BARRY RETURNS!
Welcome back to Croydon Chairman
CROYDON EBA enjoyed a tremendous monthly meeting last Sunday (July 29). The turn-out was good, the atmosphere was great, and the raffle raised a magnificent £115.
There was a big welcome back for Chairman Barry Penny following his recent stay in hospital. It’s been extremely frustrating for Barry, who is very active, but he was glad to be back, and thanked everyone for their cards and visits, and thanked those members who had kept things going in his absence. It will be a while before he’s completely recovered, but he’s improving all the time.
We were also delighted to welcome Jimmy Butler and Harry Scott from Brighton EBA, and Dave Harris, Ian Gray and Martin Hooker from Hastings. As I’ve said before, visiting other EBAS is a vital part of keeping the EBA movement going. Jimmy Butler said that he, along with Terry and Karen Knight, had attended the Bournemouth EBA Reunion the previous day, and it had gone very well. That’s good to hear, and I’ll hope to receive a full report.
Barry Penny took up the theme of support, asking how many would be likely to attend Brighton’s Summer Barbecue this month (August 12) and Croydon’s own Luncheon on October 28. I hope both are well-attended.
Invited to speak, Hastings Chairman Dave Harris said the British Hall of Fame had gone from strength to strength. Next year it’s due to be staged by Essex EBA, and negotiations were in progress to hold the 2020 event in Cardiff – with the City Council showing an interest. That’s great news.
“Some EBAS supported us to make the first one happen,” Dave said, “and we’ll never forget them. Croydon were most generous. I really do think the Hall of Fame has pulled the various EBAS together.”
Dave is making progress with setting up a home for ex-boxers in need. This is a wonderful project, and I wish it every success. Barry Penny pledged CEBA’S full support.
My mention last week of George Salmon and Keith Nugent brought a follow-up from North Staffs EBA secretary Richard Vaughan, with the good news that Keith will be attending North Staffs’ meeting next Tuesday (August 7). I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, Keith.
Both George and Keith have Croydon connections via members Mick Hinton and Mick Hussey (both present at the meeting).
Keith split two verdicts with Mick Hinton – Mick winning at Hemel Hempstead in September 1973, Keith gaining revenge at Stoke-on-trent in March 1975. That was Keith’s last fight.
And Mick Hussey and George also split two verdicts – Mick winning at Southend in April 1977 but George turning the tables at Stafford less than two months later.
If either Keith or George were ever able to make a Croydon meeting, they’d be made most welcome and their old opponents would be delighted to see them – as would be the case if either Mick ever visited North Staffs.
Another follow-up came from Lucy Wildheart, the boxer from Sweden, who tells me she has been granted a BBBOFC licence. She is being managed by Colin Lynes, former two-weight British champion and European superlightweight kingpin.
Colin and Lucy attended last month’s London EBA meeting, and Lucy says she will join LEBA and attend meetings regularly. She says she’s looking forward to hearing all the stories that ex-fighters tell when they get together.
Reminiscing is far from the only purpose of an EBA, or an EBA meeting – it’s vital that EBAS take an interest in the present, and look to the future. And they know this, and do this. But it’s also very special when ex-boxers get together and talk about old times.
All EBAS need new blood, and it’s great when a current boxer (such as Lucy) decides to join.