20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Who would have thought that when a group of former players got together at a golf day at The Belfry Hotel in May 2003 that 20 years later. they would be able to hold a big party to celebrate.
Brendon Batson, who was then WBA’s MD, Graham Williams 1968 winning captain, Ally Robertson, plus a few more along with supporter and friend Geoff Snape decided it was time to form the WBA Former Players Association. A committee was formed, and another lifelong supporter joined as Treasurer, Norman Westbury, still he has that role today. Brendon was elected President, Graham Chairman, Geoff Secretary plus Ally, Derek Monaghan and Nick Cross formed the committee. Today we have a smaller group managing the Association with Brendon, Geoff, Norman but now joined by Ray Wilson who acts as Chairman.






























































How could we not celebrate 20 years, so 12 months ago the wheels were put into motion, literally because we booked a band called The Motions, the marquee at The Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club was booked and all that was needed to make sure the night would be celebrated in style was to invite those who had supported us since day 1, get a gathering of former players along and then sell enough tickets to those supporters who wanted to celebrate with us.
So Saturday June 10 th saw all our efforts come to fruition, over 170 young and old danced the night away, we enjoyed a 3 course meal, we were entertained by Bob Marley who proposed the toast to the Association, Brendon respond in his usual eloquent manner, Ray Wilson wittingly welcomed our guests and presented the debut cap to Chris Adamson.
Everyone enjoyed themselves, the Motions played 70’s & 80’s classics, the dance floor was full, with Dennis Clarke and his daughter first to the dancefloor. He was joined by colleagues and wives from 68, John Kaye, Doug Fraser, Ian Collard and Tony Brown, the 93 era was represented by Carl Heggs, Gary Robson and Bob Taylor. 76 with Ally Robertson, Joe Mayo. Mick Fudge, Mark Grew, Nick Cross, Paul Mardon, Graham Harbey, Campbell Crawford, Dave Butler joined the party. David Ashman, son
of 68 cup winning Manager, attended along with Rob Lake, Jonathan Ward, Steve Meeson, Paul Glover and wives/partners from The Albion Foundation.
A memorable night that just went too quickly, hugely enjoyable. Our guests were extremely generous in support of the limited fund raising efforts, our thanks to the wonderful ladies, Susan Ball and Helen All port for all their help on the night. An extra special mention to Sue who kindly took on the task of room decoration, the blue and white themed room looked superb. Our thanks to The Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club and The Motions.
Where have those 20 years gone, we have seen friends sadly leave us, we have seen the ups and downs of our football team but through all that we have survived, grown in strength, thanks to our membership and on Saturday night we were able to celebrate in style.
We partied the night away amongst friends, family and people who mean so much to us.
Roll on the next 20.