1971-1972 ANECDOTES

ANECDOTES 1971-1972
LAWS: Try increased from 3 to 4 points.

ALEC LEWIS HONOURED
During this season, former Captain – Alec Lewis was appointed Team Manager of the England XV on a seven-match tour of South Africa. England returned undefeated.

A LADY PRESIDENT
For the first time in the history of the Club, a lady – Mrs. Molly Gerrard (Widow of R A Gerrard), was elected to be President. She was to carry out her duties with grace and charm. Her architectural and general business expertise was invaluable in Committee, and she was personally involved in much of the Club development which was to follow.

MANCOM 28/6/1971
Mr Cyril Beazer elected Chairman, Mr. John Roberts Vice Chairman for 1971-1972 Season.

MANCOM 5/7/1971
In relation to the proposed re-building of the North Stand and Dressing Rooms at a possible cost of around £8000-£9000. Meeting advised that the maximum R.F.U. Loan would be £1184. Also, Somerset advised that no County Playing Fields Grants were available.
Matter referred back to Development Committee to consider what ‘first aid’ programme could be put in place.

MANCOM 19/7/71
Admission prices to be 20p for 1st XV matches, with West Stand 15p extra. Old Age pensioners and Schoolboys 10p.
United XV matches 10p, OAP’s and Schoolboys 5p. No extra charge for West Stand.

MANCOM 16/8/1971
There was a drive to increase revenue from subscriptions, and each member of Management was asked to enrol at least five new members. The Old Players Association agreed to help to raise funds and the 200 Club was to be revived by Mr Peter Heindorff. An increase in bar prices was contemplated. Mr George Brown offered to donate £50 if nine other people would subscribe a similar amount.

Malcolm Lloyd made a welcome return from injury. He had been out since 12th December 1970.
Iinvitation+++ +to send representatives to the Somerset County R.F.U. dinner, and it appeared that the Club President, Mrs Molly Gerrard had not been included. Mr Simpkins, the Club Honorary Secretary explained his understanding that such a function was for men only, and this was subsequently confirmed by Mr Garland of Somerset. In the event, Mrs Gerrard arrived at Fortts Restaurant without a ticket and eventually attended the dinner at the invitation of the Somerset R.F.U. Committee.
From the Chair, Mr Cyril Beazer ruled that in future Mrs Gerrard as Club President should always be invited to official functions and she should be allowed to decide if she wanted to attend. The Secretary said he thought this might embarrass some Clubs. No one disagreed with the Chairman’s ruling.
News that the Club had agreed a new 75, year lease of the Recreation Ground. It was anticipated that Bath would now launch a building fund to assist the upgrading of the North Stand and other facilities, including floodlighting.
EVER PRESENT
At the half-way stage, Skipper Roger Walkey was the only player with a 100% attendance record.
In his 16 games, Roger Elliott was the top scorer with 57 points made up of 13 penalties, 10 conversions and 2 tries.
Internationals and Club stalwarts, David Gay and Geoff Frankcom had turned in some fine performances for the United XV.
MANCOM 3/1/1972
Committeeman N P Halse announced that former Bath player, M C (Mike) Beese had been selected to play for England v Wales on 15th January 1972.

Considerable efforts towards fund raising, and a sub committee target of £6000. The following Committeemen were responsible for various events:-
Sponsored Walk:R A Berry
Indoor Race Night: C H Beazer
Firework Display: R A Berry
Derby Draw: A, Meek and L Newton
Dance and Tombola: G S Brown
Combined event with
Somerset County Cricket: L Hughes.
There would be a Ladies Coffee evening.
MANCOM 17/4/1972
A hearty vote of thanks was extended to Messrs Roger Berry and Len Hughes for the manner in which they had organised the Sponsored Walk for Club Funds. £680 was later handed to the Club Treasurer..
The R.F.U. advised that the Loan Scheme to clubs was temporarily suspended.
An application from Walcot Old Boys to build an extension on the Lambridge Clubhouse was passed by the Grounds Development Committee.

SOMERSET CUP OPT OUT?
There had been wrangling about the venue for staging this final. This and previous disenchantment would lead to Bath pulling out of the competition. It was felt that as Bath were the only first class club in Somerset, they had nothing to gain by participation.
The only disadvantage was that as winners, they qualified for automatic entry to the National Competition for the following season. In future years, outside the County competition, they would seeded by the National organisers and their performances in first class rugby would be the yardstick for competition placings.
SEASON IN REVIEW
It was a difficult captaincy for Walkey and a generally disappointing season. The skipper was faced with the departure of both Orledge and Waterman. Despite this set-back, his tenure was deserving of congratulations. From the beginning, he had the full backing of the Committee and the majority of his players. Philip Hall established a new record with 432 games for the 1st XV. David Dolman was appointed official Coach in February, and the fruits of his efforts were beginning to materialise. Retiring stalwart Peter Heindorff had made a magnificent effort with Fund Raising. Although handicapped by injury, Tom Martland successfully coached the United XV.
Top playing attendance: Walkey 43, Lye 40, Norris 39, Hall and Plummer 37, Phillips 36, A Parfitt 35, Lloyd 34, Elliott and Hannell 32, Hudson 29, Heindorff 24, B Perry and J Waterman 22.
There were substantial County demand for Bath players.