MESSAGE TO NORTH MIDLANDS COMMITTEE MEMBERS , OFFICERS & CLUBS.
Hello All I do hope that you are keeping safe and well in these challenging times.
In June 2019 I was approached by the North Midlands RFU Centenary Group to compile The History of North Midlands 1920 -2020 but specifically 1970-2020 as Barry Bowker ( Camp Hill )had already produced A Jubilee History up to 1970 ( I remember buying my copy) .Barry no doubt qualified as an outstanding Rugby Historian where as my qualification I guess was being very old.
I was delighted and set about the strategy first for Souvenir Brochure for the Centenary Dinner in June 2020 the intermediary proof was produced by Crescent Print Ltd in January 2020 a month which I spent in and out of hospital nothing to do with the Coronavirus which quickly brought everything to halt.
In my opinion the 20 page Brochure was a really good quality document and it is a pity that it may never be completed.
However The Centenary History must be produced and it is to this I am addressing myself now with the support of Steve Guy and his Centenary Group.
I have been in touch with our printers who have furloughed and not really operating but they are back now . WE NEED TO WORK QUICKLY IF WE ARE TO HIT A NOVEMBER DEADLINE –SO CAN YOU RESPOND ASAP.
Bowker’s Jubilee History was 121 pages of names , records ,statistics based on the formation of local clubs and then of North Midlands in 1920 and its development in the Country Championship for 50 years . We could not afford to produce a book of this size and in any event we do not have comprehensive records. However we have more than enough for a wonderful history record mostly from my garage but we must go wider with your help PLEASE .With stories and photos and opinions
The subject matter is so much wider and varied ( TAKE YOUR PICK) :-
County Championship continued .
Club development new ,past & ongoing .I circulated a Questionnaire to clubs as I wanted to present the North Midlands development through the clubs’ eyes I had 25 replies from very basic data to wonderful stories involving NMids.
I welcome clubs to highlight the NMids club characters , with photos. I am afraid some clubs will never contribute although every club will get a mention. You need to submit to be in it. Every photo , every anecdote is gold dust to me but I need them NOW. Bob Turner ( Bridgnorth) , Mal Richards ( O. Saltleians) were amongst great contributions.
Each living Presidents memory+of his term of office and plenty of specialist subjects and contributions about Presidents who have passed away (from their clubs)
Major Clubs rise and falls , contribution to NMids. Moseley , Worcester Warriors
Domestic Unions & Six CountiesChampionship.
RFU Council Members.
Internationals
Referees
Leagues & Adult Competition Review.
Professionalism what changes.
Premiership
RFF & Facilities
Minis & Juniors
Women & Girls.
Schools
RWC 2015 in North Mids. And other years
ANY CONTRIBUTION WELCOME ON ANY TOPIC .
WE WERE OF COURSE HAVING A VERY ENJOYABLE FIRST HALF TO OUR CENTENARY SEASON WITH OUSTANDING FUND RAISING FOR DODDIE WEIR..THEN CORONAVIRUS STRUCK.
HALF WAY THROUGH THE YEAR I WANTED TO CONCENTRATE ON THE STORY OF RIVER FLOODING AND OTHER FLOODING ON NMIDS PITCHES & THE FUTURE OF AGPS. And I would still like club experiences and opinions. On the way forward through facilities. Dramatic photos
NOW THE SECOND HALF OF OUR CENTENARY SEASON AND MORE WERE STATIC
IT IS TRAGIC BUT THIS IS LIKELY TO BE THE MOST HISTORIC YEAR IN THE HISTORY OF RUGBY UNION IN NORTH MIDLANDS and we must record it.
THE HEROES
THE CASUALTIES.
THE GREAT ACTS OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT ( I have some photos of Droitwich shopping from Scots.
THE RUGBY FAMILY IS FANTASTIC TELL US ABOUT YOUR CLUB & OTHERS’ .
GIVE US YOUR WISHES FOR RUGBY IN NORTH MIDLANDS GOING FORWARD. HOW SHOULD THE RFU HELP.
PLEASE DO SUBMIT IT NOW DON’T LET THE COVID -19 BEAT US IN TELLING OUR STORY.
REGARDS
PETER
peterwgrace@hotmail.com
