COME TOGETHER
The importance of EBAS supporting each other cannot be overstated CROYDON EBA were delighted to welcome a party from Brighton at their May meeting, including Chairman Ernie Price, looking (and talking) fighting fit after recently having had a lung removed.
The importance of supporting other Associations was discussed, and Croydon Chairman Barry Penny said that he had been impressed, on his recent visit to London EBA, to note how LEBA promoted other EBAS’ functions. Brighton Secretary Jane Davison took up this theme, saying this was something Brighton made a point of doing – both at meetings and in their newsletter.
This is something other EBAS could consider. A lot of time and effort goes into organising these various functions, and they need to be supported. Groups from different EBAS make a real difference, and there’s another point – transport. Travelling long distances can be difficult, and expensive – but if enough people are interested, maybe something can be arranged. For instance, Barry Penny was talking about hiring a minibus, so that a party from Croydon could attend Brighton’s Summer Party on Sunday, August 12, at The Nevill Pub, Nevill Road, Hove. Great idea – provided enough people are interested.
Three weeks before that, on July 22, Home Counties EBA hold their Summer Barbecue at Bricket Wood Sports and Social Club, Oak Avenue, Bricket Wood. That too is always a good day.
Going back to the Croydon meeting, we were sorry to have to hold a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Dean Francis, Brendan Ingle and Paddy Sower (the last-named attended Croydon meetings from time to time, despite having moved to the Isle of Wight).
I was particularly sorry about Dean Francis – not only because of his young age (44), but also because I covered his pro debut for BN, and marked him down as one to watch. Dean outpointed Darren Littlewood over four rounds at Porchester Hall in May 1994, and over the next 20 years won a load of pro titles, including British and European super-middle, British and Commonwealth light-heavy and English cruiser.
A letter was read out from Harry Doherty, for many years an active member of the sadly now-defunct Kent EBA. Sadly Harry was involved in a road crash in the New Year, and has had other health issues, but his letter sounded as
positive as ever. I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing him well.
Closing the meeting, Barry Penny thanked everyone for coming – especially the Brighton party – and repeated how important (and enjoyable) it was to visit other EBAS. Barry was due to go into hospital a couple of days later, for surgery. By the time you read this he should be back home. Hope you make a full and speedy recovery, Barry.
At the Essex EBA meeting on May 20, the Manor Place Baths Reunion cheques (£2,500 each) were presented to Scott Westgarth’s father, John, and Herol Graham’s daughter, Natasha. John Westgarth boxed at heavyweight between 1982 and 1992, going to Denmark in 1986 to tackle Steffan Tangstad for the vacant European title, losing only by split decision (a onepoint margin on each card). Both made speeches of thanks, paying tribute to Scott and Herol – Natasha speaking very informatively, and movingly, on depression and its effects.
And there was a postscript – I had an email from David Gallagher, a BN subscriber for over 35 years, wanting to make a donation to the cause. I forwarded the email to Essex Secretary Raymond Lee, and by the time you read this, the Westgarths and Grahams will each have received a further three-figure cheque. Well done, David.
Essex is one of the younger EBAS, but their membership has been rising steadily, and now stands at around 160.
This month’s Mug’s Alley – newsletter of the Merseyside Former Boxers’ Association – includes a detailed article on the great Nel Tarleton. To quote from the article: “Whenever clever, scientific boxing is talked about, in whatever part of the world, Tarleton’s name must surely crop up.”