feel that the
fun factor, which many of us enjoyed so much...has gone forever.’
When I interviewed him for this column some years ago he told me he treated every game as
though it was his last - maximum enjoyment always the order of the day. And if he picked up
wickets - an alternative Geoff Humpage or otherwise - then so much the better.
"He conned people out," Issitt reckons.
"He waddled in off three or four paces, floated it up there and batsmen reckoned they could smash it miles.
"He’d perhaps turn one every three or four overs and that was perfect - he didn’t have to do any more. He would laugh
about making bowling into a mysterious art when there was really no mystery at all."
But of course cricket wasn’t his only sporting love. Non-league football also felt the full weight of
Tony’s passion and involvement.
"He and I spent a lot of years following the Poppies together.
"Even then it was never a question of turning up at three o’clock - we had to have several pints and several pies
beforehand.
"I think my son, who started coming with us, thought Kettering Town matches kicked off at 12.30pm because that’s
when Tony always insisted we meet up.
"One of the best stories about him happened when Kettering played at Blackburn in the FA Cup - and Tony got stuck
in the turnstile.
"Legend has it that he missed the first goal, and he always said it took three blokes - two pushing and one pulling - to
get him through.
"For some years afterwards he was known as ’Turnstile Tony’."
Other friends and former team-mates have taken to social media in the last few days to share their
own treasured recollections.
For Ken Eales it was ’the expression on his face as he downed that cup of curry sauce outside the
chippy at Winchcombe on tour’ - while James Fry described him as ’one the nicest men to have
graced the cricket field’.
With memories like that, I’ve a feeling the old boy’s chair (or bar stool) will never truly be empty.
Editor’s Note: It has since been confirmed to me by Jim Cardy, also in attendance at the
Blackburn v Kettering cup tie, that Tony didn’t actually get stuck in the turnstile, he simply couldn’t
get through it! They had to open one of the exit gates to let him into the ground. Still a funny story
though. Jim also told me of when they were attending a Poppies away fixture at Slough where
there was a burger hut in each of the four corners of the ground. Tony was adamant that he
wanted to sample each one to see which one sold the best. Needless to say, it was mission
accomplished! R.I.P. Tony.
33
LETTER FROM JOHN HYDE TO DAVID BAYES
F
ollowing the despatch of last year’s ’Old Grammarian’ our President received the following
letter from former WGS Master, John Hyde. We have his permission to repeat it in full.
70, Craig y Don
Benllech
Anglesey
LL74 8TB
August 8th
Dear Dave,
Thank you for the latest edition of W.G.S. Old
Grammarian.
I should ask you to please note my change of address,
still Benllech but now, Craig y Don.
I am always so pleased to be in contact with the OG’s
as I have always had a strong affinity with W.G.S. as we were
both ’born’ in the year 1930, I in June, the school in
September.
Since living in Anglesey I have very much fallen in
love with the island and of course, its royal
acknowledgement, i.e. Kate and William.
Should any member of W.G.S. be in the vicinity I
would be only too happy to provide a ’bicky’ and cuppa
(coffee or tea) or even a glass of something stronger if they
care to call.
Sincerely,
John (Hyde)
Whilst I’m sure Mr. Hyde would welcome the odd visitor, I hope he isn’t inundated with people
knocking on his door seeking sustenance!
Ed
34
WRENN SCHOOL YEAR 11 REMEMBRANCE ASSEMBLY
O
nce again last November, the Year 11 Remembrance Assembly was well attended, with
Wrenn School deputy head Christine Hunt giving the opening speech which included John
McCrae’s poem "In Flanders Fields". The main speech was once again given by Mr. Derrick
Pearce, recounting his time at The Grammar School during the Second World War, including his
fire watching duties and the day of the Wellingborough bombing. The Assembly closed with Mr.
Martin Layton (Old Boy and former teacher) reading from the Memorial Book the names of the
Wellingborough Grammar School boys who lost their lives in WW2 and other post-war conflicts. I
personally have the honour of turning the pages of the Memorial Book every two weeks. It is still
kept in the Reception area at the Doddington Road site. At the end of the Assembly members of
the Wrenn School Orchestra are spread out around the school and always give a fine rendition of
"The Last Post". Messrs Pearce and Layton were welcomed to the school by students Sasha
French-Amey and Connor Parry.
Jim Cardy
35
ASSOCIATION LUNCHES
T
he quarterly luncheons, held at the Sportsfield complex on Sywell Road, continue to be well
attended by Old Boys of the Grammar School, with excellent food and company.
Why not use one of the luncheons for a group reunion? Groups of between six and twenty have
previously met, the organizer only has to arrange names and numbers and let me know in
advance. Payment is on the day.
The luncheon dates are the second Tuesday in the months of March, June, September and
December, which means the 2015 dates will be 10th March, 9th June, 8th September and 8th
December. The two remaining dates this year are 9th September and 9th December. We meet at
the bar at twelve noon for lunch at twelve-thirty. A list is posted in the Oxford Street Headquarters
six weeks before the respective luncheon, to which you can add any names. Alternatively, you can
contact me, Martin Layton, about details or to request that I add your name to the list. My
telephone number is 01933 223601.
Martin Layton
36
JIM MANDEVILLE
J
im was presented with a barometer for his 35 years’ service as Treasurer, Chairman and
Treasurer again of the Association. He was thanked for the many hours of work that he had put
in for the Association by the President, David Bayes.
Jim will continue in his role as a Trustee of the Association.
OXFORD STREET HEADQUARTERS
The lounge at Oxford Street is a designated Sports Bar and is open seven days a week with
Sky Sports available to view.
Why not come along to Headquarters and meet up with old friends to watch your favourite
sports on a large plasma screen and, at the same time, sample the fine range of drinks
available at the bar.
The licence for
is now very expensive.
We ask that you use it - or lose it!
37
‘MEMORIES OF WELLINGBOROUGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL’
F
our books in the series written by Graham and David Tall are now available:
1. ‘Memories of Wellingborough Grammar School’. (HB) £17.95
The book provides an overview of the school describing its three headmasters, curriculum,
houses, sports, clubs, societies and speech days. Only a few copies now remain.
2. ‘Mr Woolley and the War Years’. (HB) £14.95
This book focuses on the experiences of the second Headmaster, Mr Woolley during the war
years. It not only describes the changes in the school, it describes the WW2 experiences of
the boys who enlisted.
3. ‘Letters to Mr Woolley in the War Years’. (PB) £9.95
This book provides the full text of letters sent from Old Boys to the school during the war
years. Only a few copies now remain.
4. ‘Mr Wrenn’s School’. (HB) £17.95
The book considers how Mr Wrenn ran the school, describing its prefect system, tuck shop
etc. and all the teachers who taught at the school. It concludes by considering the
achievements of its pupils and what happened when the school closed.
Together, the books illustrate the achievements of a County Grammar school; how it took boys
and completely transformed their future. It exemplified a truly meritocratic society.
Copies of the books can be obtained from the Old Grammarians at Oxford Street or from the
authors at [email protected] or Graham Tall, 432 Station Rd., Dorridge, Solihull, West
Midlands B93 8EU.
38
39
WELLINGBOROUGH’S BREWERY GOES FROM
STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
W
e were delighted to celebrate our second anniversary of brewing
here in Wellingborough in May with a big, beery party and, as ever,
we were well supported by OG’s members. The past twelve months have
seen significant investment and expansion here at the brewery. In January
our extension was completed, almost doubling the footprint of the
building, and we took delivery of two new shiny brewing vessels that sees
us double our capacity. Our relationship with the OG’s continues to be a
very strong one with one of our beers always available at the bar and great
feedback from the membership. 2014 sees us release several new brews, as well as festival
specials and seasonal beers, and promises to be a very busy year. Since last year we have
appointed our first full time employee, Harry, who is now learning all aspects of the brewery
operation and whose contribution has already been immense! We continue to hold brewery open
days every Saturday from 9 until 5, so if you haven’t yet, why not pop down for a look around and
a free taster of our range.
As ever, a huge thank you for the support of the committee, staff and members of the Old
Grammarians Club! Cheers - Rob.
40
ANNUAL PRIZE DRAW 2013
O
nce again, the Association’s Committee would like to thank everyone who purchased
tickets for the 2013 draw. We again saw a high level of response and we have maintained
the number of prizes. Special thanks must again go to those Old Boys who generously made
additional donations to Association funds.
Please attempt to sell the tickets enclosed with this magazine and help with the raising of
much-needed funds. All money generated is used for the future development of The Old
Grammarians. The winning numbers in the 2013 draw, made after the Committee Meeting on
October 9th were as follows;
Prize
£250
£100
£100
£100
£50
£50
£50
£50
£25
£25
£25
£25
Number
19609
07295
13000
05867
18595
05789
00204
17387
14103
07163
06383
03707
Winner
R. Leadbitter
G. Woolhouse
P. Boxhall
J. Roe
L. Holt
J. Haward
W. Mandeville
F. Spokes
M. Looker
G. Cole
G. Buttling
C. Jetes
Congratulations again to all the winners, and to all those who didn’t win in 2013, good luck
with this year’s draw. Your continued support of The Association is very much appreciated.
Ed.
HEARD AT THE BAR
H
Q Manager Lisa and Robin Clarke were discussing the merits of the ’Duvet Day’. Robin "My Mum had an accident and had broken her arm last Thursday, so I had to take a
’Duvet Day’ from work." Lisa - "What day did you have off then?"
Ed
41
SPORTSFIELD MEMORIES
T
he three images were provided by Peter Crawley and they show the start of work on the very
first Memorial field, located off what is now the Dennington Estate on London Road. The field
had no road access as it was set back from London Road, and a work party was formed to make
the access and to lay rubble. From little acorns ..
September 1951
September 1951
January 1952
42
ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
T
he following two photographs have surfaced recently and it may give some Old Boys a few
moments of light relief in trying to identify the members of the respective years’ teams.
Ed.
43
A REPORT FROM THE BRITISH KOREAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION
WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT BRANCH
T
he Korean Veterans meet every third Wednesday of the month at The Old Grammarians Club
at 11.45am.
As reported last year, the BKVA in its current format will cease to exist on a date to be announced
by the National Council Committee, but there are plans for it to become a fellowship. Some
branches are closing down as most veterans are in their 80’s or older, so attendance is getting low
and it is difficult for them to carry on, although it is hoped that this particular branch will continue
to meet.
A National Monument to the Korean Veterans is to be erected at the Embankment Park in London
on a date still to be announced. When the monument is in place the standards will be laid up in
York Minster, the site of the original dedications of the national standards.
Hopefully we will have more to report in 2015.
Mary Morby
Secretary
44
CANAL ZONERS ASSOCIATION
NORTHANTS REGION (WELLINGBOROUGH BRANCH)
2014
Present Chairman - Bob Smith
Outgoing Chairman - Ernie Randall
Meetings held at the Old Grammarians, Oxford Street, Wellingborough
on 1st Wednesday of every month at 13.00
Recent Events: Visit to Molesworth American Airforce Bomber Command Base and afternoon Tea
at the Racehorse, Catworth.
Annual Luncheon held at the Stags Head, Great Doddington.
Contact: (Temporary) Secretary Anna Randall
Tel: 07982 508916
HEARD AT THE BAR
"
T
he doors lock at different times. It depends what day of the night it is." Our very own
Malcolm Edwards was responsible for this enlightening statement.
I do so miss my regular nights at HQ when conversations regularly throw up this type of
thing.
Ed
45
GOTCHY’S RUGBY MEMOIRS
M
y earliest memory of playing for the O.G.s was in the 1950’s. I was sixteen and one Saturday
morning in mid-winter the first team captain, Sam Partridge, knocked on our door and ask
me if I could turn out that afternoon for the second team at Stamford; I said I would (foolishly?).
For some reason there was no electricity in the changing rooms when we arrived and at the end of
the game we changed by candlelight. Before the game we were allotted our positions and no one
was prepared to play prop except Graham ’Pudge’ Brown. As I was a big lad I was asked if I would
‘give it a go’. I reluctantly agreed although I hadn’t played at prop much before. I had a torrid
afternoon being driven into the ground and contorted into previously un-experienced positions by
the wily old opposition front row. It was a week before I could stand up straight again. So much for
my initiation into O.G’s rugby!
During my early twenties when I was first team captain, I was also an assistant leader at
Wellingborough Boys’ Club. Our arch rivals, Wellingborough Town Rugby Club used to train at the
Boys’ Club because it had a patch of floodlit ground. As I was a key holder I had the duty of letting
the Town players into the premises and in exchange they let me train with them. The sessions
were led by Jim ’the pie’ Saxby (so named because of his family’s pork pie business). During a
tussle with him in a game of touch rugby he jokingly threatened that, in the forthcoming Boxing
Day derby between the O.G’s and the Town, he would get his boys to ’sort me out.’ So during the
game he exhorted his pack to ’get that Gotchy!’ I thought I was going to get through the game
unscathed but towards the end, as I reached up to catch the ball after a kick off, a Town player
thundered in and hit me in the ribs with his shoulder; it hurt; I dropped the ball and had the wind
taken out of me for several seconds. The smirk on Jim Saxby’s face said it all - mission
accomplished!
However, we won the game largely due to the kicking of Ged Eady. Ged could kick the ball vast
distances but, unfortunately, couldn’t see very well without his glasses. So, before he took a kick
at goal he had to have someone point him towards the posts and give him advice such as, ’See
that dark clump of trees, well aim immediately to the left of it.’ Ged would squint into the distance,
tee up the ball and was usually successful as long as he was aiming for the right clump of trees.
In the 1960’s an internal ’fun’ game was arranged between the President’s XV and the Captain’s
XV before the end of season party; it was really an excuse to generate maximum thirst before the
party. The game was free-flowing and lots of points were being scored. Playing in the back row for
one of the teams was Timmy Thompson (who sadly, recently passed away); he was an abrasive
hard tackler but unfortunately somewhat lost when he found himself in the open with the ball in
his hands. During the game he appeared out of position at inside centre in the opposition’s twenty
two (twenty five then); the ball was passed to him and he had the crazy notion of attempting a
drop goal. He dropped the ball and as he attempted to kick it he began to topple over,
consequently he missed the ball with his foot and hit it with his knee; miraculously the ball sailed
over the crossbar. A debate followed as the whether it was a legitimate score but the referee
decided it constituted a kick and the points were awarded. It was the only occasion I know of
when a drop goal was scored with a knee.
Again in the 1960’s we were playing away at Cambridge. On arriving at the changing room, prop
Bill Drew found he had brought two left boots. There was a discussion regarding whether he
should play in his shoes or with one shoe and one boot. However, he tried one of the left boots on
his right foot and decided that, although it was uncomfortable, he could play in it. He hobbled
46
from scrum to scrum and we won the game by a narrow margin probably due to the opposition
front row’s confusion in being confronted by four left feet and two right ones.
During one of the early rugby tours we were due to play the last game on Easter Monday after a
weekend of heavy drinking and lack of sleep. One of the opposition team kicked the ball
downfield over our heads and we turned round astounded to see our full back fast asleep on the
ground under the posts. Poor chap couldn’t stand the pace!
In the late 1970’s we received a visit from the Niort rugby club as part of the town’s twinning
arrangements. One of the favourite drinks of French rugbymen is a shot of Ricard’s Pastis, but
when they asked at the bar if they could have any Pastis the barman said, ’Sorry, we’ve got plenty
of pies but no pasties.
It was a third team game and our winger had a good run with the ball; after he was tackled he
collapsed writhing on the floor and groaning in pain. We all gathered round and the referee
pushed us back saying, ’give him some air,’ so we all stood around in a circle while the winger
continued to roll on the ground clutching his side. He was obviously very seriously hurt and in
great pain. We were on the point of sending for an ambulance when he at last managed to speak.
’I’ve got stitch,’ he said and we all fell about laughing.
I had a long playing career with the O.G’s rugby club but the low point was when, ignominiously, I
became the first Old Grammarian to be sent off. It was during one of my first games as captain and
against Rushden and Higham. I drove hard and vigorously into a ruck and the referee accused me
of stamping on an opposition player. So I was sent off and summoned to appear before the
Disciplinary Committee at the Saints’ clubhouse the following week. One of the committee was
someone with whom I was acquainted - Don White, an ex-England player, fellow Old
Grammarian and a former player whose own disciplinary record was far from angelic. I was
relieved when I was found not guilty and merely told to calm down my zealous approach to the
game. I suspected that Don influenced the decision in my favour although it was never discussed
whenever I met him afterwards.
The referee who sent me off was a chap called Fred Stoneham and, ironically, he was a family
friend (but he wasn’t any more!) At that time we didn’t have changing facilities at our sports field
but for home games we changed at the Grammar School and drove to the ground. Some weeks
after my sending off we were playing at home and Fred was again the referee. He had the
audacity to ask me for a lift to the ground and I replied, ’Yes, if you promise not to send me off.’ I
gave him a lift and didn’t have any referee problems that game probably because he didn’t fancy a
long walk back to the Grammar School.
I apologise if my recollection of some of these incidents isn’t entirely accurate; maybe some other
old O.G’s have some anecdotes they could share in the magazine.
Bob Gotch
THE TREASURE CHEST
O
ur weekly fundraising event is drawn on Friday Evenings. Jackpots have been known to
reach as high as £2,000 and it only costs a pound to play. To secure your go, simply ask
at the bar in Oxford Street.
BE IN IT TO WIN IT!
47
MEMBER BENEFITS SCHEME
The committee have approved an incentive scheme to
encourage new members to join the club and promote
increased use of the club in Oxford Street by members.
New members will be issued vouchers to the value of fees
paid to spend at the club in Oxford Street.
Current members will also be issued vouchers to the value
of subscriptions paid when renewing membership in
September.
In September, vouchers will also be available to life
members who have obtained that status following
payment of 10 years’ annual subscriptions.
ONE FOR YOUR EVENTS DIARY
T
he annual Christmas Draw and Carol Singing led by Brass Ensemble will be held at Oxford
Street on Monday evening, 22nd December. Why not come along and enjoy a great night?
Start time will be 7.30pm.
48
PRESIDENT’S DAY CRICKET MATCH REPORT
Sunday 29th June 2014
O
n a wet, cold, windy day we arrived at Sywell Road unsure whether any cricket would be able
to take place. During last summer, Merse and I had decided to program a President’s Day into
the Sunday fixtures.
With the sad loss of Tony Willers and Tony Nutt in recent months, it was decided to make the day
a memorial event. The President’s XI would be named the Tony Nutt XI and the Sunday side
would be the Tony Willers XI. Clive Bellamy took on the job of contacting ex-players, which he did
fantastically well, to play in the Tony Nutt XI. We had people travelling from 70 or 80 miles away
to play, with over 100 players and supporters in attendance.
With play due to start at 2.00, it was of course raining at this time, so the match was delayed. We
managed to make a decision about 3.15 to start at 4 o’clock and play 12 overs a side. The Tony
Willers XI won the toss and decided to bat. After Paul Martin had taken two early wickets,
including Martin Gilbey for 16, it was left to first team captain Tom Pace to top score with 39
before he was one of Clive Bellamy’s two catches off the bowling of Dan Austin. Martin Jarvis
landed some useful blows late in the innings with 17 not out to take the score along to 90 for 5
from 12 overs; Nick Groom taking 2 for 17.
In reply, the Tony Nutt XI opened up with Pat Barron and John Simpson, Pat failing to trouble the
scorers! Neil Austin came in at number 3 and showed what a fine player he is with a run-a-ball
24. With the Tony Nutt XI needing 21 to win off the last over, Sunday captain Kev Odell bowled
the last over in what was now lovely sunshine. Nick Groom took a liking to Kev with a 6 and a 4,
but it wasn’t enough as the Tony Willers XI won by 7 runs. Nick finishing 32 not out from just 19
balls.
It was then time to retire to the bar for the excellent buffet that John and Caroline Sumner had
provided. After the buffet, President David Bayes said a few words and it was then left to Lynne
Nutt and Davina Willers to present the President’s Day Shield to the winning captain, followed by
the Man of the Match award to Nick Groom.
We ran a raffle with over 30 donated prizes and more than £400 was raised for club funds with
Kain Brierley doing an
excellent job in selling the
tickets.
Thank you to everyone
who played a part in
o r g a n i s i n g t h e d a y,
turning up to play or to
support. A thoroughly
enjoyable day was had by
all. Hoping for a sunny day
next year!
Kev Odell
Nick Groom receives his Man of the Match Award from Lynne Nutt
and Davina Willers
49
President’s Day Shield
Tony Willers XI (Sunday XI) v Tony Nutt XI (President’s XI)
Scorecard
Tony Willers XI
Martin Gilbey
Luke Odell
Tom Pace
Mark Willers
Nathan Joshi
Matt Ward
Martin Jarvis (w/k)
Tyler Abraham
Luke Joines
Andy Brierley
Steve Kendall
Kev Odell (capt)
Extras
ct Neil Austin
ct Clive Bellamy
ct Clive Bellamy
ct Nick Groom
b. Paul Martin
b. Paul Martin
b. Dan Austin
b. Nick Groom
b. Nick Groom
not out
not out
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
Total
Bowling
Paul Martin
Pete Kelland
Andy Bayes
Nick Groom
Dan Austin
Ken Eales
Tony Nutt XI
Pat Barron
John Simpson
Neil Austin
Nick Groom
Ken Eales
Dan Austin
Charlie Kelland (w/k)
Clive Bellamy
David Bayes (capt)
Paul Martin
Pete Kelland
Andy Bayes
Extras
Bowling
Luke Joines
Tyler Abraham
Andy Brierley
Mark Willers
Nathan Joshi
Matt Ward
Tom Pace
Steve Kendall
Luke Odell
Martin Gilbey
Kev Odell
16
3
39
5
0
10
17
(9
(5
(22
(13
(2
(8
(13
balls)
balls)
balls)
balls)
balls)
balls)
balls)
(3
(27
(24
(19
(5
balls)
balls)
balls)
balls)
balls)
0
90
2-0-7-2
2-0-26-0
2-0-10-0
2-0-17-2
2-0-14-1
2-0-16-0
ct Nathan Joshi
ct Luke Odell
ct Matt Ward
b. Luke Joines
b. Tom Pace
b. Martin Gilbey
not out
not out
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
did not bat
wides 7, byes 5
Total
2-0-9-1
1-0-5-0
1-0-1-0
1-0-11-0
1-0-3-0
1-0-4-0
1-1-0-1
1-0-12-0
1-0-8-0
1-0-13-1
1-0-12-0
Result: Tony Willers XI won by 7 runs
50
0
12
24
32
3
12
83
The two sides that took part on President’s Day
The President’s XI (actually X11)
The Sunday XI (actually X11)
51
TABLE TENNIS REPORT 2013-2014
A
t the end of the 2012-13 season it seemed very likely that the ’A’ Team would be relegated
from Division 1. At the start of the 2013-14 season, however, the players had to focus on
playing another enjoyable but difficult season in the top division, because league officials had
decided not to enforce the team’s relegation.
The ’A’ Team and the newly named ’Works Warriors’ repeated their 2012-13 season-long fight
over the two lowest positions in the table. I am pleased to report that we again won this fight and
thus finished in 9th position, as the final table extract shows below. Because finishing in this
position could bring about the team’s relegation, the players will have to wait until a league official
advises them which division the team will belong to in the 2014-15 season.
Congratulations go to Mick Ball and Perce Sharp for contributing the bulk of the points that
enabled the ’A’ Team to not only recapture the 9th position early in the second half, but also keep
hold of it all the way to the finishing line. Additional congratulations go to Perce Sharp for his
excellent hat-trick against the St John ’A’ Team.
The ’B’ Team made a promising start in Division 2 last season, gaining two wins in the first four
matches. The first half came to an end after all nine opposing teams had been played. The team’s
position had only fallen by one place to 8th at this point, which was largely due to the victories
that David Bayes and Martin Rice had accumulated. A further slip to 9th position could not be
prevented, but the team held this position to the end, as the final table extract shows below. Since
the ’B’ Team’s final position fell within the relegation zone, its players will have to wait for a league
official to advise them whether their opponents next season will come from the 2nd or 3rd
division.
DIVISION 1
OGs ’A’
PLAYED
WON
DRAWN
LOST
POINTS
POSITION
18
1
3
14
41
9th
18
2
2
14
57
9th
DIVISION 2
OGs ’B’
The league produces divisional rankings lists which contain all players who participated in at least
half of their team’s matches. The names and rankings of the six OGs players present in these lists
are:
‘A’ Team:
Mick Ball (24)
Perce Sharp (26)
and Phil Lawrence (28)
‘B’ Team:
Martin Rice (21)
David Bayes (22)
and Roger Arterton (34)
The Challenge Cup competition is an open handicap which uses the knockout method to
eliminate every team bar the winner of the competition. The ’B’ Team performed very well in this
last season and wins in the first two matches took them to the quarter-finals. After their close
match with Westfield ‘C’, who have since progressed to the final, they reluctantly joined the group
of eliminated teams. The ‘A’ Team, on the other hand, were eliminated in the very first round,
narrowly defeated by Higham Band ‘B’.
52
A total of 98 victories were gained by the OGs players during the 2013-14 season. The ’A’ and ’B’
Teams were usually up against fierce competition, so I feel that the many good individual
performances we produced fully compensate for the disappointingly low number of fixtures our
teams were able to win.
Finally, I wish to thank every OGs player for the support he gave to his team last season. Let’s
hope all the matches in the 2014-15 season prove to be events where every player experiences
much enjoyment.
Phil Lawrence
Secretary
53
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WITH AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE OF OUR ASSISTANCE AS YOU WISH.
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OR ANY COMBINATION IN BETWEEN.
Bring your party to the Sportsfield
* Special winter deals for members.
* We are open most Tuesday evenings and weekends.
* Just give us a ring and someone will be more than happy to show you around.
* Check out our brochure on the website.
01933 676012
www.wellingborough-ogs.org
54
01933 226188
CRICKET CLUB REPORT 2013
T
he 2013 season, in contrast to 2012, was one of the
driest summers for some years as we lost just two games
to the weather. On the pitch however the 2013 season was
very similar to 2012, as all three adult sides found it very
competitive in their respective leagues.
The aim of the 1st team was to stabilise and find its level in
the County League structure. We knew it was going to be a
tough year and the team finished 10th in a division of twelve.
This was above the relegation places by a comfortable 85
points following a good run of results towards the end of the season. Andy Brierley took the batting
honours, followed closely by Faz Shah who pushed Andy all the way. Steve Kendall topped the
bowling table, followed by Sathya Babu and Andrew Holden. Anthony O’Connor and Tom Pace
were outstanding in the field with Anthony picking up the fielder of the year title. Anthony also
scored his maiden league century for the 1st team during the season.
Top 4 with the Bat by Runs:
(6 innings minimum)
Andrew Brierley
Faz Shah
Tom Pace
Anthony O’Connor
Runs
Runs
Runs
Runs
Top 3 with the Ball by Wickets:
Steve Kendall
Sathya Babu
Andrew Holden
Wkts 31
Wkts 30
Wkts 22
738
674
319
312
Ave
Ave
Ave
Ave
41.00
30.63
19.93
17.33
Ave 19.25
Ave 24.96
Ave 22.90
The 2nd team had a more positive season in Division 9. Derek Fitzsimmons captained the side in
his last year before retirement. Derek has been a great servant to the OG’s cricket club over the
last 20+ years and the committee and club members would like to thank him for his efforts over
that time. His gentle banter will be sorely missed. On the pitch the side had a comfortable season
and finished in mid-table. Many of the players chipped in during the season, the pick of the crop
highlighted below.
Top 4 with the Bat by Runs:
(6 innings minimum)
Gavin Goodchild
Wendell Pemberton
Richard Hirst
Derek Fitzsimmons
Runs
Runs
Runs
Runs
Top 3 with the Ball by Wickets:
Derek Fitzsimmons
Mark Bolar
Wendell Pemberton
Wkts 23
Wkts 18
Wkts 12
244
229
155
136
Ave
Ave
Ave
Ave
18.76
114.50
19.37
12.36
Ave 15.04
Ave 26.50
Ave 15.83
The 3rd team also had a difficult season. With regular unavailability of players in the 1st and 2nd
teams, some of the 3rd team regulars had to step up and this obviously had an impact on their
consistency and performances. The team finished in the relegation zone, but due to a
restructuring of the league and teams dropping out they held their Division 13 status for the 2014
55
season. Team spirit was high and with Graham Stevens at the helm it was an enjoyable season
once again. The club would like to thank all those "retired" players who stepped in and helped
Graham put a full team out each week and therefore successfully fulfil the season’s fixtures.
Top 4 with the Bat by Runs:
(6 innings minimum)
Charlie Bridgeford
Dan O’Connor
Dave Murray
Tyler Abraham
Runs
Runs
Runs
Runs
Top 3 with the Ball by Wickets:
Peter Bone
Charlie Bridgeford
Simon Macklam
Wkts 29
Wkts 24
Wkts 16
273
174
147
118
Ave
Ave
Ave
Ave
27.30
11.60
14.70
13.11
Ave 26.10
Ave 12.08
Ave 31.00
YOUTH REPORT FOR 2013
O
ur Under 17’s finished a creditable 2nd in the table, having won 5 matches and lost 2. The
Under 13’s finished mid-table with a very young side but had an encouraging season. The
under 11’s played just 4 games and they also finished in mid-table.
Overall, the youth section was very successful considering the worries at the start of the season.
This was helped by the efforts of the many volunteers, especially those at the Friday night training
sessions and the fantastic efforts from the OG’s coaching staff. Any youngsters who are interested
in playing cricket should please contact Anna Kingstone on 07706 716143 or
[email protected] Alternatively, contact Steve Kendall on 07502 227811
[email protected]
The cricket club committee meet monthly and the club’s thanks go out to those committee
members who keep the club running so smoothly in the background, and the club is very
appreciative of the support and donations from Vice- Presidents.
Mick Ball continued with his fantastic work on the ground in 2013. This was recognised by the
teams who visited us during the season as we finished second in the "Grounds" league in Division
4, behind Kibworth who have paid ground staff and finished top of the ground ratings in Division
9. The club would like to thank Mick for all his efforts during the season. There were no specific
projects in 2013 but we are constantly looking to improve the facilities we offer to those who want
to play cricket. Our next significant project will be the purchase of roll-on wicket covers. This will
be a project for 2014/15.
CRICKET CLUB AWARDS FOR 2013
Batsman
Bowler
Fielder
1ST TEAM
A Brierley
S Babu
A O’Connor
2ND TEAM
G Goodchild
M Bolar
A Clarke
Most Improved Player:
The Bob Chapman Award:
Player of the Year:
Anthony O’Connor
Tom Brett
Faz Shah
3RD TEAM
C Bridgeford
P Bone / S Macklam
A Watkins
The 2014 season has started in a similar vein to that of 2013, although we have picked up some
new players to hopefully strengthen us and improve on our league positions from 2013. Tom Pace
56
is club captain for the second year, Mark Bolar steps into the second team captain’s role and
Graham Stevens will continue his good work with the third team. Kevin Odell will look after the
Sunday side.
On a sad note we lost two of our cricketing family in 2013 and 2014 with the passing of Tony
Willers and Tony Nutt. Both had a major impact on the Old Grammarians cricket club and the
local cricket scene. The two Tony’s played hard but both knew the value of enjoying the game and
the company of those who played with them. The President’s Day game for 2014 on 29th June
will be in honour of the two lost friends, as a Tony Willers XII will take on a Tony Nutt XII
(President’s XII) and as many of the past Old Grammarians’ cricketers as possible will be invited to
either play or just enjoy a buffet meal on the day and catch up with old team mates and friends.
Anyone wishing to play cricket and would like further information please call Steve Kendall on
07502 227811 or Tom Pace on 07595 655248 or via the junior contact listed earlier.
Steve Kendall
Hon. Secretary
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WHEN VISITING OXFORD STREET
Would all members please make a note of the following Club Rules:1. No hats are allowed to be worn on the premises. Please remove them. This also applies
to ladies wearing baseball caps.
2. Gentlemen are asked not to wear vests or singlets within the Club, even during the
summer months.
3. If you are bringing your family in to the Club, children must be kept under close
supervision at all times and not allowed to run freely around the building, in corridors or
in the car park.
4. If dogs are brought on to the premises, they must be kept on a lead and under close
control at all times and not be allowed to annoy people who are dining.
5. Keep your feet off the furniture.
6. Excessive foul or abusive language will not be tolerated. Please keep it down.
Committee members are obliged to ask people to leave the premises if they refuse to abide by
these rules.
The Committee
58
RORKE’S DRIFT APPRECIATION SOCIETY
A
fter the success of this year’s trip to Belgium and the Battle of the Bulge, we are intending to put
together another tour of the Normandy D-Day Beaches and surrounding area in 2015. At this
early stage we are attempting to gauge serious interest from those who may wish to tour with us. If
we cannot go to Normandy due to the non-availability of Hotel rooms (it’s the anniversary of the end
of WW2 next year), we will attempt to organise an alternative tour. Please register your interest by
contacting Steve Watkins on 01933 382480 or 07768 537856.
59
RORKE’S DRIFT APPRECIATION SOCIETY REPORT
THE ARDENNES AND THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE 2014 TOUR
(AKA THE H.P. NESBITT TOUR)
I
would like to take this opportunity to thank Steve and Sheila Watkins for organising this year’s
trip to the Ardennes and giving me a rest, thus allowing me to actually enjoy a battlefield tour for
once. I know they both put in a lot of hours on our behalf. As we had never done a full tour taking
in the Battle of the Bulge everything was researched from scratch. Steve and Sheila even took a
few days over there in April to check the hotel and museums to make sure their opening hours
fitted in with the planned itinerary and the driver’s hours.
Day 1
Leaving the OG’s early on the Sunday morning, we made our way to Thurrock Services to pick up
Steve Cheney who is now a Man of Kent or a Kentish Man. I’ve never been sure which is which. I
do know he has taken over the roll as the new "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells". Not like Steve to
moan about anything is it? After a nice ferry journey from Calais to Dunkerque we travelled to our
base for the week which was the Hotel de L’Aubepine in Beauraing. Everyone hit the town that
evening in search of food and a drink or two.
Day 2
Our first destination was the American Mardasson Memorial just outside Bastogne. It honours the
memory of the 76,890 American soldiers who were wounded or killed during the Battle of the
Bulge. It is engraved with the names of the 50 US States, and the insignia of most participating
battalions are shown on the walls which are 39ft tall. A couple of miles away are Foy and Bois
Jaques Wood. Foy was occupied by German forces during the Battle. The American 101st
Airborne Division held the Bois Jacques just outside of town. After being relieved by Patton’s Third
Army, the 101st retook the town. The assault, spearheaded by Easy Company, 2nd Battalion,
506th PIR, was depicted in the mini-series Band of Brothers. Just north of Bastogne is the
German Military Cemetery at Recogne in which 6,807 Germans who died in the war are buried. It
was then on to Diekirch in Luxemburg to visit the National Military Museum. Most of the party
agreed that this was the best WW2 museum we had ever seen. It was here that the museum
In 1944, the American troops got a little closer to the ground than Jim managed here in Bois Jacques Forest!
60
curator asked Steve Watkins if he wanted all the tour party headphones setting to English. Steve
answered "yes", thereby admitting to us that he’s not Welsh at all! Our last visit today was to the
Hamm US Military Cemetery just outside Luxemburg City to see General Patton’s grave.
This evening, most of the party congregated at the same bar, some lasting longer than others!
They witnessed a drunken local staggering over the main road, ignoring traffic and traffic lights,
before he fell in the road. Pev ran over to check on the bloke as Ali Keith let rip with some
Glaswegian cultural dialect, none of it understood by anyone, apart from the last word dutifully
screamed, "t**t!". The episode was relayed later by Martin Layton who described Ali as H. P.
Nesbitt, when he was thinking of the TV character Rab C. Nesbitt. Hence the tour’s unofficial title.
Day 3
A guided tour had been booked at the Bastogne Barracks which is still in use by the Belgian Army.
On December 16, 1944 the Germans launched their last major offensive in the west. Bastogne
was a capital stake the Americans had to defend at all cost. On December 19, Brigadier General
Anthony McAuliffe, acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division, arrived in Bastogne with
his Division and he established his headquarters at the Sous-Lieutenant Heintz Barracks. On
December 22 he wrote history: he answered "NUTS" to the German troops encircling Bastogne
and demanding surrender. His short but powerful statement became a turning point in the Battle
of the Bulge.
Since 2010 Bastogne Barracks has been an interpretation centre for the Second World War. We
visited the "Nuts" basement illustrating a decisive step in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as the
numerous exhibition galleries. Also included in the tour was the Vehicle Restoration Centre where
all the old WW2 military vehicles are given a new lease of life. Many thanks go to our excellent
guide, Sergeant Bruno Kuipers, who kept us informed and entertained for over two and a half
hours.
In the afternoon we visited
Houfflaize and St. Vith.
Houfflaize was a strategic
location during the battle.
S p e c i f i c a l l y, G e n e r a l s
Montgomery and Patton met
up here, Montgomery coming
from the north and Patton
from the south, in their
counter-attack against the
German forces remaining in
the area. The US Army
defended the town of St. Vith
against German assault for a
few days, delaying the
German attack plan, before
eventually retreating. Once it
Sergeant Bruno Kuipers, a real star!
was captured by German
forces, the town was bombed
by the US Air Force on 25th and 26th December and by RAF Bomber Command with 300 aircraft
on the 26th. St. Vith was largely destroyed during the ground battle and subsequent air attack.
American forces retook the town on January 23, 1945.
61
Day 4
Our first visit today was The Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery which holds fallen Americans of
two major efforts. One involved the First US Army’s drive from September to December 1944
through northern France, Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg into Germany. The second included
the Battle of the Bulge and its elimination, enabling Allied forces to advance further into Germany.
There are 7,987 headstones including 37 sets of brothers and one set of three brothers.
We then moved on to Elsenborn Ridge. This was the northern shoulder of the Ardennes Offensive,
in which the German Sixth Panzer Army attacked the United States’ 99th Infantry Division, but
could not dislodge them. The 99th Division’s effective defense of the sector prevented the
Germans from accessing the valuable road network and considerably slowed their timetable,
allowing the Allies to bring up additional reinforcements.
Still heading north near Eupen, close to the Dutch border, we headed into Germany itself to the
front line positions on the Siegfried Line at Hollerath where we saw the Dragon’s Teeth anti-tank
defences and trenches, before heading back into Belgium for lunch and then on to Malmedy.
The Malmedy massacre was a war crime in which 84 American prisoners of war were murdered
by their German captors near Malmedy, Belgium. The massacre was committed on December
17, 1944, by members of Kampfgruppe Peiper (part of the 1st SS Panzer Division), a German
combat unit, during the Battle of the Bulge. American prisoners were taken to a field, joined with
others captured by the SS earlier in the day. Most of the testimony provided by survivors states
that about 120 men were gathered in the field. For reasons that remain unclear today, the SS
troops suddenly fired on their prisoners with machine guns. Of the 84 bodies recovered a month
later, most showed wounds to the head, seemingly much more consistent with a deliberate
massacre than with self-defence, or with injuries inflicted on prisoners who were attempting to
escape.
This was our longest day, almost 10 hours, so by the time we got back to the hotel it was time to
eat or drink or sleep. Some of us managed all three! The manager of the bar we used every night
arranged a Belgium v England karaoke sing off. With some great singing from Darren Coles, Jack
Roberts and our driver Martin Lemay I think we just about managed a draw.
Day 5
Our first stop today was the beautiful city of Dinant on the River Meuse. It is the birth place of
Adolfe Sax the inventor of the saxophone. Also in Dinant is the Rocher Bayard, a giant rock face
split in two with a road (one way) running through it. The German coach in front got damaged
going through the gap. Martin our driver lined our coach up with precision and shot through the
gap at 20mph only to be followed by another German coach that became tightly wedged between
the two rocks. A chorus of "Two World Wars and a big gap too, doo dah" followed, much to
everyone’s amusement.
Today was another chance to sample the delights of driving around the Ardennes. A little game
was held on board trying to see how many bulls or robotic lawn mowers we could see. (You had
to be there to appreciate that one!)
It was now time to follow the British involvement in the battle.
It was on 4th January 1945 that the 53rd Welsh Division, supported by tanks of the 1st
Northamptonshire Yeomanry Regiment and the 144th R.A.C. Regiment, launched its attack
between Marche-en-Famenne and Hotton. But its advance was to be slowed by the rough terrain,
the woods, the snow and the ice-cold weather.
62
On 8th January in a snow-storm and bitter cold, the 51st Highland Division, with the support of
tanks of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry Regiment, relieved the exhausted Welsh units. On
the same day, becoming aware of the advance of the British and American units and the
impossibility of crossing the River Meuse, the German High Command ordered its generals to
withdraw their troops from the salient and to retreat eastwards while conducting rearguard
actions.
On 11th January, preceded by armoured reconnaissance vehicles of the 2nd Derbyshire
Yeomanry Regiment, and again supported by tanks of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry
Regiment, the 1st Battalion Black Watch entered the town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, devastated
by successive Allied bombings. The following day, a reconnaissance unit of the 84th US Infantry
Division entered the town and linked up with the Scotsmen.
On 16th January, having achieved all of his objectives in the Ardennes, Field-Marshal
Montgomery decided to withdraw the British XXX Corps, and to move into the Netherlands to
prepare for the battle for the Rhineland.
By 28th January, the German Army was finally pushed back to its initial positions of 16th
December 44, beyond the Siegfried Line. This marked not only the end of the Battle of the
Ardennes, but also the end of the invasion and occupation of the region.
Their share of the Battle of the Ardennes having been done, none of the British servicemen who
were in the Ardennes will ever forget the bad weather conditions, the rough terrain and the fierce
fighting, or the 325 comrades left behind who lie forever in the Commonwealth War Cemetery in
Hotton. The youngest were hardly 18 years of age.
After having a team photo on the Northampton Tank overlooking the town, most of the party went
to visit The Battle of the Ardennes Museum in La Roche. We all met up for lunch (mainly liquid) in
the main square. It was here that Darren Coles told everyone that if your phone battery had run
out all you had to do was put your charger into the soil of a flower display and it would give it
enough charge to make a couple of calls. After five minutes Gary Brudenell said quietly to Colesy
"Is that true?" This brought howls of laughter from those gathered nearby. Good old Gaz, you never
fail to amaze me! The ’T**t Hat’ (courtesy of Robin Clarke) was his for the rest of the tour.
OG’s on tour!
63
As it was our last full day we decided to head towards home, taking in the small village of Bande.
On September 5, 1944, a unit of Belgian marquis attacked a German unit, killing three soldiers.
Two days later the American troops arrived in the area and the Germans retreated. Three months
later, during the Ardennes Offensive, the village of Bande was retaken. On Christmas Eve, a unit of
the German SD (Sicherheitsdienst) set about arresting all men in the village. They were
questioned about the events of September 5, and then lined up in front of the local cafe. One by
one, they were led to an open door and as they entered a shot rang out. An SD man, positioned
just inside the door, fired point blank into the victims’ neck and with a kick sent the body hurtling
into the open cellar. After twenty had been killed this way, it was the turn of 21-year-old Leon
Praile who decided to make a run for it. With bullets flying around him, he escaped into the
woods. Meantime the executions continued until all 34 men had been killed. On January 10,
1945, the village of Bande was liberated by British troops and the massacre was discovered. A
Belgian War Crimes Court was set up. One man, a German-speaking Swiss national by the name
of Ernst Haldiman, was identified as being a member of the execution squad. He had joined the
SS in France on November 15, 1942 and in 1944 his unit was integrated with other SD units,
into No. 8 SS Commando for Special Duties. Haldiman was picked up in Switzerland after the
war and brought to trial before a Swiss Army Court. On April 28, 1948, he was sentenced to
twenty years in prison. We were allowed to go down into the cellar where there is a memorial to
all those that were executed. Some of the group found it quite unnerving down there and left
quickly.
Day 6
Our last day started with the
prospect of a 3½ hour journey
back to Dunkerque. To break
up the journey we decided to
stop on the outskirts of Mons
to find the plaques showing
where the first shot of WW1 on
August 22nd 1914 was fired
and fifty yards away on the
other side of the road where
the last shot was fired on
November 11th 1918. There
was just time to take in the St.
Symphorien British Cemetery
near Mons. It is stated by
many to be the most beautiful
cemetery on the whole of the
Western Front. Buried here are
Pte. J. Parr, the first casualty of
WW1 and four yards away is
Pte. G. Ellson the last man to
be killed in action during
WW1.
Homeward Bound with drinks on the ferry.
We arrived in plenty of time for the ferry and had one last communal drink, (well quite a few actually) on
the crossing back to Dover. After dropping Steve off at Maidstone services we were back at the OG’s in
no time at all, ready to start another drinking session and chatting about our week’s experiences.
64
We are already looking at next year’s trip which will hopefully be to Normandy and the D-Day
beaches. It could be a bit more expensive with next year being the anniversary of the end of
WW2. We will try and keep it as reasonably priced as possible. Keep looking at the Association
website www.wellingborough-ogs.org for any updates.
Once again well done to Steve and Sheila, it does get easier after three or four trips. Honestly!!
Our thanks also go to Pauline and everyone at RB Travel in their help organising the hotel etc. and
to Martin our driver, what a welcome addition he is to our battlefield tours. He even helped repair
my glasses on day one!
Here’s to next year’s trip. Make sure you book early to avoid disappointment by contacting Steve
Watkins on 01933 382480.
The tour party consisted of (in no particular order): Martin Lemay (driver), Martin Layton, Stuart
Hill, John Bevis, Robin Clarke, Ali Keith, John and Jenny Kelly, Steve Cheney, Jim Cardy, Steve
and Sheila Watkins, Paul and Janette Panter, Gary Brudenell, Alan and Margaret Mitchell, Jack
Roberts, Andy and Lisa Peverell, Darren Coles.
Jim Cardy
Supplier of chilled, frozen & ambient foods to Caterers
Please call our Bedford office on:
01234 742444
to discuss how our ser vice could assist your business
[email protected]
www.holdswor th-foods.co.uk
Head Office: The Mill, Manchester Road,
Tideswell, Derbyshire. SK17 8LN
65
THE OLD GRAMMARIANS’ HOUSE MATCHES - GOLF 2013
A
fter last year’s poor turn out, this was to be the last of the Golf House Matches.
Imagine then the surprise and delight of the organiser when 23 OGs of all ages turned up at
Wellingborough Golf Club on August 2nd to do battle for the Stroppy Allen Trophy. From a youthful
Iain Campbell to a venerable Bob Leslie to the almost lame Bob Taylor to the incredibly fit and
reliable Ged Eady, Barry Clarke and Ivor Tilley - they were all there. It was especially pleasing to
have so many new players with us this time. All were welcome. Some enjoyed their golf, some the
post match drinks, some the genuinely up-market sausage and mash but all enjoyed the
fellowship and memories that getting together like this brings.
There were some minor snags but nothing serious; like "which House was Bob Taylor in?" Answer
from Bob "Lions" answer from others "Stags". "How many players will stay to eat when you have
ordered 18 meals?" Answer 23. But sharing food out equally comes easy to those of us who had
school dinners in the subterranean canteen in the 1950s. (Those at the top of the table get large
portions; the young boys at the bottom get what’s left). "Where did Ged leave the bottle of wine he
had brought for a prize?" Answer, we still don’t know.
However, we all had a good afternoon and evening. The winners this year were Stags (again) but
only by one point from Gryphons. Lions and Dragons came in the lower half of the table but they
too were only separated by one point. The prize for the best card was won by Les (si, I am uno
bandito) Henson (40 points) on a countback from Ged Eady. The prize for the player in most need
of encouragement went to Mike Steele with a smaller number of points.
Next year it was agreed we would experiment with a change of venue now that Rushden GC has
not only 18 holes but also buggies. The date will be early August so come on all you golfers,
especially Rushden members, come and join us in the Second Last Golf House Matches.
David Wilson
66
FOOTBALL CLUB REPORT 2013-2014
T
his season we knew would be a tough one, a lot of changes player wise didn’t help with either
Saturday side. However, we came through it with both the first team and reserves staying in
their respective divisions. The Sunday side did incredibly well to be promoted to the top Sunday
division, and as Chairman I’m delighted that we have come through from the bottom league to the
top in just a short space of time. So my congratulations go to Karl Clarke and his lads for a
splendid achievement.
The reserves finished mid-table and churned out key results towards the end of the season to
keep them away from relegation. Mark Bell received both the Players’ Player and top goal scorer
awards, and was key alongside the reliable Manager’s Player, Stuart Gardener, in keeping the
reserves up. Craig Hayward took over the reins mid-way through the season and has been
brilliant. He has dealt with everything thrown at him and is always positive. He rebuilt the
reserves with help from senior players and I’m sure they will improve this coming season as they
bring in fresh faces. A key point is that Craig is always willing to help the first team and whenever
the first team needed players he wouldn’t kick up a fuss. The relationship between first and
reserves has improved greatly and long may that continue.
The first team had a season of inconsistency. We made the Lower Junior Cup quarter-final and
lost to UCL side Rothwell Corinthians Reserves; it was a game where a little lack of experience
cost us. We also had some good results against Wooton (for which we were awarded team of the
week), also beating Corby Strip Mills and Heyford Athletic which were stand out performances.
We finished below mid-table, but our aim was always to stay in the division. However, it was a
season of frustration as the potential was seen by all but we couldn’t quite apply ourselves
consistently in matches. Players’ Player was Perry Smith, Manager’s Player was Wez Spendlove,
Sloanes (sponsor) Player was Scott Gathercole and top scorer was Kier Lawrie.
The Sunday side had a fantastic season earning promotion to the top division. Mark Fletcher
being the key man once again with his tally of goals and assists helping him sweep up the awards
for the Sunday side at the club’s presentation evening. Once again, congratulations to Karl and the
rest of the lads, I’m sure they’re all looking forward to next season.
Going forwards, we’re delighted that both management teams have been secured and are in place
for the upcoming season. We hope to have a successful season, but most importantly we hope
that all players, managers and everyone involved with OGs football enjoy it and remain committed
to the cause. Their help, support and encouragement keep the club going. G’s G’s G’s!
Shane Bicknell
VISITORS TO OXFORD STREET
M
embers are reminded that when guests who are non-members are invited in to the Club,
a current member must sign them in. A visitor’s book is now positioned behind the bar for
this purpose.
The Committee
67
GRAMMARIANS YOUTH FOOTBALL REPORT 2013-2014
W
ell here we are yet again and another season of youth football passes us by.
The club has again continued to grow, with teams starting as young as under 5’s up to under
14’s, a disability section and the introduction of girls-only football at under 10’s and under 12’s,
with an under 8’s already being planned. By the start of the season in September we are hoping
to have 16 teams within our organisation. Big thanks must go to all the managers, coaches,
assistants and club administration team for all their dedication to the club in making this happen.
It is good to see all the teams either doing or trying their best and it is a delight to report a great
success in the under 12’s girls team when they won the final of the league cup. What makes it
even more special is the fact they haven’t even been together a season and this is only the
beginning. We look forward to reporting more success from the girls next year.
Our under 12’s mixed team
also came close to success in
the league, and despite
finishing top on goal
difference and on equal
points with Earls Barton, it
is Weetabix rules to have a
play-off and unfortunately
the team lost on a penalty
shootout after extra time.
Congratulations must go to
the team on a great effort.
This season has been a
tough one on the
administrative and financial
side with a lot of effort being
channelled into the fund
A happy group of cup-winning U12 Girls.
raising efforts for the pitch
development fund, but
finally the target of £25,000 is now really in sight and good support on the Waendel walk has
helped raise in excess of £2,500 towards hitting this target. Obviously the 200 club lottery has
played a big part in raising money so far, but it would be nice to see a few more join in the lottery
to keep it running on a regular basis and allowing further development up at the sportsfield in the
future.
As ever, the youth football club continues to work under the ethos of sports for all, and anyone
wishing to join our club can be assured that the club is built on a solid Club Foundation of guiding
principles for both our coaches and young players which are:Throughout the age groups each coach is recruited and delivers based on the following principles:
.
.
.
.
.
To provide leadership and integrity at all times
Understand the needs of each individual child
Coaching sessions are appropriate, challenging, educational and Fun
Coaches adopt a learning centered approach to coaching sessions
Coaches create an environment that allows players to fulfill their potential
68
During games, this ethos is further evidenced through the setting of three objectives during the
games:
.
.
Teams must be the more sporting team, committing fewer fouls and less aggressive
Teams must try to win by playing very well, more creatively than the opposition with
attacking football
.
They need to win on the scoreboard
We do however not want to win without the first two aims being fulfilled.
We feel it is important not to tell the children to win - instead we teach them the skills that will
help them to become winners.
More celebrations for the U12 Girls.
A special mention must
also be made to Dave
Aitkin who, after more
than a decade of
involvement in the youth
section as team manager,
secretary, chairman and
more recently fixtures
secretary has decided
the time is right to step
down from the committee
and get his weekends
back. Thanks from
everyone Dave for
ever ything you have
done to help the club
grow to where it is today.
On a very sad note, it is with great sadness and regret that I have to report the death of a club
member in October of last year. Tony Alder (8.3.1976 - 26.10.2013) was a fantastic volunteer to
have in the youth section and was always there to help whenever we needed him. Tony was also
a great friend to many of us and the life and soul of the party. He will be sadly missed by his dear
family and friends. Rest in peace Tony!
On behalf of the club I would like to extend our thanks to the management teams of all our age
groups, members of the youth committee, the players themselves and all the parents for their
support this season and during the new season, come rain or shine on training and match days.
Mike Parsonage
Chairman Grammarians Youth Football Club
SPECIAL MEMBERS’ PROMOTION
I
s it your birthday? Pop in to the Club in Oxford Street with proof of membership and date of
birth to receive a free drink to start your celebration evening.
Remember - this is a Members only offer.
69
POOL REPORT
T
he Ogees pool team had another very enjoyable season, though it turned out to be our least
successful. With not much to report I shall keep it brief and get the excuses out of the way!
The league and cup double was achieved by a new team from Woodford Working Men’s Club.
They just happened to have eight of the best players in the county, with two players who have
represented England, and they had the jackets to prove it! They were a nice bunch and all eight of
them drank plenty and had meals at our club during our home games, so it was good for
business.
So in the end we finished 3rd or 4th in the league, having lost five times to Woodford over the
course of the season. The rumour has it that they will move on for the next season, so maybe
normal service will resume.
There were no individual successes either with myself coming closest, losing 3-2 in the semi-final
to last year’s winner.
Many thanks go to Lisa and the staff for making Thursday evenings most enjoyable.
Tom Seamark
70
HOCKEY REPORT 2013-2014
T
his season was very start and stop, with lots of free weeks and not as many games as we are
used to. The season was a successful one though as we finished Runners Up in the Division
which has enabled us to return to Division 1 after just one season in Division 2. We had additional
players this season and therefore had no problems fielding a full side, a problem we had
experienced in previous seasons.
Congratulations to our forwards, Jade Sartain and Fliss Goodliffe, who scored 40 and 38 goals
respectively and they were the Division 2 leading goal scorers for the 2013/14 season. Well done
and keep it up for next season!
Our fixture list below details our full results for the season and is followed by the final Northants
Ladies Hockey League Division 2 table.
Grammarians Hockey Fixtures 2013-2014 Season
Date
Opposition
H/A
F/L
Result
Sept. 7th
Rothwell & Desborough
Away
Friendly
Lost 4-3
Sept. 14th
Daventry
Home
Friendly
Lost 4-0
Sept. 21st
Kettering 3rds
Home
League
Won 7-0
Oct. 5th
Saints 5ths
Home
League
Won 10-0
Oct. 12th
Rushden & Higham
Away
League
Won 7-1
Oct. 19th
Wellingborough 2nds
Home
League
Won 4-1
Oct. 26th
Wootton
Away
League
Won 4-1
Nov. 9th
Oundle 2nds
Away
League
Won 19-0
Nov. 16th
Oundle 1sts
Home
League
Lost 5-1
Nov. 23rd
Towcester 3rds
Away
League
Won 3-2
Nov. 30th
Kettering 3rds
Away
League
Won 11-0
Jan. 18th
Olney (Slip Date)
Away
Friendly
Won 2-0
Feb. 1st
Saints 5ths
Away
League
Won 11-0
Feb. 8th
Rushden & Higham
Home
League
Won 8-0
Mar. 1st
Wellingborough 2nds
Away
League
Won 4-0
Mar. 8th
Wootton
Home
League
Won 3-2
Mar. 15th
Oundle 2nds
Home
League
Won 7-1
Mar. 22nd
Oundle 1sts
Away
League
Lost 5-4
Mar. 29th
Towcester 3rds
Home
League
Lost 2-1
71
DIVISION 2 FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Played
Won
Drawn
Lost
Diff.
Points
Oundle 1sts
16
15
0
1
Goals For Against
100
12
88
45
Grammarians
16
13
0
3
105
20
85
39
Wellingborough 2nds
16
10
0
6
69
31
38
30
Towcester 3rds
16
11
1
4
67
20
47
28*
Wootton Wanderers
16
9
1
6
50
27
23
28
Rushden & Higham
16
4
1
11
15
68
-53
13
Oundle 2nds
16
5
1
10
17
74
-57
13*
Kettering 3rds
16
1
0
15
6
88
-82
2*
Northampton Saints 5ths
16
2
0
14
6
95
-89
-4*
* Points Deducted
Next season will be a tough one as two teams are coming down from the Northants Midlands
league, but at least it will mean a Division of ten teams giving us an extra couple of games for the
season.
Unfortunately, our regular trip to Dorset did not happen this year. Venue problems meant that the
regular slot of the May Day Bank Holiday weekend was changed to a week later. Without the
Bank Holiday we were unable to field a team for the following weekend.
I would like to thank each Club Member for their dedication and commitment to the Grammarians
Ladies Hockey Club this season. Members this year were: Lisa Spencer, Cat Marriott, Sam
Meaking, Gayle Taylor, Lucy Thorneycroft, Zoe Hilbourne, Linda Matthews, Carey Saunders, Kelly
Hewitt, Amy Hewitt, Julie Holt, Mandy Coles, Elise Abrahams, Fliss Goodliffe, Jade Sartain and
Rachael Hewitt.
Thanks also to our umpires, Berni Westley, Kelly Hewitt and Chanelle Houston for enabling us to
fulfil our fixture list.
Our Player of the Year, which is taken from Player of the Match votes cast after each game, was
our reliable defender Sam Meaking, followed by Jade Sartain and Cat Marriott respectively.
Rachael Hewitt
WOULD YOU DO IT AT HOME?
I
t has been noted that some people regularly walk over the re-upholstered seats in the
alcove area at Headquarters. Please ask people to move to let you out. Good money has
been spent to maintain the Club’s appearance, please don’t waste it.
72
BOWLS CLUB REPORT
I
took over as President in August 2013, unexpectedly. Could we thank Dave George who, due
to personal circumstances, asked if I would take the reins as President? The first event on the
calendar was our successful tour to Eastbourne on August Bank Holiday weekend which was
organised by our Treasurer, Pat Lloyd. What a great job she always does that is very much at the
end of our season. We then go indoors with our short mat teams playing in the short mat league,
and by the end of February they had only lost 1 game - well done!
We had a busy year in 2013 with not as many fixtures cancelled due to the weather. We had
moved our home to the bottom green at Wellingborough Bowls Club. I do believe that it was the
correct decision; we have much better facilities with a changing room, shelter from the rain and
sun, and a Class A green to play on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our committee
for the hard work they put in to keep the club running: Barry Lewis for being the club secretary for
the past 16 years, but he has now decided to hang up the hat, a hard act to follow by whoever
takes on the role. Thanks also go to retiring Fixtures Secretary Doug Pocklington, also retiring
Ladies Captain Sylvia Townley. Thanks also to those keeping their roles in the club, namely Pat
Lloyd, Paul Townley, Les Hall, Alan Ferguson, Al Ashworth, Ann Ashworth and Iris Payton. And
welcome to Doug Jarrett as Fixtures Secretary and Elaine Jarrett as Ladies Captain. Let us also
welcome 5 new members; Marlene Armitage, Ann Hawkins, Lynn Bigg, Steve Bigg (Wheelchair
player) and Tasha Munton (Junior).
The 2014 season is going well as the weather is being very good. Thursday matches have seen 2
rained off, 5 won and 2 lost; Sundays 2 won and 6 lost; Ladies 1 lost. On Drawn Triples Day, 1st
June 2014, we had 21 members fighting for the crown - a great day with picnic for lunch, with
the final result seeing Elaine Jarrett, Kay Pocklington and Alan MacKay winning the crown. The
singles and drawn pairs are both going well at this time, ahead of schedule due to good weather.
To all those members of OG’s who are now at the end of their competitive sports-playing days, but
would like to still be competitive and have a challenge, why not come and try out bowls? After a
long sports career I gave it a try three years ago. I find it very fulfilling and it fills the gap that I was
left with when I retired from my past sporting life.
For further details, please contact me on 01933 381955.
Brian Henderson
AND THEN THERE WAS ONE........
R
ichard Armstrong retired from Wrenn School in August of this year. He joined the
Grammar School as a Geography teacher in 1971, continuing to teach at Wrenn
following the closure of the Grammar School in 1975. After 43 years and a number of
promotions, he leaves as a liked and well respected deputy head teacher. We wish him well
in his retirement. The last remaining former Grammar School teacher still working part-time
at Wrenn is Mike Hager, although not in a teaching role.
73
RUGBY CLUB REPORT 2013-2014
T
his was an encouraging season with the youngest ever captain, Andy Indge who brought with
him fresh ideas and new younger players. After making the decision to play in a merit table to
ensure competitive rugby week in and week out, the Old Boys finished in the promotion places,
achieving 3rd in the league.
The Boxing Day Game was played in very good spirits again where the host team, Wellingborough
Town edged the game.
Danny Saunders took the helm for the 2nd XV and worked hard to fulfil the 2nd team league
fixtures. He had a difficult job but managed to drag out some VETS and new players to complete
these fixtures, finishing the season in mid-table.
The performance of both teams has been very encouraging and there has been good spirit and
morale within the two teams. Steve Gill imparted successful training for technical skills that are
now evident on match days, and as the teams have trained together and played with consistency
for the remainder of the season this has reflected in their performances in League games.
Andy has really galvanized the 1st XV and this has seen a more stable team with far fewer
changes week in week out. Regular performers included Ryan Groves, Christian Stevens, Frankie
McGowan, Lee Scott, Keith Leadbetter, Rhys Thornton, Ben Gibert, Paddy Mahon, Pete Gawler
and veteran Brian King who should know better at his age!
The season saw a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the club, this was recognised with a oneoff specially designed shirt which current and past players donated money to have their name put
on to the shirt, thereby creating a ’75’ design on the front. I can also reveal that thanks to some
hard work from the current committee, sponsorship has been secured for new shirts for the 201415 season which will see the club returning to our traditional hoop design from new suppliers
Canterbury.
The Kuwaiti game saw sides from Wellingborough Town,
WOGRFC and the Kuwaiti Exiles battle for this annual
event. The Old Boys and Kuwait played for the new
Russell Salter Memorial Cup. In a very eventful game the
Old Boys were the inaugural winners of the cup.
There was a very successful VP Dinner with guest
speaker Dean Hedley who gave a real incite into life as
an International Cricketer; this was followed by a Q&A
session which dragged up a few more stories. Dean
enjoyed the game and stayed on drinking well into the
evening. This was a superb turn-out with 60+ past
players and friends joining us for the day, they also got to
see the 1st XV performance of the season, demolishing
Sharnbrook Rugby Club.
This summer sees the club joining forces with the RFU
and launching a ’GET BACK IN TO RUGBY’ campaign. At the time of writing we have so far seen
just over 10 new players come to the club to train and we look forward to welcoming them to the
club and hope they will continue to play for the Old Boys for years to come.
An old venue was selected for the WOGRFC Club Dinner this year and we met in our finest at
Kettering Park Hotel. It was another eventful OGs night of celebrations and special thanks go to
74
Kat Lees for fantastic organisation with superb food, balloons and dance competitions. Awards for
the season went to:
1st XV Player - Rhys Thornton
Coaches Player of the Year - Frankie McGowan
Most Improved Player of the Year - Chris Percy
Players’ Player of the Year - Paddy Mahon
Stroppy Allan Award - Carl Baldry
Clubman of the Year - Kat Lees
Club Colours were awarded to Simon Barnes and Steve Gill.
As ever, the volunteers have made a great contribution this year; whether as committee members,
coaching staff or event volunteers, and we are ever thankful for their efforts. Special thanks go to
Steve Patrick who took over as Secretary and Andy Mahon who took the role of Treasurer.
Things really do look bright for the Old Boys and our plan to return to league rugby in two years is
on target, as is the challenge of running a 2nd XV week in week out.
Richard Armitage
IMPORTANT NOTICE
FOR MEMBERS
FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABILITY AT HQ
T
he Committee have decided that, subject to availability, with certain terms and
conditions, the Function Room at Oxford Street will be made free to hire, FOR
MEMBERS ONLY.
Any booking will be subject to a minimum of 30 people attending and, if catering is
required, this will be provided by our own kitchen staff.
To make enquiries or to confirm a booking, please contact HQ on telephone 01933 226188
and ask for Lisa or Nicki.
75
OXFORD STREET HEADQUARTERS
The Club does not only have for
hire the fabulous Bar and
Function Room at Sywell Road.
Our members should not forget
the Function Room at the Oxford
Street Headquarters.
This is still available to hire for
that special occasion, be it a
party, wedding or just a meeting,
and at very reasonable rates.
Oxford Street Headquarters
Opening hours are as follows:
Monday - Thursday 12.00 noon
-
11.00 pm
Friday
12.00 noon
-
11.30 pm
Saturday
11.30 am
-
11.00 pm
Sunday
12.00 noon
-
10.30 pm
To obtain your booking form,
please contact the Headquarters
Manager on telephone
01933 226188 or call in to the
Club and request one personally.
The main bar area at Headquarters
Headquarters Manager,
Lisa Peverell.
76
PRIVATE PARTIES/CORPORATE EVENTS
Give us a call
At our Sportsfield Clubhouse we can accommodate up to 200.
The Sportsfield has 47 acres of sporting facilities-ideal for
Team Building Days and Family Fun Days.
We believe in the customer
being in control.
Tell us what you require and we will make every effort
to meet your needs.
Phone John Sumner who will be pleased to show you around
and give you an individual quote.
CHAIRMAN: JOHN SUMNER E-MAIL: [email protected]
(Mobile: 07886 925885)
HEARD AT THE BAR
W
hilst discussing the likely food intake during the ’Battle of the Bulge’ tour, our regular
contributor to this feature, Robin Clarke came out with one of the best yet! "I’ve never
been in a restaurant where there have been snails’ legs on the menu."
Nor are you likely to Robin!
Ed
WEBSITE ADVERTISING
W
hy not think about advertising on the Association’s website? We can quickly email you
with details of positions available, the sizes for different panels and the prices. Simply
drop me an email to [email protected] for information. You’ll be surprised at
how little it can cost!
77
HEARD AT THE BAR
D
uring the wine tasting evening held at Oxford Street in November, Suzy Spilling from
Cockburn & Campbell Wine Merchants was explaining how she had attended a wine
convention at the Landmark Hotel in London. At that point, Darren Coles asked if it was the
Landmark in Marylebone. Suzy replied "yes, have you stayed there?" Needless to say, the
reply from Darren wasn’t what she was expecting. "No, I was in the cheap and nasty Travel
Lodge opposite!"
The people attending burst into spontaneous applause and laughter.
Ed
HEARD AT THE BAR
A
conversation was taking place at the Oxford Street bar concerning the merits of and uses
for a Peperami. Eddie Craig then came out with the classic statement, "I went into the
Pound Shop in the Centre and there were three Peperamis in a packet. I don’t know how
much they were."
That would be a Pound then Eddie?
Ed
ROOM HIRE
The Function Room at Oxford Street Headquarters
is available for parties, weddings, meetings and
get-togethers of all sorts.
Please ring on 01933 226188 for details
78
WOULD YOU PREFER TO READ YOUR MAGAZINE
ON THE ASSOCIATION’S WEBSITE?
As many of the membership will already be aware, the Association’s website
www.wellingborough-ogs.org was re-designed a couple of years ago by ‘Cat’ Marriott.
On the site you can find the annual magazine as a readable PDF. Some members have
contacted us to state that they are quite prepared to use that facility and not have a printed
version posted to them. Is this something that you would consider? If so, please send an
e-mail to the ’Contact Us’ page on the website, stating ‘Please send magazine via e-mail’
together with your name and postal address. We will then e-mail you to tell you when the
next edition is available to view. This will help to save on our postage costs.
Ed.
Still hanging in the Hall at the
Doddington Road site. How many of
you remember seeing it over the years?
ADVERTISING SPACE AVAILABLE
O
ur rates are ultra competitive and give you the chance to reach over 2,000 recipients
of this magazine. Many more read it on our website. Current rates are £95 (half
page), £170 (full page) and £200 (inside covers). To book space in the 2015 edition,
please contact Steve Cheney by e-mail at [email protected]
Packages can be arranged to advertise in the magazine and on our website. Please
enquire of the rates. (Magazine rates could be subject to change.)
79
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
Advent Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
AO Copy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Barton Petroleum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I.B.C.
Chambers & Brighty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Countywide Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Glazerite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Hart Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Holdsworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Ise Fire Products & Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Jervis & Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Next Level Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Oakham Ales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Plumbco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I.F.C.
Positive Electrical & Plumbing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
S.&J. Kenny Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Tompkins Robinson Surveyors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Turney Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Wells Young’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O.B.C.
Wilson Browne Solicitors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ADVERTISEMENTS
I
f and when you use advertisers in this magazine, please let them know how you
found their details. Our advertisers are important - without them we wouldn’t
be able to produce this magazine in its present format.
If you are interested in placing an advertisement for your company, organisation,
etc., please contact Steve Cheney via email at [email protected]
You will find the rates are very competitive and include basic typesetting costs.
Packages can be put together to include advertising on the Association’s website.
80
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR
Oil deliveries for home,
industry & agriculture...
Budget Payment Scheme
ISO 9001 Certificate No.4521
Deliveries from 500 Litres
Wide range of Lubricants in stock
Established over 40 years
Most Major Credit Cards Accepted
For a fast, efficient & friendly service
BARTON PETROLEUM LIMITED
6-7 Vaux Road, Finedon Road Industrial Estate
Wellingborough, Northants NN8 4TG
Fax: 01933 441039
[email protected]
Tel: 01933 224317