LOTS TO REPORT
News and updates from Croydon, Ipswich, Leicester and Scotland
CROYDON EBA’S second Annual Sunday Roast took place at the Masonic Hall on October 27 – and if the numbers were slightly down on last year, it was still a great day. The food was excellent and there was a terrific atmosphere. Once again, the lion’s share of the organisation was taken on by Chairman Barry Penny – despite his recent health problems. In a brief opening speech, Barry said it had been a good year for Croydon – long may that continue, for EBAS everywhere. CEBA members I saw there included President Billy Caswell, Vice-president Dave Mccarthy, former Commonwealth lightweight champion Pat Doherty, Vic Bowyer (who has been bravely battling illness for years), Ray Pakeman, Dave Cowland and Terry Jenkins. Brighton member Rob Benson made the effort to come, as did London member Mark
Taha, from Ealing. With luck the word will spread, and there will be more attendees from other EBAS next time – as I keep stressing, it’s vital that Associations support one another.
It’s also vital that EBAS show they support the current scene, and so we were delighted to welcome Billy Graham and his daughter, Louisa, from New Addington ABC. Billy is the head trainer, while Louisa has recently qualified as a coach – one of the few female coaches in the country, and the first at New Addington. The raffle raised £235, and cabaret was provided by ‘regular’ Barry Stevens – as so often, there was an initial reluctance to get on the dancefloor, but, once again, member Shannon O’brien took the lead, even physically dragging people out of their chairs. A really good day.
Sadly, Croydon have lost two former Committee members – Roy Beaman and Bill Flemington. Roy boxed as a bantam-cum-feather between 1959 and 1962, winning 18 of 24 – and all his wins came inside the distance! One of his conquerors was Mick Greaves, now President and Chairman of Leicester EBA. I don’t know if Bill boxed, but he was a pro referee in the early ‘80s, and I think he may have gone on to be a timekeeper. He was CEBA Treasurer for many years, and his endless supply of jokes enhanced many a meeting or function. Sincere condolences to both their families.
On the same day as Croydon’s Lunch, Ipswich EBA held theirs – and that, too, was an enjoyable day. “Our guests, Rory and Julie Burke, Martin and Caroline Webb and Len Wilson (Essex EBA) all
commented favourably on it,” Secretary Erik Roper said. “Len’s appearance was a nice surprise. It was just a shame that Graham Moughton was not there as they are well acquainted, both having boxed for West Ham ABC.” Next year, perhaps.
The latest Leicester EBA Newsletter notes that several Associations are experiencing dwindling memberships – it’s so important to introduce new blood – but, on a positive note, records that a party of 37 attended the recent South Yorkshire reunion. So, well done on that – especially as the event was sadly hit by late withdrawals. As I’ve said before, these functions don’t organise themselves – and it’s a real shame if all the hard work isn’t rewarded by a decent turn-out.
The Scottish EBA Newsletter normally includes an in-depth article on a past fighter, and this month’s features Jim Campbell, who campaigned from 1926 and 1939 and twice held the Scottish flyweight belt. Jim first won the vacant title in 1929, besting Walter Lemmon over the old 20-round distance. He lost it to Jim Maharg over 15 rounds – but it was close enough to warrant a return, and Jim got revenge via eighth-round disqualification. But Jim couldn’t get past the great Benny Lynch – though the verdict in their first meeting, in May 1934, was controversial. Lynch left no room for doubt the second time, but, to quote the article, “Any boxer who could take a top-form Benny Lynch 30 rounds and give him a tough tussle had to be a wee bit special.”