More than 30 of our past players enjoyed their annual reunion yesterday (Saturday, March 29th).
The annual gathering saw them enjoy lunch in the clubhouse before watching the Tangerines beat Welton Rovers 3-1 in the premier division of the Jewson Western League.
Among those present were four members of the team who earned our first promotion to premier football in 1980-81 – Graham Aspin, Bob Cummins, Wayne Windsor and Chris Winter.
Former defender Clive Dyke travelled from his home in Dorset and others in attendance included two players who went on to manage the first team – Iain Blake and Mike Hawes.
The match was sponsored by another ex-defender, Mike Rogers of AFH Wealth Management, whose guests included Wellington Rugby Club’s president Matthew Colman and secretary Ashley Colman.
The reunion heard how we are going through exciting times after our planned move to a new ground at Longforth Farm was aborted owing to spiralling costs.
The management committee had decided, instead, to improve facilities at the Playing Field and work has just been completed on a new spectator stand at the northern end of the ground.
We are also installing new floodlights in August – with four corner mounted LED pylons being installed.
These will be cheaper to run than the existing eight pylons, four of which currently have to be taken down and then put back up again to allow Wellington Cricket Club to play their fixtures during the summer.
We are also planning to install a new pitch surround to further improve the look of the ground and provide enhanced opportunities for local companies wishing to advertise.
After the reunion, a club spokesperson said: “We’d like to thank all those who came along.
“It was another memorable day – topped off by wins for both the first team and reserves.”
PHOTO: Past players and guests are pictured after enjoying their lunch.
