Golf Society & Photos Congratulations Social events
CONTACT DETAILS
For inquiries regarding The Bedford Blues Former Players Association please contact:
John Cooley on 01234 767517 or email him at cools@btinternet.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Robert ‘Bob’ Smyth
The club is sad to announce the death this week at the age of 92 of former player Robert ‘Bob’ Smyth.
Bob made 84 appearances for Bedford-32 before and 52 after the Second World War where he had been a prisoner of war in Italy and Germany, escaping several times. As one of the tallest in the team he didn’t quite fit the picture of a typical scrum half.
Born in November 1917 in Edworth he was, we believe the club’s second oldest former player(Ron Rogers was born in October of the same year.) Bob, did, however play for the Blues two seasons before Ron. In 1948, he joined the newly formed Biggleswade RFC where he finished his playing career.
His passion was horse racing and hunting and he was proud of the fact that he and his wife hadn’t missed the Cheltenham Festival for over fifty consecutive years, including this year.
The club extends its sympathy to Bob’s wife Caroline, sons Robert and Tony and all the family.
Funeral arrangements will follow.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, 27th July at 7.30 pm FPA AGM
Saturday, 11th September BBQ before the home game v Esher. Cost £15. Buy your tickets a.s.a.p. please as a high demand is expected.
Saturday, 30th October Autumn Luncheon followed by game v London Welsh Book tables or individual places well in advance.
Contact John Cooley on 01234 767517 or email at cools@btinternet.com regarding all events please.
FPA sponsored lunch - Match day's in the new Former Players Bar:
The sponsorship costs £200 and pays for the Presidents table of 6, The visiting committee of 6 and the sponsors table of 6
Club Dinner May 2010
The Club Dinner organised by the Former Players'Association was held on Friday, 14th May in the marquee. 200 guests attended including
six members of the 1975 Cup winning side and their coach Pat Briggs. A surprise former player attending was Scottish International and British Lion, Scott Murray. The evening was hosted by Martin Hynes and the guest speaker was former English International, Tim Stimpson.
Myles Dorrian received the award for Players' Player of the Year from last season's winner, Gregor Gillanders.
Spring Luncheon - Saturday 27th March - Bristol Match
The Spring Luncheon, held in the marquee on Saturday, 27th March for former players and guests. An excellent lunch was enjoyed by all, followed by a fantastic game of rugby when the Blues ran out winners over league leaders Bristol 17-16 in a nail-biting finish.
Association Chairman Leigh Mansell welcomed guests from the RFU, officials from Bristol RFC, Paul McGuckian, President of the East Midlands, John Fellows-Smith, former South African cricketer and members of the Ivory Coast Paralympic team.
Thanks to Ben Whetstone for running the raffle and to the Club, Dave Gunner and John Cooley for donating the prizes.
The London Luncheon Friday, 19th February 2010
What a fantastic occasion and atmosphere at the RAC in Pall Mall with 55 former players attending the 4th London Luncheon!
Bets had been placed on whether Jeremy Janion (1969-73) would arrive in his famous cravat, but it was not to be and lots of money was lost!
As usual the former players were rugby founts of knowledge and some constructive ideas were developed during the afternoon. After the excellent Beef Wellington a ‘best side’ was selected from the members present e.g. Rayer, Demming, Murdoch, Janion, Whetstone, Davies, Peck, Pascall, Howe, Bailward, Hooker,Thompson, Bennett, Alston and Rogers. There were some difficult decisions. For example at scrum –half -between Pecky and Gabs! Then of course, Dan Harris was another centre in contention along with Chadders. Surprisingly, Chadders got a lot of votes but International J2 and ‘Bedford Ben’ ‘got the nod’, with ‘Doc’ selected on the wing because of his pace.
Some distinguished members discussed the possibility of a distinctive blazer in dark blue and light blue stripes for the FPA to be worn at Association functions-no doubt to make them stand out as a different, highly intelligent rugby chap! Not a good idea to wear when on the ‘dance floor’!
A lot of talk was about England’s poor display against Italy. They seem to be playing with adventure at home, but happy to wait for the opposition to make mistakes when playing away-a bit like the Premier Football League! Need to talk to Norman on that one!
For me, Ian Peck as a rugby analyst would make Brian Moore seem very ordinary. I remember Bob Demming as the most balanced runner at speed on the rugby field and also the most modest and that Budge’s enthusiasm for the game was inspirational.
Whoever thought of holding the London Luncheon needs a huge pat on the back!
John Cooley (FPA Secretary)
BEDFORD RUGBY CLUB GOLF SOCIETY
Results of Golf Day at Abbotsley, 13th May 2010
1st Phil Evans
2nd Chris Searle
3rd Richard Butt
Nearest the pin and longest drive Andy Chubb
Present Players v Former Players Tuesday, 20th April at Pavenham GC
The Players were successful in overturning a three year winning run by the Former Players. Well organised this year they were ably supported by their non-playing captain Ollie Dodge who provided refreshments for all from his well stocked buggy. They proved too strong for an experienced Former Players' team on a a glorious day at Pavenham. The stiff breeze proved too much for the 'older' generation and the Players ran out worthy 4-2 winners.
Results:
Nick Walshe and Myles Dorrian lost 6/4 to Phil Evans and Keith Lilley
Phil Day and Chris Locke 2 up v Gerald Bygraves and Norman Cooley
Luke Fielden and James Knight 2/1 up v Richard Chadwick and Pat Briggs
Duncan Taylor and Graham Browne 3/2 up v Tod Slaughter and Gareth Davies
Gregor Gillanders and Ian Davey lost 4/3 to John Cooley and Richard Butt
Brendan Burke and Sacha Harding 5/4 up v Sam Roberts and Chris Heron
Richard Chadwick (captain) presented the President's Cup to Players' captain Brendan Burke.
Bedford Blues FPA v Northampton Saints FPA Golf at Bedford & County GC
The traditional golf fixture on day of Barbarians v Bedford
The Blues former players golf team is becoming a force to be reckoned with and many members are finding it more difficult each year to get into the team. Budge Rogers (Captain) and Gareth Davies (Conditioning coach) have worked very hard behind the scenes to bring together a side to compete against Northampton Saints best.
Northampton brought possibly their strongest side so far in the clashes knowing they needed to win this one to make it 3 games all in the series. They flew in Alan Folwell from Nottingham and Peter Larter made a rare appearance due to his strenuous job of UK green keeper inspector.
It is accepted Bedford were at home, however the result of 5 games to 1 in Bedford’s favour was an exceptional result. Even the game we lost, Phil Evans was having his first game for the FPA and he said he thought he needed more practise on championship courses to reach the level of the rest of the team. All the hard training under Budge has been worth while, and with all the conditioning targets set by Gareth now being met, most of us will be on the beach this summer! We look forward to next years challenge when it looks like the Saints will be on home territory.
Results:
Gerald Bygraves and Chris Heron Won 2 & 1
Tod Slaughter and Richard Eales Won 3 & 2
Al Buchannan and Mike Smith Won 1 up
Keith Lilley and Phil Evans lost 4 & 3
John Cooley and Brian Page Won 5 & 3
Budge Rogers and Richard Chadwick Won 3 & 2
Former Blues Player Warrick Brant visited the Club last week in between
competing in International Strongman Competitons.
He took time out from his busy schedule to visit Bedford and especially the club.
Whilst also training in LA Fitness where he met up with former player and
personal trainer Jon Wells. He was very grateful to club physio Mair Evans
for her expert rub downs as he had just finished a strongman competition and
was about to fly to Bulgaria fro another.
Warrick came to Bedford as a prop at the beginning of 1999 season aged 19.
He was Born in Durban SA 1979 Educated in famous rugby school Maritzburg
College (which also produced former Blues players Mark Harris and Paul Kendall)
His Family then moved to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 1997.
Warrick then represented Australia U21s.
However on his return to Australia in 2000 he broke his neck in a squad session.
He now has multiple screws and plates inserted in his neck. He was saved from
paralysis but his rugby career was ended. When fully recovered he trained as a
fitness coach and moved to Japan to work with one of their rugby sides. He also
took up body building and later power lifting and strongman training.
Profile:
Name: Warrick Brant
Born: Durban South Africa 01/11/1979
Height: 178cm (5'10")
Weight: 158kg (350 pounds)
Years Training: 17
Power lifting: 2 years
Strongman training: 3 years
Current Residence: Gold Coast, Australia
Measurements:
Chest: 57 inches
Bicepts: 23 inches
Quads: 32 inches
Waist: 42 inches
After Breaking my neck in 2001 and having multiple screws and plates put in to hold
my neck together, I realised how important it is to do the things you love and to
never give up. Since then I have won multiple powerlifting and strongman titles
and have never been defeated in Australia or by any other Australian athlete.
Some of my more prestigious competitions include:-
2005 Australian Powerlifting Championships 1st
2007 IFSA World Championships in Korea 5th
2008 Hawaiis Strongest Man, hawaii ( injured ) 9th
2008 North Australias Strongest Man, Kalbar Qld 1st
2008 Americas strongest man, San Diego 13th
2009 ASC Live Tour, Tulsa 6th
2009 Europa show of champions, orlando FL 4th
2009 Strongman champions league, Finland (injured DNF)
2009 Americas strongest man, Morgantown WV 13th
2009 Nebraska Highland Games, Nebraska 1st
2009 QLD RAW National Deadlift Champion, Brisbane QLD 1st
2009 Australian RAW National Deadlift Champion 1st
2010 Champions League Iceman Challenege, Finland 4th
2010 Worlds strongest Man Giants Live, Ukraine 10th
2010 London International Strongman & Highland games 6th
Guinness World record Holder
Australian Axle press record Holder
