SUPPORT SYSTEM
As Croydon demonstrate, it is important for EBAS to give backing to each other
AT Croydon EBA’S AGM last month, the Committee were re-elected en bloc. Chairman Barry Penny thanked the Committee for their help over the past year, and thanked the membership for their loyal support – attending meetings, providing raffle prizes, and supporting the EBA movement generally by visiting other Associations.
Barry is particularly good at flying the Croydon flag in this way, frequently attending other EBAS’ meetings and functions – often accompanied by President Bill Caswell. Barry urged members to do this, saying he himself was planning to attend Brighton’s Christmas Party this Sunday (December 10), and next year’s Hall of Fame at The Premier Suite, High Green, Cannock, on Sunday, September 16. Similarly, Croydon have been delighted to welcome guests from other Associations during the year, notably Brighton and Bournemouth.
These visits mean higher numbers in attendance, some different faces – more money on the raffle, and a great atmosphere.
During the year, the imminent closure of The Ivy Club House meant Croydon had to change their Headquarters. Member Pat Doherty (ex-commonwealth lightweight champ) drew the Committee’s attention to The Orchard, in Cherry Orchard Road – and everyone seems to agree that it’s a great alternative.
Croydon were not able to hold either a Dinner or a Buffet this year. There were several reasons for this – one being that so many other EBAS had booked dates for similar functions, and it was simply impossible to attend all of them. Which, in an odd sort of way, says something good about the state of the EBA movement. It has been decided that Croydon try to book a date early in 2018, for a lunch-time buffet – this would alleviate travel problems.
This last, interestingly, is something that came up at a recent Committee meeting of the London EBA. Talking about the need to get numbers at functions, LEBA Secretary/treasurer made the point that people find it hard to make a return trip in a single day – which is why London have an Annual Awards Lunch, as opposed to an evening meal. Something other EBAS could bear in mind, perhaps.
Back to Croydon, and during the meeting a call came through from Brighton EBA Chairman Ernie Price. Ernie recently had a serious operation, but is making a good recovery and sounded very bright. Get well soon, Ernie.
Trevor Cattouse had a story to tell. “I was crossing the road in Hackbridge, and a car hooted me. I looked – and it was Alan Ash! He’s living in Australia now, where he runs a successful business – but he came over to see his mother, who’s very ill.”
I remember Alan as a pro lightheavyweight from Carshalton. Between 1982 and 1985 he had 13 bouts, winning seven. Alan was a regular on the London small-hall circuit, frequently appearing on manager Charlie Shorey’s promotions at Merton Civic Hall. Good to hear that he’s done well since hanging up his gloves – and if, on a trip to the UK, you’re able to make a CEBA meeting, Alan, you’ll be made most welcome.
Stuck for a Christmas present for a boxing fan? Over the past few months Essex EBA members Tom Burling and Raymond Lee have produced books (scrapbook style) detailing the career of, respectively, former world middleweight champion Terry Downes (who of course passed away recently) and Johnny Pritchett, who reigned as British and Commonwealth middleweight champion in the 60s. These books are a delight to the fighters featured, and a source of great interest to enthusiasts.
They cost £10 each, plus £2.50 postage, and can be obtained from Ray Lee on 01708 509 459. All monies from sales go to worthy causes.
Essex meet at 11am on the third Sunday of the month at the Naval and Military Club, 20 Royal Terrace, Southendon-sea, SS1 1DU.
DON’T MISS
THU DEC 7: Bournemouth EBA Christmas Dinner, Parley Country Club, Ferndown. SUN DEC 10: Brighton EBA Christmas Party, The Nevill, Hove (12pm). SUN DEC 17: Home Counties EBA Christmas Party, Bricket Wood Social Club (12pm).