1963-1964 ANECDOTES

1963-1964 ANECDOTES
MANCOM 8/7/1963
R.F.U. letter asking for co-operation in discouraging ungentlemanly conduct by rugby footballers. Captains to inform players.
Gordon Drewett resigned, after eleven years loyal service as a player. In paying tribute, the Committee asked him not to sever his association with the Club.
His unexpected retirement after only five games was one of the sadder occurrences in 1963. There was no ready replacement as a consistent points scorer.
“Year after year the tiny scrum half regularly topped Bath’s point scoring list with a stream of goals from his accurate boot; and once he retired, so the scores seemed to reduce to a trickle.”

Some turf to be renovated at Lambridge after leasing to a travelling Circus.
Loss of balls into the river, again causing concern. Mr. Roger Berry promised to arrange for a dingy to be made available to assist with recovering the balls from the Avon.

EXTRACT FROM SPORTS CHRONICLE & HERALD 25th January 1964.
HISTORY BOOK
“As a more permanent token of their reaching the age of 100, Bath are also planning to publish their history in time for the start of the season.
Club Secretary, Jack Simpkins reports that a great deal of research has already been undertaken.
But there are still some gaps to be filled about the club’s early days.”
(Tell me about it!)(Editor May 2001)

News that Irish Trialist, R.A.F. and former Bath centre, John Keepe had returned to his native land. He had made his Bath debut two seasons previously and took part in a memorable win at Leicester. A posting to Colerne had raised hopes of a possible return to the Bath colours, but he had continued to appear for the R.A.F. representative sides and for the London Irish Club.

FLOODLIT RUGBY?
Along with other clubs, Bath was addressing the possibility of introducing regular floodlit Rugby.
There was growing concern at falling attendances. Locally, this may have been partly due to some indifferent performances, but the principle problem was the attraction of television. The recent Gloucester game would normally have attracted a bumper crowd, but England v Ireland was ‘on the Telly,’ and the Rec gate money barely paid for providing meals and drinks for the visitors.

All eyes were now on the Bath Sevens which included a Colts and Senior Tournament. A record number of 54 teams had entered, representing 400 players, with the competition extending over two weeks.

Financially, things were not too good. The Club faced the prospect of a loss for the second year running. Although Membership figures had been maintained, match attendances were down, whilst overheads continued to escalate. Introduction of floodlit games was being considered.

MANCOM 4/5/1964
Treasurer reported that the teams of Lady Helpers had served 2263 meals in the Clubhouse for the players and officials, and taken £228 8s 6d from the sale of tea and sandwiches.
Arrangements were in hand to entertain the ladies to a Dinner.
Mr Roberts reported that a portable skittle alley had been mislaid. It was resolved to visit Mr Holbeche, Headmaster at King Edwards School and report back. (The missing item was eventually found at Oldfield Old Boys RFC, and subsequently returned to the Club.)

AGM 26/6/1964
New Management Committee to consider the engagement of Ball Boys, and if found necessary, that they be paid.