1965-1966 ANECDOTES

1965-1966 ANECDOTES
THE CENTENARY SEASON
MANCOM 10/5/1965
Mr. Roberts reported that Mr ‘Curlie’ Halse and Mr Lang Jones (King Edwards School), would be available to help with the Colts XV next season.

MANCOM 28/5/1965
Arrangements in hand for a Centenary match versus the Royal Navy on 25th September 1965, with the Royal Marines Band in attendance to Beat the Retreat.
Qualifications for wearing of the Centenary Tie were considered. For the time being, it was agreed to confine availability to Players and Committee.

MANCOM 31/5/1965
It was agreed to employ a part time Bar Steward at a wage of not more than £5 a week, plus a commission on percentage profit. It was agreed that one member of Management Committee would always be present when the bar was open.

It was Peter Sibley’s debut 1st XV game. Formerly of Blackheath, he had taken a teaching post at Monkton Combe School. His arrival at age 30, was soon to re-invigorate both himself and his team-mates, as a period of exciting open rugby developed. Certainly, a change in style of play was accelerated by Law changes avoiding direct kicks to touch within the 25 yard zone, but much of the credit is rightly attributed to Sibley’s running rugby philosophy.
Referee was Air Marshal Sir Augustus Walker K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., R.A.F., and President of the R.F.U.
The evening dinner at the Octagon, was as enjoyable as the game.
The Bath Football Club (R.F.U.) Centenary book went on sale at the Recreation Ground. Price 12/6d
A WORD ABOUT WILLIAM JOHN STEVENS
John was Sports Editor at the Bath Chronicle and followed his father Bill Stevens, who also reported Rugby for the local paper for many years. John retired from the paper in 1990, and it is estimated that he had covered well over 2000 Bath 1st XV games. He continued to support Bath and was very much part of the Bath ‘family.’ He was affectionately known as “Scoop.”
John was a Patron Member of the Bath Old Players’ Association. After a long illness, he passed away peacefully on January 8th 2000.

MANCOM 27/9/1965
In response to a query on selection policy, Committee was advised that it had been necessary to fall back on older players, in view of an unusual crop of injuries.
Alarmed at the mounting hospitality costs, the Honorary Treasurer proposed that Committee Members should pay 2/6 for meals.
MANCOM 11/10/1965
It was decided that Centenary ties would be presented to those players who had played 25 games for the 1st XV or 30 games for the Club during the season 1965/66, or by merit as agreed by the Centenary Sub Committee.
The Honorary Treasurer, Mr. C D S Thomas, advised of a career move to Southampton. It was therefore necessary for him to resign from his office.
MANCOM 25/10/1965
The Selection Committee met with representatives from the Bath Combination clubs. Although most of the Junior clubs would prefer that the ‘A’ XV was disbanded, nevertheless, relationships and co-operation had never been better.
MANCOM 17/1/1966
Chairman reported on submission of Planning Application to extend Lease and incorporating:-
a. Floodlighting,
b. Conversion of North Stand to provide for a Gymnasium, Skittle Ally, large Hall and improved Dressing Rooms,
c. Extension of West Stand on each end to replace accommodation lost in the North Stand,
d. Some cover (temporary if necessary) on the East side,
e. An entrance to be made from Johnstone Street,
f. A concrete apron in front of the West Stand and improved terracing.
g. 21st March 1966- News that David Gay and Michael Bull had been selected to play for England Under 19 Group.
22nd March 1966 Bath F C Old Players’ Association Dinner, held at the Bath Clubhouse, in honour of Club’s Centenary Season. The function was attended by over a hundred former players, including ten former Club Captains.
TALKING POINTS
Real family affair on the Rec.

Bath had three sets of brothers on the books: “The family circle was completed by the appearance for the United today of Robbie Lye, younger brother of Bill, the wing forward and, like him, a product of Walcot Old Boys.
Already ‘in residence’ on the Rec. are the Monahans, James and John, and the Gays, Allen and David, all of whom have played for the first XV some time this season.”

MANCOM 28/3/1966
The Secretary reported on a telephone message from a Mr. Hope of Grants Fish Shop, Staines Road, Hounslow Heath. Mr. Hope complained of bad behaviour on his premises, which was borne out by travelling Committeeman Mr J S Kay. The Club Captains were instructed to appeal to the players for co-operation.

Tuesday April 5th 1966 BATH FOOTBALL CLUB (R.F.U.) 1865-1965 Centenary Dinner at Fortt’s Restaurant, Milsom Street, Bath.
Memorable occasion attended by some 110 guests, headed by Air Marshall Sir Augustus Walker, President of the R.F.U.
MANCOM 25/4/1966
Messrs Simpkins and Roberts reported on a successful French Tour. Unfortunately, three or four players had behaved badly. It was agreed that the Club President and Chairman form a Sub Committee to interview the people concerned.
It was reported that the Club’s Centenary Dinner had been a great success.
Mr Buchanan reported that confidential Committee business had been disclosed to outside parties, and he emphasised the importance of treating the meetings as strictly confidential.