GETTING TOGETHER
The Wales EBA Annual Reunion is a big hit once again
WALES EBA held their Annual Reunion at Taff’s Well Ex-service and Social Club on Sunday September 2 and, once again, the event was a great success. My thanks to Secretary Martin Williams for supplying a comprehensive report.
There were over 260 in attendance, including past and present champions Alan Minter (Brighton EBA Life Vicepresident), Allan Richardson (Leeds EBA President), Bunny Johnson (Central [Midlands] EBA President), Ken Buchanan, Enzo Maccarinelli, Barry Jones, Gavin Rees, Robbie Regan, Pat Thomas, Colin Jones, Nicky Piper, Tony Borg, Andrew Selby, Gavin Gwynne and Nathan Thorley. And there were parties from many other EBAS, including Hastings, Scotland and Leicester.
Sadly, Wales Vice-chairman Danny Davies passed away a week before the event. “He will be sorely missed by all members and committee,” Martin said. My condolences to Danny’s family and friends.
The award winners were: Unsung Hero Awards – Pat Mahoney, Wally Goggin, Ron Pavett and Dave Harris. The last-named, of course, is the Hastings EBA Chairman, and instituted the highly successful British Ex-boxers’ Hall of Fame. For Services to Boxing (selected by the committee) – Dai Furnish. Roger Pleece Award for Services to Boxing – Colin Jones. Contribution to Welsh Boxing – Barry Hearn, Matchroom Boxing. David Bomber Pearce Award for Overcoming Adversity and Hard Times – Craig Woodruff. Howard Winstone Award for Up-and-coming Amateur – Rosie Eccles. Merthyr Forgotten Boxers Award – Steven James.
A lot of thought obviously went into deciding on these categories. There are a great many unsung heroes and people who give up their time and effort for a cause they believe in. It’s only right that they be shown some appreciation.
An event like this takes a great deal of organising, and Martin and Chairman Kevin Hayde, and all the team, are to be congratulated on all their hard work. Martin especially wanted to thank his wife, Jo, for her work and commitment.
In a joint statement, Kevin and Martin said: “We would like to thank all the boxers who attended the reunion. Their continued support is really appreciated, and they made the event extra special by taking the time to meet and greet everyone, having pictures taken and signing memorabilia for the visitors.
“One of the statements of the day came from Enzo Maccarinelli, who said, after meeting Ken Buchanan: ‘Sometimes
I am a fan as well.’ This sentiment just sums up the EBA fraternity beautifully.
“We would also like to thank all the visiting EBAS, who travelled the length and breadth of the UK to visit us. Every year we have a capacity crowd, and the atmosphere is always brilliant. Seeing former foes become friends is what the EBA movement is all about, and the amount of reminiscing on the day was amazing to hear.
“Many thanks to our sponsors, whose help is really appreciated. These events are costly to put on, and their donations really do make a difference to our Association. We hope they continue to support us in the coming years.”
This last is a very interesting point. Sponsorship makes a tremendous difference. Apparently, Wales EBA have no fewer than 11 sponsors, which suggests that the committee have shown great initiative and tenacity in going out and finding them. Among the sponsors is the Taff’s Well Ex-service and Social Club itself. It’s something that other EBAS might consider. My congratulations to all at Wales who put in so much work, and to the EBAS and ex-boxers who made the effort to go. The Leicester contingent certainly had a good time, as I heard from Secretary Alan Parr: “We had a group of 14 there and Howard Winstone’s son always has a word with our Chairman, Mick Greaves.
“Hosts Martin Williams and Kevin Hayde and their team worked hard to make it such a success and the ladies prepared and presented a massive, delightful buffet.”