Babz’s Blog No. 9
I would like to start with a thanks to all of you who have commented on reading the Blog. It’s good to know people are reading it (not sure if they enjoy it, but they are reading it!).
It’s been an interesting month with both teams continuing to perform well, & the 2nd XV are in a great position where people are trying to get games rather than Mike chasing people. The 1st XV are training hard, but we have been let down by the opposition of late, which has impacted on the league position & the players. And because of the late cancellation of these games, all attempts to get alternative fixtures have been unsuccessful. There has been a number of letters to the HRFU on this subject, especially in relation to sides travelling to the Island. Thanks to Dave Ball for taking the lead on this on the club's behalf.
On a brighter note, James has purchased a new digital picture frame for the clubhouse, & we have been downloading pictures for the frame. We have some great shots, haircuts, jumpers & even some where Nige & I have hair! Also James is able to video bits of the games played & immediately download onto the frame, so the guys can watch their fine performances. If anyone has any old pics, of teams, games, tours carnivals, dinners etc please scan then, & put them onto a disc for James & he will upload them*.
I was speaking to Rog Evans last week who said that he couldn’t believe the great atmosphere at the club at the moment long may it continue!
Its also great to see a fine crop of young players currently playing, some of which are names form the 70’s 80’s & early 90’s – Rogers, Champion, Morton, Babington, Engelgardt. It was really great to see & also really good to see Steve Champion at the club last week. Steve – through his company Island Food Services in Ventnor - has also provided us with a new coffee pot and his excellent filter coffee so we can make a decent cup. Cheers Steve.
A quick update on the Chairman’s new activities. Last week Kev Wheeler popped round with some Pheasants & Partridge. I made a great game pie, after plucking & gutting the birds, very nice thanks Kev!
Finally, for all those travelling to Twickenham for the forthcoming Autumn Internationals, have a good day out, & anyone going to the game Saturday v Australia & you fancy meeting up for a beer give me a call (07974 084564). I think we will be meeting - weather permitting - at the Barmy Arms.
STOP PRESS. Ron Gisborn's windows were installed in the clubhouse yesterday (Wednesday12th Nov). Not only do they look fantastic, they are aslo secure and double glazed. What with A J Wells' wood-burner and Ron's windows, it will like a funace in the club this winter! A huge vote of thanks to Ron from all the club and supporters.
Cheers
Babz
* All photos welcome. If you cannot scan them, lend me the prints and I can do it. All photos, press cuttings, discs etc will be returned. Also, has anyone got any old VHS videos? I remember a Bollene game at Watcombe in the 70s that was professionally filmed and there were probably others including the Cup run in the 90s. We can get these converted to DVD. Yours James – info@foxhillsofshanklin.co.uk or 862329