THE GLORIOUS TWELFTH
August 12 marks itself out as a great day for EBAS EBA correspondent AUGUST 12 is called the Glorious Twelfth, as it marks the start of the grouse-shooting season (though the grouse would probably find a different adjective, if they could). But August 12 this year was certainly a great day for EBAS, with at least three major events in different parts of the country.
Brighton EBA held their Summer Barbecue, and, said Chairman Ernie Price, “It turned out very well – I’d say it was one of the best days we’ve ever had. There were well over 100 there, including our Vicepresident, [former world middleweight champion] Alan Minter. And lots of other EBAS were represented – David Fry brought a party from Bournemouth, and Bob Williams brought a load from Home Counties. And Bob also did a great job as auctioneer. Croydon took a table of 10, and I was well pleased to see [Chairman] Barry Penny and Trevor Cattouse. And there were groups from Hastings and Essex.”
Barry Penny readily confirmed the Croydon party had enjoyed it: “It was a great day, and it was lovely to see a lot of old friends.”
BN Editor Matt Christie is Brighton EBA President, and he too was very enthusiastic about the day. “It was a wonderful day,” he said. “Ernie ran round like a man in his 20s [he’s 81] to make sure it all went smoothly. The rain was a problem for the advertised BBQ, but Ernie wouldn’t let that ruin the day and demanded that the venue fulfilled their obligation to provide a BBQ. It wasn’t long before everyone had burgers and hot dogs! The venue was full to capacity inside, with more people sitting outside under umbrellas for several hours.”
I’m delighted to hear it went so well, and was supported by so many other Associations.
Ipswich secretary Erik Roper contacted me to say: “We enjoyed a meal with our neighbours from Eastern EBA [Norwich] at the Park Hotel, Diss. This has become an annual event now, and around 20 of us enjoyed a good meal and even better company. Among those present were Graham Moughton, who captained our boxing team at the 1972 Olympics, also former Norwich lightweight Clive Campling.
“Clive was part of the locally well-known Chucky Robinson stable that fought out of Great Yarmouth. He fought between 1948 and 1957, having a total of 32 recorded bouts – winning 26 (five inside the distance), losing four and drawing two. Although now 87 he is in fine health. Graham, meanwhile, teaches the noble art to juniors at his Holland Shore boxing club in Essex. We all had quite a chat about the recent BBC4 documentary concerning the
death of Freddie Mills. I think the jury is still out on that one!”
I’m inclined to agree – I doubt we’ll ever be able to say that we really know what happened. But it’s good to have these programmes on TV – they stir up interest and get people talking.
And Manchester Secretary Eddie Copeland told me: “Manchester and Leeds EBAS attended the Wirral EBA headquarters [Royal Navy Association in Birkenhead] and were treated to a great afternoon of camaraderie. There was an excellent buffet and brilliant entertainment provided by Paul Mccoy, who charmed us all with his singing and comedy. The day finished off with a raffle, and everybody went home happy. A big ‘thank you’ to Terry Carson and his Wirral team for a great day. Manchester and Leeds continue to have a special relationship and support each other every chance we get. Long may it continue.”
I quite agree. Three EBA dos, all very successful – and what was the common thread? All supported by other EBAS. That’s so vital. Of course, travel can be difficult and expensive – but where Associations are not too far from one another, it’s good to see this mutual support. For instance, Brighton and Hastings regularly support each other – there’s the inevitable friendly rivalry, and banter, but that’s all to the good. Hastings Chairman Dave Harris told me that when Brighton and Hastings get together they inevitably argue about which area produces the better fish!
Incidentally, Ernie Price told me that Brighton now numbers around 450 members – which is wonderful.
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