‘TIS THE SEASON
MEBA’S festive get-together is a big success
WE’RE getting to the season of Christmas parties, and I know a great many EBAS will be holding one. Manchester had theirs last month, and it all went very well, as Secretary Edwin Copeland reports. “We had our Christmas party on November 25 at the Lightbowne Sports and Social Club in Manchester,” Edwin said. “A minute’s silence was held for Mick Smith, a great ambassador for the EBA movement who sadly is no longer with us.
“The event saw 200 people – with guests from Leeds, Merseyside and Wirral EBAS – enjoy brilliant entertainment from artists Paul Mccoy and Rebecca Parry, and an ‘all you can eat’ buffet. The Frank Nightingale Memorial trophy went to Lawrence Yearsley, MEBA’S boxing scribe, who month on month comes up with an article for our newsletter which is always informative, entertaining and interesting. He well deserved the award.
“Current and former boxers in attendance were former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla; Wayne Crolla (Anthony’s dad and a former pro); former British featherweight champion Allan Richardson; former Central Area feather and super-feather champion Gerry Mcbride; former Central Area welterweight champion Gordon Mcateer; former Central Area featherweight champion Mike Whalley; former ABA champion, Olympic rep and good-class pro Tommy Proffitt; Australian State champion Neville Tetlow; former pros Jimmy Lewis, Gavin Stirrup, Jonjo Greene, Roy Richardson and Phil O’hare; and top amateurs Terry Carson (England international and NBF Chairman) and Pat Garvey ( Junior ABA Champion).
“The raffle raised £450 and further get-togethers are planned by Wirral and Leeds EBAS in the New Year.”
I’m delighted there was such a high turn-out, and that so many other EBAS were represented, it’s vital that EBAS support one another by attending other Associations’ meetings and functions. I wish Wirral and Leeds every success with their functions, and I’m sure they’ll be well supported by Manchester and others.
Edwin tells me that Manchester’s newsletter has had to be suspended as they’re currently without an editor. They are looking for someone to take the job on.
At Croydon, Chairman Barry Penny takes on a plethora of different duties. Some months ago he had to go into hospital, and a projected few days’ stay turned into several weeks. We had to
keep going, and volunteers were found to take on various tasks – and the meetings went ahead. I hope Manchester find a new editor soon – their newsletter is always a good read, with Lawrence Yearsley’s articles a highlight. To anyone at Manchester who’s thinking about it, I’d say: Have a go. As the Croydon experience showed, it’s amazing what you can do when you have to.
Talking of Croydon, last week’s AGM had to be postponed, thanks to yours truly – I’d come out of hospital the previous evening (nothing serious) and couldn’t make the meeting. As Croydon don’t meet in December, the AGM will now take place at our January meeting (the 27th) – and if anyone has a motion to put forward, or is interested in taking on a role on the Committee, please let me know.
Ipswich EBA are very good at supporting local boxers, pro and amateur – and I recently heard from secretary Erik Roper about two amateur shows in the area. Member Rory Burke, trainer for Patricks ABC, was due to put on a show at the Ipswich Hotel, Copdock, last week, featuring two of Graham Moughton’s boxers, while Harwich ABC have their annual show at the Pavilion, Harwich this Saturday (December 8). “Ipswich EBA will be represented at both,” Erik said. Well done.
Erik also tells me he’s looking for a copy of A Cut Above the Rest – the Cliff Field Story, by Paul Knight and Jamie O’keefe. If you can help, please contact Erik on erikroper1@sky.com.