2002 Reunion

Reunion on April 20/21 at the Cambrian Hotel, Aberystwyth

Another very good turnout for the 2002, 10th anniversary re-union saw 27 seated for dinner in the Figaro restaurant at the Cambrian Hotel. Some splendid anecdotes and general reminiscences to mark the occasion followed dinner. Prominent amongst this years returnees was Ian "Lev" Edwards, who was making a long awaited debut to the re-union event. Lev was a legendary figure in Aber & District League circles not least for his ability to rise from a goal mouth scramble in the Bleandolau mud clutching the ball like an octopus in treacle. Lev charmed the delighted audience in his dulcet tones describing life in Cincinnati, USA and revealing insights into his wisdom and philosophy.

During the match itself Lev had followed a cameo role between the sticks by keeping the crowd amused with an extended commentary on his self-help approach to medical problems.

The match in the afternoon had ended in a 2-2 draw, a generally agreed fair result. The match was played in a good spirit and for the first time on Astro turf. The new venue seemed to inspire the re-unionites who stroked the ball gracefully into the corners of the pitch. Unfortunately one of the lessons learnt from the first half experience was that the ball travelled faster than the players and the result of such fine passing was less than productive as we never quite reached the spaces in time.

Nevertheless a good game was enjoyed by all and a Passmore special gained a deserved draw for the ex students who can genuinely be described as veterans now averaging over 10 years older than the opposition.

Songs were sung well into early morning. Despite the late night a hearty "full english" fry up was followed by a brisk walk to the bar. A brief committee meeting was held and it was agreed that the date for next year would be 10th/11th May 2003 ( the weekend after May bank holiday) with a similar format for the event.

Derrick

Players and supporters at the 2002 reunion

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Ian Edwards

Huw Evans

Dick German

Mick and Maura Newman and Matt

Ken and Ann Passmore

Howard and Sian Phillips

Mike and Shan Pickard

Mick and Lindy Purslove and daughter

Derrick and Mildred Spragg

Elwyn and Delyth Williams

Tiggy and Marilyn Bates

John and Shirley Ansell

Bob and Gaynor Culley and boys

******* Highlights of the weekend **********

Most unusual event - Derrick singing Heartbreak Hotel Rock whilst sitting down - with none of the usual dancing and other actions which accompany this song. (Was he just tired or under orders?)

Sporting Highlight - Dick German's headed clearance off the opposition goal line when it would seemingly have been easier to score.

Least surprising Event - Bob Culley being injured in the lead up to the game - proving how silly it is to go training just before an important game.

Most surprising event - Lev taking pleasure in being injured and having something to take back to the family to prove he had been playing football - a groin strain.

Most worrying moment - when Lev had to come off and give his goalkeeping jersey to the substitute - did he have anything on under his jersey?

Most talked about topic - was the chandelier and fan securely fixed to the ceiling in the bar?

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Team photo below