CENTENARY
GARDEN
PARTY
News from
Down Under
COMPILED BY NEWS EDITOR CORDON
Around this time of year every football
club is embarking on a new season.
Today there is a new slant in that
instead of starting something we are
in fact finishing off—our first 100
years, and doing it in style.
Weather permitting we are to see the Sky
Diving team, lead by David Hukling,
descend upon us bringing in the match ball
to enable our prestige match against AFC
Ajax to go ahead.
Previous to this many of our history-
making players will have graced the scene
to say hello once again. Who can ever
forget such personalities as Ray Barlow,
Johnny Nicholls, Jeff Astle and Norman
Fleath, each of whom are here today
together with many more. We are de
lighted that they were able to come.
We are delighted too, to welcome you all
here this afternoon especially our Spon
sors.
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As is our custom, renovation and repair
work has been carried out during the close
season most of it easily noticed.
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Many gallons of paint has been used on
the stands, surrounds and the floodlight
towers.
The track too has been completely relaid
and, of course, we have had to install the
fencing in front of the Paddock seating in
order to comply with the regulations
governing crowd control at UEFA Cup
games.
It is worth noting that the UEFA governing
body has already made its intentions clear
as regards hooligan behaviour as only
recently it was reported in the National
Press that matches could be staged either
behind closed doors or away on foreign
soil as a punishment for bad behaviour. We
don't want that do we?
The playing area has had more than its
usual work upon it. Head groundsman,
Stan Darby, opinioned that it was in its
worst ever condition, as far as he could
remember, when we finally concluded last
season. He and his team have brought it
back the result being for all to see. Let us
hope for a much better winter weather-
wise.
The Club Shop is well stocked out with
many new lines and is worth a visit. If you
didn't manage to get a copy of Albion
News for the China fixture then now is
your chance. They are in stock today.
Yet another Supporters Branch has been
started, this time in Hereford. Secretary
Tony Bray's letter appears in Dear Editor
giving details of the officials. I popped
down last Wednesday evening taking the
film library with me and was delighted to
see such a good audience of 'Baggies'
supporters.
On the Supporters theme I have had my
copy of the Down Under Journal from
Bryan 'Pom' Williams and all the signs are
there that the branch is going from
strength to strength with new members
enlisting regularly.
Bryan will be with us shortly so we shall be
getting updated with news at first hand.
The ball presented to the Down Under
Club following their sponsorship of a
match ball was auctioned amongst the
members—the highest bid being 100
Australian dollars (about £501. The money
is to be used for further projects involving
Albion. 'Good on yer cobbers all'.
Rather coincidentally amongst our visitors
this past close season were Mr R. Macbeth
and daughter Shirley who are domiciled in
Newcastle, New South Wales.
Mr Macbeth left our shores 41 years ago,
however, he still retains his love of the
'Baggies'. Shirley plays football for a team
down under, their colours being Navy Blue
and White, naturally! (See picture above).
The Down Under Club has gained at least
six new members the Macbeth family.
The Centenary Garden Party
to celebrate our 100th Birth
day went off extremely well.
Organised by Martin Cavill
and held at his home the
guests were wined and dined
and were able to dance the
hours away—all eight of them
with several of them de
parting after breakfast hav
ing had supper to start the
proceedings the previous
evening.
Beg Barrett having won tne
raffle prize of a portable
colour TV promptly auctioned
it with the £300 fee given by
Harry Pearson going into the
Centenary Funds. Thanks to
both gentlemen for their
generosity.
All praise to Martin and his
lovely wife, Sandra, for put
ting on such a splendid event.
