FORCED TO SAY GOODBYE
After struggling to get new members Ipswich EBA is to disband
IT’S normally a pleasure to hear from Ipswich EBA secretary Erik Roper – over the years he’s regularly kept me informed – but his latest missive brought very sad news.
“After 52 years,” Erik says, “Ipswich EBA have reluctantly decided to ‘throw the towel in the ring‘ and disband.
“Most of our dwindling membership are now well into their eighties and have varying degrees of immobility. There doesn’t appear to be any local interest among youngersters in joining the club.
“We have donated the memorabilia that we have accumulated over the years to the Ipswich and Colchester museums and one or two local amateur clubs. Those few members that are able will still try to attend local shows and support local boxers. It is sad but that is the reality.
“We wish all our fellow EBA members across the country continued success and stability and will keep up to date with what’s happening by reading your column.”
That is all so sad.
Over its 52 years Ipswich has done a lot, for the EBA movement and boxing generally. Members are very supportive of local boxers – the Association has instigated annual trophies for the best local amateurs, and members regularly attend shows, pro and amateur. The first time I met Erik, in fact, was when he and two other members drove down to Brentwood to support one of their locals – spotting me at ringside he came and introduced himself. I’m continually stressing the importance of EBAS showing they take an interest in today’s boxers, and no-one could fault Ipswich for that.
And Ipswich have been good at putting on socials. For years they’d hold a summer garden party, and an annual lunch. A few years ago I was delighted to be invited to their lunch, and thoroughly enjoyed it – nice surroundings, good food, good company and great atmosphere.
18 months ago – November 2020 – they had a special lunch to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
“The celebrations were low key, and very much scaled down, because of the pandemic,” Erik said. “Which was such a pity, because we had hoped to celebrate in style and invite guests from other clubs. As it was, a good time was had by the members that turned up.”
Erik went on to say that Ipswich plan to hold a farewell meal. I hope it comes off, and is well-attended. Funerals are always sad, but they should primarily be
about celebrating a life. With all they’ve accomplished, Ipswich are certainly worth a good send-off.
Getting new blood is vital for every Association.
As previously mentioned, London EBA have come up with an idea. Three younger members have recently been invited onto the committee – two with the specific role of engaging with younger people and encouraging them to come to meetings, with the hope that they’ll decide to join. Whether or not this idea works, the important thing is that somebody considered the problem, had an idea, and put it into practice. People have TRIED.
And, as Erik says, the pandemic caused problems for everybody. But now things appear to be improving, and Associations have started meeting again, perhaps we can go back to holding more social events. These are always good because members can bring friends and family members along, and they can enjoy the friendly atmosphere – and maybe, as a result, come along to a monthly meeting, and perhaps take out membership. There are definite lessons to be learned from what’s happened at Ipswich.
Now for some good news. I was delighted to hear from Bournemouth EBA secretary Mike Hinton that a trio of Bournemouth members, led by Chairman Dave Fry, had an enjoyable visit to Essex EBA this month. “They were made most welcome by Chairman Tommy Burling,” Mike said, “whose members provided great company.” That’s always the case when an EBA entertains members of other Associations – and these reciprocal visits are vital.