BISHOPSTON  R.F.C. OLD PLAYERS SOCIETY

2007 News Letter

Founded 1993                                                                                                                                                                                                 Secretary : T.J. Ellicott

Dear Member,

Wow, what a sporting year we have all enjoyed and with the Rugby World Cup starting very shortly plenty more to come.  Will there really be any side to offer a serious challenge to the All Blacks? 

Yet again England disappointed in the 6 Nations finishing third.  Beating France was a bonus, but a week later losing to Wales was a disappointment – not though for our Welsh members who were surely grateful for their only win. 

Bristol, however surpassed all expectations.  Several pundits had forecast that Bristol would be the club to be relegated from the Premiership and surprised most by leading the table at Christmas.  Finishing third to make the play-offs for the first time was a major achievement.  Why oh why is it that we have play-offs – surely the only reason must be financial! 

Meanwhile Bishopston had a very up and down season.  We were once again plagued by injuries and lost several games by just a few points.  Finishing 5^th in Gloucester Division 1 was an improvement on recent seasons and with a bit of luck and fewer injuries, we could have been making a strong challenge for promotion.  A worrying situation was our failure to field a 3^rd XV and if you know of anyone who might be interested in playing for the club, please pass on their details – they would be very welcome.

Last season’s results were:-

It is hoped Matt Salter will be coaching again and that we will be more fortunate this season and put in a strong challenge for promotion.  If you have a Saturday afternoon free why not come along – I am sure you will be surprised how many other Old Players follow the club’s fortunes.  If you would like a fixture card let me know. 

Sadly and somewhat belatedly, I heard that Ron “Butch” Gardener died about 18 months ago.  He was a 1^st XV stalwart between 1957 and 1975 and played over 300 games for the club.  Also I understand that Johnny Poole died late last year.  He never played for the club but acted as “trainer with magic sponge” for many years through the 50s and 60s. 

On the basis that we hold a mixed social evening every two years, that time has come round again.  The occasions held in the past have been a popular and social success.  The evening will be FREE and a buffet provided.  Regrettably with the thirst that some of our members still have, it will not be possible to include a free bar!  The date arranged is Friday 14^th March in the clubhouse.  Please assist me by letting me know on the membership renewal form if interested.  I will only contact you again with further details if you have expressed an interest. 

Membership of our Society is still good and I am always pleased to hear of anyone who might be interested in joining us.  The most frustrating is to write to possible members and not get a response.  It doesn’t take long to fill in the details and pop in the post with a cheque.  If not interested, even a quick phone call to say so would be better than wasting further monies on postage. 

Our Annual Re-union this year will be on Saturday 20^th October in the clubhouse from midday onwards and I hope you will make an effort to attend.  On that day our league opponents will be Longlevens from Gloucester.  The usual FREE buffet will be provided and a raffle as usual will be held (any prizes you could donate for this would be much appreciated). 

I sincerely hope you will continue to support our society by promptly renewing your membership.  At £5 (still since 1993) it is only a nominal sum and should you wish to add to this it would be much appreciated. 

It is 60 years this month that I first joined Bishopston and have been Secretary of the Old Players since formation in 1993.  This will be my penultimate offering and as of our re-union in October next year, I will be finishing as your Secretary.  I hope my efforts for the society have not been in vain and that someone will come forward to carry on where I leave off.  In anticipation of your continued support, I thank you and look forward to seeing you on 20^th October.