OPTIMISM FOR 2019
Let’s hope for a prosperous year ahead for all EBAS
A VERY happy New Year to all EBA members – and boxers and ex-boxers everywhere. I especially want to thank everyone who has helped me with this column over the past 12 months – by sending me newsletters and contacting me with news and information. As I’ve said before, it’s YOUR column, so please do keep me posted.
EBAS generally haven’t had things easy for quite a while. But the movement keeps going – there’s plenty of enthusiasm, and functions are well attended. I wish every EBA a successful and prosperous 2019.
As I say every year in my Croydon EBA Secretary’s Report, there’s no such thing as an unimportant member. Everybody has a part to play. By paying your subs, attending meetings and buying raffle tickets you are making a very worthwhile contribution. And there are other ways. As I reported recently, at the Croydon Annual Dinner there was a general reluctance on the part of members to get on the dancefloor after the meal. But one of the newest (and youngest) members took the lead – and her enthusiasm was catching. Whatever you can do for your Association is worthwhile.
One way EBAS keep going, and in the public eye, is by supporting today’s fighters. Ipswich are particularly good at this, and I was delighted to hear from Secretary Erik Roper that members of Ipswich EBA attended a Harwich ABC show at the Park Pavilion, Harwich, on December 8.
“The crowd were treated to 13 bouts that were evenly matched and highly competitive,” Erik said. “The home team recorded five wins from six bouts, which is a testament to the calibre of boxers within the club and their coaches.
“The Gordon brothers, Rio and Paul, particularly impressed us, and we will monitor their progress with keen interest. Local Elite England squad members Patrick Allen Cripps (Harwich) and Lewis Richardson (Essex University) were introduced in the ring to great applause.
“Member Graham Moughton’s Holland Shore Club had a fighter on the bill, Ronnie Ball, who was slightly unlucky to lose a hard-fought contest. Graham’s 1972 Olympic teammate, Billy Taylor, who runs the nearby St. Osyth ABC, was one of the ringside judges.”
Well done, Ipswich, and I’ve no doubt members will be turning out to support their local fighters in 2019.
I’m still getting reports of EBA Christmas parties, and I’m delighted that they all seem to have been very successful. Home Counties Membership
Secretary Terry Clarke told me their event was supported by many EBAS, including London and Brighton. This is another important point which I make no apologies for repeating. It’s vital that EBAS support one another. That keeps the movement going, and ensures that events go well.
”The event was MC’D by our Chairman, Bob Williams,” Terry said, “assisted by Secretary Kieran Mccann, Treasurer Chas Taylor and myself. The food was great, and outstanding music was provided by our resident DJ, The Pink Panther, with Mick Mancini and partner supplying the live show. The raffle raised £450, which will be divided among various charities. Thank you for advertising our event through BN.”
Well, Terry, as I said earlier in the piece – thank YOU for keeping me informed. If EBAS like to let me know what’s going on, I’ll give their events what publicity I can.
Essex also had a highly successful Christmas party, with about 70 members attending. “After the normal monthly meeting ended at noon,” Secretary Raymond Lee said, “there was a large selection of fish food. A roast turkey dinner was served at 2pm, followed by Christmas pudding, mince pies and a drink of your choice – all for £15. There was live entertainment, and several members gave a song – including former world super-lightweight champion Terry Marsh. Everyone had a great time. Member Mark Randall went round with a bucket, and we raised £350 for the Charlie Wynn Fund.”
Ex-boxers, and boxing people generally, are renowned for their generosity and willingness to help others. Well done, Essex.