As the dust settles on an amazing season for SFRC it’s interesting to look back and reflect on another era in our club’s long and vibrant history.
In 1985, this brochure was produced to celebrate the club’s diamond jubilee – that’s 60 years since it was formed.
The oldies among us will know many or most of the names and faces.
But for the youngsters, here’s a few highlights to put some perspective on it for you.
Take a look at the fixtures list. In those days there were no league games, but also the concept of a “friendly” didn’t exist either. So there were 27 fiercely contested games, all of them there to be won – or lost!. Thurrock, who we beat a couple of weeks ago to secure promotion, are there. So are Dorking and Tunbridge Wells, who we’ll be facing next year; and both Tonbridge AND Juddians – two different clubs back then!
You may also know some of the faces, many of whom are still around the club today. In the 1stXV picture on p14, that’s none other than current skipper Stu Coleman’s dad Larry with the ball at his feet. Robert Horner, on p23, went on to become RFU President in 2003 when England won the World Cup. He’s got Johnny, Johnno and Sir Clive in his contact book and is still a regular at SRFC matches. Howard Pearl, on p23, has done just about every off-field job this club has to offer and barely looks a day older. Phil Bradshaw, sadly departed and greatly missed, features on p26 and 29. Phil was SRFC President during our previous promotion campaign just three seasons ago. On p 38, Mike Mauduit was even then among the Oaks of “yesteryear”. Last season Mike celebrated his 90thbirthday with a special lunch at the club and was a balcony regular all season.
And yes, that is current Chairman Trevor Nicholson on p13!
As you can see on p17, training was just as hard, systematic and focussed then as it is now, but as p37 reveals, the pre-match coin toss ritual has evolved somewhat.
There’s a huge amount here to enjoy, many more faces and personalities that continue to make our club what it is today.
Lee Adamson
Our thanks go to Willie Pickance, who found this treasure-trove the other day while turning out his attic. What else is up there, Willie?
You can view the entire publication here and turn back the pages of time Diamond Jubilee Brochure