This area will cover Babies, Weddings, significant Birthdays etc.
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Gran is UK’s oldest female rugby player Check out the Oxford Mail story - CLICK HERE |
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Westy Out East The Olympics may have finished but Mike West is bringing a little bit of local sporting heritage to China as he introduces Aunt Sally to his colleagues. "Auny Sally" China Tour anyone ? |
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County Award for Danny
At the County Meeting recently our Chairman, Danny Crump, was Awarded his Full County Badge for services to Rugby in the County.
He is only the Third Witney person to receive this Award, and the first in the County for several years.
A superb and deserved effort for, Danny who has had over two decades of continuous service for Witney RFC.
It is a Great Achievement , long overdue and richly deserved.
Witney were also shortlisted to receive the President Shield again, but it finally went to Chipping Norton.
Sad News - John Jackson
Former Club President John Jackson has recently died and the funeral service was on Tuesday 27th May at 2 p.m. at St Mary's Church, Church Green Witney. Donations to Sobel House in John's name.
John was President of the Club, and in the early 80's coached the Colts for a couple of years. He was quite inspirational in his approach to coaching young people and a man who clearly loved his rugby. (Despite being softly spoken, he took no prisoners as a coach and worked us very hard on the training field with a number of players having to take frequent trips to the hedge after yet more long sprints. He got us playing a simple game on the park but it worked and even today if you get the basics right and work hard that formula still works - Scottie)
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Baby At Last!!!!! Only 15 days overdue, Ed Drake became a dad for the first time on 14th April at 12.09 Congratulations to him, Aimee and new baby Lyra Rose who weighed in almost as heavy as her dad at 9lb 9oz |
Referees Award Won Again By Witney RFC!
We won the Award again as voted by the referees at their Dinner last Friday.
Well done to all - obviously a better class of banter from the touchline than elsewhere.
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End of the Road for Jimi After two seasons on the Witney back row, Jimi is off to run a farm in Dorset. He has promised to scribe something for the end of season booklet, so we look forward to that and hope he can pop back and see us from time to time. Pictured left with girlfriend Cath and baby Wren. Pictured right with brother Will. |
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2008 West Oxon Coach of the Year Award The Coach of the Year Award went to Gareth Lewis, Witney Rugby Football Club's Director of Coaching. Gareth has been playing and coaching at the Club since 1967. He has coached County Champion teams at several levels: Under 10, U15, U16 and U17, runners up as U13s and U17 across the Oxon, Berks and Bucks 3 Counties League also became runners up. In his time as Director of Rugby, the Witney 1st XV team have been runners up in their league for two years and finalists in the Senior Knock-Out County Cup. Commenting on his award Gareth said: "I'm very proud to achieve this award and thank West Oxfordshire District Council for their support over the years. On behalf of Witney Rugby Club, I'd like to mention in particular the support we've had for coaching development, which helps both the Club and the young people involved." http://www.westoxon.gov.uk/furtherinfo/gallery.cfm?frmImageOrder=3 |
Very Sad News - Dave Lambourne (Oxford Mail Story)
Ex-player Dave, who's son Aaron is currently playing, was involved in a road accident on Sunday (3rd Feb) night and died.
Many of us played with Dave and he was always great fun to be around with a wicked sense of humour.
The Funeral was on Thursday 14th Feb, at St Marys Church, Witney
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Baby for Andy |
Congratulations to Andy Bee
Andy became a dad for the first time at 1.37am on 3rd April, congratulations to him and wife Lucy (who played a small part in proceedings!).
Edward Pater Bee weighed in a fly half weight of at 6lbs, 7.5oz. Mother and baby doing well, father is a wreck.
Congratulations to John and Meg
Sophie Marie Blacker born Thursday 19th April at 02:37 a.m. weighing in at a Scrum-Half like 6lbs 3oz. Birth very straightforward but with much swearing from the mother after being told it was too late for an epidural! Most importantly - check out the colour of her hair!
Congratulations to Remy
The Remington has sired an offspring - welcome to "Harry" last Friday, weighing in at 7 lbs.
The baby was appropriately naked when born but was soon given its first pair of jodpers and a tweed jacket, before downing a bottle of milk in one and fell asleep humming Neil Diamond songs.
Mother and baby doing fine, congratulations to all - perhaps a photo soon Rem ?
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Happy 50th Westy Even found a Lookalike for him - Welsh Coach, Gareth Jenkins CLICK HERE for more Lookalikes. |
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National Award For Witney From RFU
Witney got the nod over 40 other clubs around the country to win the RFU's Seal of Approval, Club of the Year. Many congratulations to all involved, we should all feel very proud at this prestigeous award.
CLICK HERE for the full story.
International News
| China Mike West and his new club, the Cheng du black and whites are going from strength to strength. Westy reports that they are planning a tour to the Beijing Ice breaker tournament in March followed by a South West China Ba Ba's to the club Hong Kong 7's, should be fun!!! However the club will have to do without Mike for a while as he is currently back in the UK to celebrate his 50th! Beers out this Saturday ?? Colombia |
Fiji Dusty Mountford is in Fiji and says to everyone "BULA"! - the greeting from everybody you pass on the streets. Fiji bitter at a pound a pint and 4.6% matches Dave's Lumps. The friendliness of the people is amazing and the only evidence of the latest coup was an occasional checkpoint with armed soldiers not checking! I spent my Oz visa renewal week in Lautoka, just north of Nadi airport. I shared an aircond. dorm with 3 med students, one of whom was from Truro and male. The other 2 were female.I asked for second opinions about about my "condition" but they only confirmed that yes I was ugly! The dorm cost was about 8 sterling per night. Cheaper than passing out at the Club. The Cathay hotel was next to Churchill Park rugby ground where I saw a regional trial game on Friday night 26th Jan. and all day 7's the next day. I couldn't keep track of how many teams competed in the sevens as play was constant. The play started about 7am and finished with speeches from the chiefs, prayers and patriotic singing at dusk, 12 hours later. Perhaps Wit's should try these at half time next time they play Tadley! A great day was had so off to the nightclub with local rugby fan. Dragged onto the dance floor to endure a severe groping by a large black lady at the nightclub, who, I suspect, was in cahoots with the guys who tripped me at the door as I departed. They prevented my fall by catching me by the pockets but they couldn't find my wallet either! No harm done.Day trip to Tavoa island with unlimited alcohol was particularly enjoyable. Can't wait for my visa to expire again. Shaggin wagon is going well and the mirror dinghy is on the river. Good luck Roger and Jean! |
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Well Done Pat ! Also in the limelight was Gareth’s son George Lewis (right) who was given an achievement award for rugby – perhaps Gareth will now be known as George’s dad ! |
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Westy Stars in Shanghai Sevens ! Witney 4ths/5ths "Legend" Mike West is now residing in China (where they obviously have no scissors) and helped his new multi talented side in their first tournement in Shanghai. Mike had the honour of making the first tackle for the team and they came away with a highly creditable one from four record. |
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Baby for Stu and Rachel Congratulations to Stu Wilkins and wife Rachel who are now proud parents of Benjamin Stuart on Thursday 20th July, weighing in at 8lbs. Both mother, child and even father are doing great. Stu is also now PC Stu and wants to be called "Officer Dribble". Those hug it all in wastecoats certainly work Stu. |
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West Goes East or as he mentioned in his email, Mike and Sam West on their travels. |
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Hello me old China One a large lump of a thing residing in China, the other a Panda. Westy sends his regards from China and is practicing hard for the Bejing 7's! |
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Tim Muller Meets a As well as seeing the Opera House, some stunning scenery and watching the Crusaders play in the Super 14, Tim also met up with Rollo and enjoy a few swifties and some silly chatter no doubt. Looks like they are having a horrible time ! |
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Baby Walker - no 2 |
News from Club Stalwart Roger "Dusty" Mountford
"Holiday Brit rescued by local hero"
Steven Deely [Jean's grandson] age 20 dived under his capsized 4.2m fishing boat as it was pounded in the surf of the Noosa sandbar last Saturday afternoon. Holiday Brit, Roger Mountford [65], trapped beneath the boat can't thank Steven enough for dragging him out .'' He deserves a medal for his quick thinking and selfless action," says Roger.
Steven injured his arm during the rescue and needed attention from paramedics before getting checked out at hospital. Despite this he was back at work on Tuesday at the BP garage at Noosaville.
"The surf rescue team, jetskiers and volunteers from the beach did a marvellous job getting me back to the beach", said Roger." They then went back into the water, righted the boat, retrieved eskies, seats and cushions and towed it to Tewantin.It was a great team effort and a tribute to Aussie mateship!"
Congratulations
To Nathan Phillips (left) on being a dad for the first time - he got through the birth without any injuries! Details will follow when I get told !
Nathan is also on 99 tries where he joins Pete Holliday, one away from the "100 club".
Congratulations to ex-player Andy Payne who married Emma on Saturday 1st April. Baby Footner
Congratulations to ex-player Duncan and Lisa on the birth of a baby boy on 21st March at 12:07, weighing in at 7lbs 10oz, a baby brother for Ellis. Mother is doing well, father sounded a bit out of breath with it all but did not pick up any injuries from the occasion!
The name is down to either Harry or Jamie.
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Sam West Enjoying Himself on his travels (pictured in Krabbi) |
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News From Tim Muller (in NZ)
A couple of photos of the trip in NZ. One of the Van we are travelling in, another of a huge Kauri Tree, one of the local Mauris (at a concert we went to) and the other of me having a stressful day in one of the natural Spa pools we visited.
Great result in the Cup, come on the Witney Boys in the final! Will be in touch
Tim
Congratulations to Dusty
Great News last Saturday as Roger "Dusty" Mountford announced his engagement to Jean. Dusty has been part of the Witney Rugby Club for 30 odd seasons and still plays for the 5ths when he gets the call up. His style on the pitch is fairly unique these days with tracksuit bottoms or leggings never far away and his attitude is still competitive if slightly corinthian!
Good Luck to both of them from all the club.
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Belated Congratulations to Stu and Rachel Rachel is now 4 months in the baby club and growing a new Witney player or Angel. She has given up the photography for the 4ths but I think this is more down to the cold weather than the baby. Bob the baby will be due in early august, well planned out of season! - Stu |
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Mark Lee to Captain Scotland in Commonwealth Games CLICK HERE |
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Baby Boy for Huw Davies
On January 22 @ 8:07 p.m., the World's next Great Rugby Legend Evan Rhys Davies entered into the world. Weighing in at 8 lbs 14 oz, he's a substantial little boy with lungs to match! |
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Platty a "Dad" Again! Our resident ex-player and Zoo Keeper in USA send this message, "I became a "dad" again on 23rd Jan.This time it's a boy Bornean Orangutan weighing in at 2kg!" Note : Platty is not pictured. |
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The Four Musketeers ! This might explain their cavalier approach on the field ! Tom, Dan, Will and Marc ....... sorry Marc, out of this group, it looks like you are Porthos !
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Message from Campo (ex-Player Simon Knox)
"I'm pleased to inform you that I survived my first game for The Oswestry Eagles, and that we won (20 - 5 vs Ellesmere Port II). I thought that you'd all like to know though that the after explaining where I came from, that two of the seconds expressed sympathy at Mark Godfreys untimely death , seems one of them spent some time with Oxford Old Boys and another with Banbury. How's that for a small world."
JC Becomes a "Lifer"
At Octobers main club committee meeting a vary rare honour was awarded to John Campbell.
Normally awards are given at the AGM but the strength of feeling from the committee was that this award should not be be delayed.
Danny Crump Awarded, on behalf of the club, John Campbell with life membership for his tireless efforts over 20 years or more, coaching teams from minis and every age group right up to the 2nd XV, at the same time as carving an impressive playing career. John has also given up countless hours of his time over the years both in advice and hands on effort to help improve club facilities. The award had been proposed by Frank Grant and secounded by P Hall.
Farewell to Leann !
Last Sunday saw the final match for the Angels stalwart Leann Griffen (right) who has played 45 matches since 1999 and has scored 19 tries which is some strike rate. Her power and presence will be missed by the girls on our side but probably not by the opposition! We wish her all the best when she moves "up north" and hope she has a good party this Saturday. Lets hope she joins a team and gives them the same service she has given to the Angels.
Congratulations to Shane and Olivia
On the birth of their daughter, a sister for Forrest Lucas. Weighed in at 7lbs 6 oz.
(and no Matt, I do not think a Liverpool supporter would name his child Chelsea!)
County Champion, National No 1 and Babies !
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COUNTY CHAMPION |
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NATIONAL No 1 |
Happy 40th to Paul Bee
Belated happy 40th to ex-player Paul Bee. Paul enjoyed/hacked around 18 holes at Witney Lakes before having a party in the evening. At the party were many Witney "oldies" including all three Campion brothers, Andy, Dave and Simon, Will White, Scottie and Andy Payne, as well as current players Andy Bee and Tim Walker - suffice to say, there was some silly chatter during the evening. He is an ex-player, brother of Andy Bee and always does the Mark Godfrey Golden Moment on the Golf Days.
| NEW BABY BOY Congratulations to ex-player now residing in NZ, John "JB" Bennett (right) and wife Carol on the birth of Calum Jack who was born 31st Aug 2005 and weighed in at a whopping 9lbs 7oz. JB was part of the much vaunted Witney back row of the 80's and 90's along with JC, Mullet, Pete, Duncan and Marky among others. |
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NEW BABY GIRL Also congratulations to another ex-player Gareth Davies now living in Wales who is the proud parent to a little girl, Nia Elisabeth. Gareth, along with bruthers Huw and Glyn played in the 90's for Witney and still keeps in touch with Gareth Williams. |
Lambys are 21 !
Congratulations to Henry and James who hit the "21" mark on 3rd October.
There is no truth in the rumour that they had 21 cigarettes on their cake and smoked the lot before being allowed a bite of the cake!
Happy Birthday Elaine
Angels skipper Elaine Grieve has just turned 40 and has her party this weekend. With lots of the angels going along, it is sure to be a great evening/night/morning and hopefully some stories and photos will appear on the web next week.
Congratulations to Elaine from all of the club.
Farewell to Campo
Sad news as Simon Knox, Louise and family are leaving Witney next week and after 13 seasons of unstinting Drinking taking the piss loyalty, he will be much missed. He and a few of the lads and their families are going to the House of Windsor garden on Saturday evening; so if anyone wanted make that their first stop on there way in to town or just pop in to say goodbye they would be pleased to see you. The good news he may be back for the odd game/pint as his parents still live in Witney.
His parting words, "Good luck to all 5 teams this season, so long and thanks for all the Port".
CLICK HERE for Campo's Player Profile and his stats from Steve Jenkins web site.
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Congratulations Ex-player and golf day stalwart Andy Payne has recently got engaged to partner Emma. The old romanic proposed at the base of the Eiffel Touwer in Paris and is currently trying to persuade Emma a wedding ceromony at Northampton Rugby Club would be the place to tie the knot! |
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Ladies are the Congratulations to the Ladies Darts Team who won their League. Captain Liz Kelly is second from the right. |
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Baby for Fish & Smorley Congratulations to Fish and Smorley on the birth of ther first child, Charlie who came along eventually at 6.30am on Saturday 6th August. Charles Phillip weighed in at 7lbs 6oz. |
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Ladies Darts Captain Teresa Bennett (left - with her T-Birds on her Hen Night) has her wedding to Dave on 30th July. Good luckto both of them.
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Triathalon Victory ! "I did my first triathlon this morning (Sunday), down in Dorset. It meant getting up early (5am) for the 7am start. Some of the boys have been entertained by my training sessions at the club (I’m sure they think I’m mad!) but it proved to be worthwhile as I finished first in a time of 57 mins 19 secs, nearly 2 mins ahead of my nearest rival.So more training sessions at the club are now on the cards (you have hills in Witney so they are good practice for me!)." |
Alan Cotton remains Unbeaten Against Bicester!
E-Mail from Alan - "For the last couple of years I have entered a local charity dragon boat event to raise money for the Anthony Nolan trust. This year Bicester rugby club entered the competition and we drew then in the first race. Now, I have never lost to Bicester despite playing against them loads of times for Witney (also for Henley and Maidenhead), and didn't want to break the duck. We had 3 women in the boat and a few old and overweight guys who don't exercise (including me). They where very confident of winning the whole thing and really didn't expect us to be anywhere near them. Anyway, we beat them and they where gutted. the attached picture is of the celebration, a very bad thing to do in a very narrow boat. I have still never lost to Bicester Rugby club and plan to keep it that way. Perhaps Witney should enter a team next year and show them how it should be done."
ALDO SAILS INTO THE SUNSET
For those of you who are not aware we are off to Puerto Banus, Costa Del Sol, Spain after the club dinner, (got to get that one in!) I will be driving down, not on Saturday. Co pilot welcome as Sarah Harry and Bob, (the dog) are flying. We will be working with the boat running the charter through the summer. Its our first proper year and we are looking forward to the adventure. We will be renting an apartment whilst there, so if you guys fancy living it up on the boat in the port give me a bell, we will look after you. We have planned to be back for Oct, but who knows. It doesn't mean you have seen the back of me, I've been with the club for 25 years now, its in the blood. I will keep you all informed of the "Aldo Advetures", must remember I'm not on tour. By the way we are renting the house for the summer if anyone interested give me a call.
DONT BOTHER, FLOPPY, DANNY AND OOZE orders from Mrs Campbell.
Take care, love
Steve "Aldo" Aldridge,
www.fairweatherboatcharters.co.uk
Tel: 01993 771139 Mob: 07768091990 Mob: esp 0034 677355995