1956-1957 ANECDOTES

1956-1957 ANECDOTES

The 22nd September 1956 Football Herald and Chronicle, carried a PROFILE on

EDDIE SIMPKINS.

Just over 60 years ago a small Bath boy used to collect pennies from his class-mates at the Bathforum School. When he had collected 7/6d, he went to Messrs Chambers in Walcot Street, Bath, and bought a rugby ball.
The boy was Eddie Simpkins who with those same mates, then went to Lower Common almost every evening and played there until dark. That was the enthusiastic beginning to the rugby life of ‘E.F.S.,’
Honorary Secretary of the Bath Football Club.
His enthusiasm for the game has not died in those 60 years; in fact those who know of the sterling work done by Eddie for the Bath Football Club since he became a member in 1904 could well say that it has become more avid. Let us trace devotion-it is no less.

IN COLLEGE XV
His playing career began with Fairfield Rovers, a local team in the 1900-1901 season, when he was captain, and when in 1902 he moved out of the city for the first time in his life-before and since-to become a student at St. Luke’s College, Exeter, he played as a centre for the College XV.
His training completed, Eddie returned to Bath to teach at the school where he had been a pupil and at the same time join the Bath club on the invitation of Tommy Davis, who together with Eddie, is one of the club’s four honorary life members.

FAITHFUL SERVANT
In two years he became captain of the ‘A’s-then the United side-and on occasions he appeared in the 1st XV. It was while he was playing for the 1st XV in 1907 that a knee injury ended his playing career rather abruptly at the age of 24.
But he was not lost to the game. In 1906 he had first joined the committee of which he has served continually, other than in the war years, and in 1911 was elected joint honorary secretary with J.T.Piper.

HON. LIFE MEMBER
A crowning point came on July 10, 1936, when at the annual meeting, it was agreed that, on the completion of 25 years as secretary, Eddie should be made an honorary life member, and although ill health forced him to resign shortly before war was declared in 1939, it was long way from the end of Eddie Simpkin’s association with the club.
He was succeeded by Mr. V Smith, who though he continued after the war, left the city in 1948. And who succeed him? After much persuasion, Eddie Simpkins the man who had not missed a committee meeting since the club got under way again in 1946, and who despite his age, and not too good health, has not missed one since.
When Eddie first became honorary secretary the duties were so onerous that today they are shared by the team secretary and the match secretary. In addition he had to find time for his school mastering at Bathforum School and later at Oldfield Boys school, from where he retired in 1948 after completing 40 years service.
In 1930 the first match Mr. Arnold Ridley- was appointed to lighten the burden-and after the war a team secretary was appointed.

THE CLUB
“So you can see it is really very much more easy now,” he said the other day when I heard Eddie reminisce about his associations with the game and the club. “For many years I was in charge of the team on away trips, and I have seen Bath play on 66 grounds in England and Wales.
There are very few home games I have missed in all the years, and there cannot be many who have seen Bath play more times, or even as many as I have.”
That was a boast, but with such a fine record of loyalty and downright hard work behind him no one can but admire it.
This year marks Eddie’s golden jubilee the Bath Football Club Committee which, following the honour of being made patron of the Somerset Rugby Union in 1952 is, surely the final glory.
At 74 he can hope for little more achievement, purely because he has reached his goal. “I’ve enjoyed it and I am proud of it,” he admits. And who wouldn’t be?
As a master at Bathforum and Oldfield Schools, E.F.S. has introduced many youngsters to the game, and the club and he is, with good reason, also proud of the fact that so many of them became prominent players.

MEMORIES
“What game stands out most in your memory?”
“I have seen many outstanding matches, including those with Bristol, but I think the most memorable one was when Bath, with three internationals played the United Services-they had two-on the Recreation Ground.”
“And now, even more important, what about Bath this season?”
“I think that in a few weeks’ time we will have a useful side. There are a lot of youngsters about some of whom are very keen and we should have as good a season as we do normally.”
As I said, devotion… I.J.T.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:- There are many who will have their own personal recollection of Eddie.
Part of the Old Players’ Anthem runs: “We’ve got a Motto, The Bath F.C. is all right” – Eddie used to sing his own version, in a wavering voice, and with a most doleful expression:

“Iv’e got a Motto, Always Merry and Bright”
Look around and you will find,
Every cloud is silver lined.
The sun will shine, although the skies are grey now.

Often times to myself I’ve said:
“Cheer up Eddie – you’ll soon be dead!
It’s a hard life – but a gay one.”

Eddie was always ready for a laugh at his own expense – he was a ‘good un.’

His son, Jack Simpkins was destined to follow him, with many years of dedicated service, in the same most arduous post – the Honorary Secretary of Bath Football Club (R.F.U.).
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29/9/1956 v Harlequins, Away, Lost 3-17. P Hardy, J Dolman, P Fale, D Curtis, D Ogden, J Thomas, G Drewett, W Law, G Clements, J Roberts, F Thomas, G Jones, M Smith, E Hopton, B Peasley. Bath were all at sea in defence, against a very strong Quins side and found themselves 0-11 down by half-time. The final count was a goal, three tries and a drop goal to a penalty by Curtis. Bath had rallied somewhat in the second half, with brave work from the forwards, particularly Peasley, but the Harlequins’ talented backs were more than a match for the Bath outsides.
Bath were certainly experiencing mixed fortunes!

PROFILE ON JOHN TOLMAN (Condensed Extracts)
Chairman John Tolman, had supported the Club for 50 years. Educated at Bathforum School under Eddie Simpkins, he was a contemporary of Honorary Match Secretary Bert Anderson. He was badly wounded in the 1914-18 war, but lost no opportunity to visit the Rec., and was especially known as a social worker and Club money raiser.
In 1935, he became Assistant Secretary to Arthur Moody in the old Supporters’ Club, and worked tirelessly in furtherance of its aim in support of Bath and District Rugby. Later, he was instrumental in keeping the Recreation Ground going despite the ravages of the 1942 Blitz. He played an important roll as Chairman of the Club, and Social Club and continued in the important roll of winning back old members and securing new ones, and halting a decline of i

MANCOM 19/11/1956
“Chairman expressed feelings of regret to the meeting that Mr Simpkins was unable to attend owing to illness, and added, this was the first time our Hon. Sec. had been absent from a Management Committee meeting since his re-election after the Second World War.”

Following a meeting with Junior Clubs, Mr J Roberts reported that most of the Clubs were supplying players to the Bath 1st and 2nd XV’s, as and when required. They were generally in favour, provided adequate notice was given.
The meeting considered the formation of a talent scouting scheme.

News that Eddie Simpkins was in hospital and had undergone an operation. He was “as comfortable as can be expected.”
He had been hon. Sec. Of the Club for 36 years.

MANCOM 3/12/1956
Letter from Ian Beer asking to join the Club as a playing member, and at the same time recommending a young full-back named – Ian Balding.
A minutes silence was observed as a token of respect upon the death of former stalwart W F Long.
Mr. Bailey reported a complaint on shortage of medical supplies, and Mr. Halse requested to organise tighter control – “particularly in regard to Vaseline.”

Good play by Avon’s Peter Heindorff made District Rugby headlines.
Playing at outside-half for Avon versus Cotham Park, on Monument Field, Peter commenced his performance with a penalty goal. Still taking centre stage, Heindorff later took the ball and four Cotham Park men over the line for a great try.
“Enough drama? Well, the game’s last kick was a penalty goal – for Pete.”
Would we see more of this promising young man?
It was but a start to an outstanding rugby career, spanning 358 games for Bath, Club Captaincy, County honours and International recognition for West Germany.
“GUEST” PLAYERS
“Much as I welcome these players, I condemn any policy which forces Bath into such a position to select a large number of “guests” into the first XV because there are no pure Bath players of the necessary standard to fit the bill adequately.
The club is banking a lot of faith – and has done so for some time – on the fact that next week Dennis Silk will become available, and more recently that his fellow master at Marlborough and England International Ian Beer will also. It’s a thoroughly bad way to earn genuine local support and in producing XV’s for future seasons.”

SCHOOLS INFLUENCE
Danny Evans, the former Bath Captain and Welsh International scrum-half was appointed Head of Oldfield Boys School. Winger John Rees was also a master at the school. In fact, the presence of rugby player school teachers, was a major influence in fostering Rugby in the Bath area.
Many youngsters were destined to owe a debt of gratitude to their inspiration.
It would be impossible to list so many dedicated schoolmasters, but a fair number come to mind:-
MANCOM 1/1/1957
CHANGE OF SIMPKINS
Mr ‘Bert’ Anderson reported that he wished to be released from duties as Acting Honorary Secretary. There were no nominations for a replacement, and it was decided to ask Mr. Jack Simpkins to take the position. Jack therefore assisted his father Eddie, who was in ill health.
Jack Simpkins gradually took over the reigns, following after his father’s long and meritorious service to the Club.

MANCOM 28/1/1957
A letter and questionnaire was read from the Observer, circulated with the idea of enquiry to find out whether the falling off of gates was serious, and what could be done about it.
There was a complaint about the number of non-members using the Club Room. Committee to attend and check the matter.
Future of Bath ‘A’ XV to be considered.
MANCOM 28/1/1957
A letter and questionnaire was read from the Observer, circulated with the idea of enquiry to find out whether the falling off of gates was serious, and what could be done about it.
There was a complaint about the number of non-members using the Club Room. Committee to attend and check the matter.
Future of Bath ‘A’ XV to be considered.

DENNIS SILK WAS NAMED BATH PLAYER OF THE YEAR.
Both he and Ian Beer were former Cambridge University captains and did much to bolster up Bath’s results in the second half of the season.

CHRONICLE SEASON-END COMMENT: “……..Bath’s performance looked very early season-strong, but unskilful forward, slow and without much punch or much wisdom among the backs. That is hard-but true!”
“…….The pack started the season badly, did magnificently in the mud, after the hatchet changes in October-then fell away again on several occasions when the firm footing demanded a little more than graft and guts.”
Bath’s strength developed in the back row, with strong attack and defence upon the arrival of Ian Beer at blind-side. Other assets were the performances of Bryan Peasley, Jim Tomlinson, who made an early impression as a forward and Ian Smart who was consistently on top form.