1972-1973 ANECDOTES

1972-1973 ANECDOTES

MANCOM 21/8/72
Agreed team captains be supplied with cash for purchase of beer for their visitors. 1st XV and United £3 per match. Spartans and Youth XV’s £1.50. Drinks supplied for Lady Helpers to be paid for from catering receipts. Players, Allen Gay and Chris Perry authorised to organise Discotheques in the Clubhouse.
Letter of resignation received from Tom Martland; owing to injury, he was unable to continue as United XV Captain. Tom Martland was asked to take on the United Secretaryship, with Ken Box to assist. W H Fiddes would be responsible for the Youth XV.

Bath Chronicle 2nd September 1972 reported that preparations for the new season were well under way. Phil Hall had inculcated new enthusiasm into the players and David Dolman was working on their fitness. With the departure of Peter Heindorff to Manchester, it was anticipated that Radley Wheeler and Brian Jenkins would be regular selections in the ‘engine room,’ with Kenny Plummer as a more than able back up.
MANCOM 25/9/72
Mr J Roberts reported on a very successful Scottish Tour. Coach David Dolman reported his concern over playing standards and thought that 11 matches in 19 days was a burden. “The Secretary reminded Mr. Dolman however that it was not unusual to play a lot of matches during the month of September. Mr Roberts as Fixture Secretary said all the extra fixtures played had been approved by the Management Committee.”
The day to day running of the Club was causing concern and more income was needed. The Finance Sub Committee suggested cancellation of coaches for all but the 1st XV, Free beer – only to 1st XV visitors, and a review of playing kit expense. Players to pay their subs by 31st October. A Fruit machine had been installed and yielded £2 profit in the first week. It was agreed to charge 10d for parking for the 29th September President’s match.
MANCOM 12/1/73
Meeting advised that new 75 Year Lease of the Recreation Ground had been signed.
Mr Jim Waterman resigned his post as Vice Captain owing to injury. R J Walkey resigned as a player. After a show of hands, Mr John Hawkins was elected to fill the Management Committee vacancy.
Mr L Newton asked that details of the Clubs International ticket allocation should be made known.
MANCOM 5/2/73
It was agreed to compensate Mr. Radley Wheeler for the cost (£6.50) of repairing his dentures damaged in a match.
Grave concern was expressed about the serious drop in attendance when International matches were being televised. It was decided to write a letter of protest to the R.F.U.
It was agreed to offer Walcot Old Boys a twelve months tenancy of Lambridge at a rent of £100.

MANCOM 26/2/73
Protest to be sent to the Bath Corporation regarding possible Jousting Matches on the Rec. during the Summer. Mr F R Daw, Parks Director was disturbed at the possible damage which would undoubtedly be caused to the turf.
Mr. L A Hughes reported that, subject to an invoice to be received for tuning the piano, the Valentine Night Social Evening had made a profit of £15.60
MANCOM 26/3/73
Coach, David Dolman, asked if the 1st XV could travel to Sale on the Friday evening. The Committee ruled that it was not permissible in view of the extra expense.
Treasurer reported that certain players had been passing their tea tickets to Ladies, and some of the helpers objected to serving meals to ladies. It was agreed to inform the Club Captain that Tea tickets were not transferable and players’ ladies should not be served with meals.
It was agreed to apply to the R.F.U. for a loan of £8000 towards the cost of work planned for the North Stand Dressing Rooms. Total cost of the work was estimated to be £12,000.
Admission charges from 1st April to be 1st XV 25p. West Stand add 15p. O.A.P.’s and Schoolboys 10p.
It was agreed to take a collection at United matches instead of charging for admission.

The selection was notable in that no fewer than nine players originating from Local Bath Clubs played in this match:-
David Jenkins (Combe Down) Tony Hicks (Walcot O.B.’s) Chris Perry (Oldfield O.B.’s) Martyn Gould (Oldfield O.B.’s) John Meddick (Stotherts) Brian Jenkins (Combe Down) Radley Wheeler (Frome) David Gay (Walcot O.B.and Oldfield) Robbie Lye (Walcot O.B.’s) Malcolm Lloyd and Philip Hall had played for the Club since they left school at 15.

Geoff Phillips was to leave the club for an overseas teaching appointment. He had joined the Club from Rosslyn Park in 1970, and had contributed greatly to Bath’s successes in the recent seasons. It was his 102nd 1st XV appearance.

MANCOM 7/5/73
Committee voted to commence work on the North Stand, accepting the builder’s estimate of £11,000, and to leave the financial arrangements to the Finance Sub Committee. Three Officials voted against the proposition, as they were not in favour of commencing work before any R.F.U. Loan had been sanctioned.
Mr R A Berry asked if it was possible to raise funds by advertisements on the Rec.

20/5/73 There was a Sponsored Walk in favour of Club Funds. Player support was reported as poor. Nevertheless, Mr. L A Hughes advised that between £550-£600 was pledged.

MANCOM 4/6/73
Mr. Beazer reported that the lady helpers had been entertained to a Dinner by members of the Committee, in appreciation of their work throughout the season.
Mr. Curran reported that Mike Beese would be returning to Bath in August.
Estimates received for installation of Floodlights on the Rec.
The Secretary reported that the players had raised £206.65 towards cost of the Scottish Tour.
Mr. George Brown proposed as President for the 1973-74 season.
Mr. Jack Arnold was proposed as a Life member.

A Blazer Badge was awarded to Radley Wheeler.

The retiring President, Mrs Molly Gerrard, served her period of office with dignity and charm and at the same time created Club history.
Ralph Banks and Peter Pothecary, were the men with the ‘magic sponges,’ Lew Edwards looked after the Bar and Ted Morris continued to give faithful service.