ANCHORIANS

ASSOCIATION

THE ANCHOR(Newsletter of The

Issue 22

THE

ANCHORIANS

ASSOCIATION

1926

THE ANCHOR(Newsletter of The Anchorians Association)

Rugby

Hockey

Football

Table Tennis

June

ANCHORIANS

ASSOCIATION

THE ANCHOR Association)

ne 2013

Officers of the Association

President The Hon. P G Morris BA (Hons), Dip Ed

Life Vice-Presidents J Hicks MA

J D Jezzard D W Howard MA

Chairman N G Fray, 22 Commissioner’s Court, Chatham, Kent

Tel: 01634 409824 or 0776 9972455

Hon. Vice-Chairman

L Willis

Tel: 07789 501160

Hon. Secretary Miss L McIntosh, 43 Danes Hill, Gillingham, Kent

Tel: 01634 573566

Hon. Treasurer G M Pike, 48 Prince Charles Avenue, Chatham, Kent

Tel: 01634 862286

Hon. Asst Treasurer (Vacant)

House Chairman

J Wright, 7 Pepys Way, Strood, Kent ME2 3LH

Tel: 07789 753003

Hon Social Secretary (Vacant)

Officers of Affiliated Sports Clubs

Gillingham Anchorians Rugby Football Club Hon. Secretary: N G Fray

22 Commissioner’s Court, Chatham ME4 4HQ

Tel: 01634 409824 or 0776 9972455

Gillingham Anchorians Hockey Club

Hon Secretary: Miss L McIntosh

43 Danes Hill, Gillingham, Kent ME7 2TU

Tel: 01634 573566

Anchorians Football Club Chairman: L Willis

Tel: 0778 9501160

Anchorians Athletic Football Club

Chairman: D Hoffman

Anchorians Table Tennis Club Chairman: S McMillan

12 Burnham Walk, Rainham, Kent ME8 8SJ

Tel: 01634 264902

Membership & subscriptions

Ordinary Membership of the Anchorians Association is open to all former members of

the Howard School, Rainham and Gillingham Grammar School. Sports and Social

membership is open to all. Honorary Membership is granted to the staff of The Howard

School. Applications forms are available from the Hon. Secretary or from the Club

Steward, Paul Reilly.

• Life Subscription £150.00

• For all categories of membership (ex-Honorary and Family) £10

• Honorary Membership FREE

• Family Membership £10

• Day Membership (Mon-Fri only) £1

From the Chairman

This edition of The Anchor reports on the 2011-12 and

2012-13 financial years and sport seasons. For those of

you who attended the Association’s AGM in January

2012, you will recall that it was decided to postpone

the 2013 AGM from January until after the end of the

2012-13 financial year, to enable us to provide the

financial report as soon as possible after the year end

and not to have to wait until some 9 months after the financial year to let you know of the

Association’s financial position. The financial report is set out later in this report.

The Association, which trades as ‘The Anchorians Club’, is an unincorporated

association; it is non-profit making. However, any excess revenue that the Association

accrues from its trading activities after meeting its costs is invested for the benefit of its

members. Our finances remain in a solid, if unspectacular position; our accounts show a

trading loss. However, this is due to the Association having incurred some quite

significant costs over the past two years, to ensure that the Clubhouse is well-maintained

and complies with ‘health & safety’ regulations. Income from membership subscriptions,

the bar, hiring of our facilities and fees levied to our affiliated sports clubs for use of the

Clubhouse and changing facilities all contribute to meet this essential expenditure.

There has been a great deal of ‘behind the scenes’ work undertaken, not least to ensure

that our nearly 30 year old boiler and heating system remains functioning. With each year

that passes, it is becoming more difficult to obtain spare parts, as many have become

obsolete. So, in the near future, a decision will need to be taken as to whether or not to

replace the system. This will not be cheap! We also need to upgrade the shower system in

the changing rooms; current regulations stipulate that we must have thermostatic valves

for every 5 shower heads. We estimate that this will cost approximately £5,000 to achieve

compliance. And, while we’re in the changing rooms, we hope to refurbish them too.

The past 18 months since the last AGM has seen continued progress in modernising and

generally brightening up the Clubhouse, making it more attractive for you, our members.

As many of you will have noticed, we have a new blinds and new flooring in the hall and

in the bar and kitchen areas. The hall is now hired out for private functions more often,

including hosting ‘Jazz at Anchorians’ on the 3rd

Friday of each month. This event is

proving to be very popular – indeed, we were ‘sold out’ for the first concert in March that

featured members of Jools Holland’s band. And, for the first time in many years, the

Rugby Club this April returned to the Club for its Annual Dinner. The Table Tennis

Club, too, held its Annual Dinner in The Phillips Lounge and the Hockey Club organised

two very successful live band nights.

We are fortunate to have such a fine Clubhouse and must thank our predecessors (and,

especially, to Ron Ashdown, who designed the building) for their efforts. It is all of our

responsibility to look after it and keep it well-maintained for the future. It has been very

pleasing to hear the comments of those from visiting Clubs praising our facilities, noting

also that we have designated ladies’ changing facilities that help us to promote women’s

sport.

New floor in the hall & main bar

The Association has also secured a new alcohol and entertainments licence that allows us

to advertise our facilities for hire; it also gives us greater flexibility in how we use the

Clubhouse. The bar has seen continued success and growth in turnover, not least due to

the efforts of Paul Reilly and his staff. As you know, Paul fell ill earlier this year and was

on sick leave for three months. It is great to see him back in fine fettle, but I should also

like to express my sincere thanks to ‘his girls’ (Tracy, Clare (Austin & Hayes), Nikki, Jo,

Bev and, of course, our very own Linda) in the kitchen and behind the bar for keeping the

show on the road, ensuring that the teams were ‘fed & watered’ after matches and giving

John Wright, Graeme Pike and me such strong support as we juggled our day jobs with

running the Club.

On the sporting front, Anchs has become the venue of choice for many county events. In

the past year, the Rugby Club alone has hosted the Kent U17 Final, an U15s’ tournament,

Kent RFU Women’s County Final, a girls’ 7s competition and girls’ county trials. The

RFC also hosted Somerset RFU, providing training facilities in advance of the RFU

County Championship Beaumont Cup match against Kent (which Kent won!).

The Rugby Club’s and, indeed, the Association’s ability generally to host such events

will be further enhanced by the award of Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s

Inspired Facilities Fund.

The Rugby Club has been awarded £50,000 of National

Lottery funding that will be used towards financing the

installation of outdoor floodlighting of its training pitch

(adjacent to the Astroturf pitch). The award has been

supplemented by a further grant of £2,500 from the Rugby

Football Foundation. Subject to planning permission being

granted by Medway Council, we hope that the new lights

will be installed in time for the beginning of the 2013-14

season. The funding means that the Rugby Club can provide high quality training

facilities for its members that will contribute to their safety and welfare and to make our

facilities available to other clubs affiliated to the Association and to the wider

community. To mark the occasion, the Rugby Club welcomed Rehman Chishti, MP to it

Supporters’ Club lunch on 6 April. As well as being the MP for Gillingham & Rainham,

Rehman is a Parliamentary Fellow of Sport England and a Medway Councillor; we hope

his influence will ensure that the project receives planning permission and runs smoothly.

Rehman Chishti, MP (centre) with John Jennings (right), President, Gillingham

Anchorians RFC & Nigel Fray, Secretary, GARFC

The past two seasons have seen some notable successes for our affiliated sports clubs:

• In 2011-12, Gillingham Anchorians RFC, coached by Alex Browne and captained

(for the fourth year in succession) by Adam Davison, became Champions of RFU

Kent 1, winning promotion to London South East League 3, and also won the

Kent County RFU Vase competition – a league & cup ‘double’;

• The men’s hockey 1st XI won promotion this season, 2012-13, finishing 2

nd in

Kent League 2 and gaining promotion to Kent 1;

• Anchorians FC was short-listed in 3 categories at this year’s Medway Sports

Awards: Club of the Year; Junior Club of the Year; and Unsung Hero Award. The

club was proud to have been awarded the Bronze Club of the Year for 2012-13;

• Anchorians FC was in May this year awarded Charter Standard Community Club

of the Year by the Kent FA. This is an amazing accomplishment, due to the fact

that two and half years ago, the Club wasn’t even on the entry level of the Charter

Scheme, so be awarded this in such a short space of time is quite an achievement;

• Anchorians Ladies FC, under the management of Martin Norton, won the 2011-

12 South East Counties Women’s League Cup; a photo of the team now hangs in

the hall (and is re-produced later in this report);

• Anchorians Athletic FC won the Division 2 of the Medway Sunday League

Sportsmanship award; and last but not least,

• Anchorians Table Tennis Club’s 1st team gained promotion to the Premier

Division – a first for Anchorians TT Club.

For our affiliated sports clubs and the Association, the key to the future is to ensure that

we recruit new members to become fellow Anchorians. To achieve this, we are making

an effort to strengthen our relationship with The Howard School. We offer our facilities

to the School free of charge and the School, in return, for example, allows the Rugby

Club to use one of its sports halls for winter training. In addition – and with no other

volunteers from across the Association putting their names forward (!) - I am now a

Governor of the school, taking up the position that was, for many years, held by Les

Phillips. I know that the School’s Principal (and the Association’s President), Paul

Morris, is keen for the School to have as close a relationship as possible with the

Association and we will aim to achieve this.

Next year - 2014 - sees the 30th

anniversary of our move from our old home at the bottom

of Featherby Road to Darland Avenue. A celebration is due……!

All the best and thanks for your support.

NIGEL FRAY

Chairman, The Anchorians Association

A brief history of the Anchorians Association

The Anchorians Association was formed on Boxing Day 1926 by a group of 30 ex-

pupils and members of staff of the old Gillingham County (later to become Grammar)

School in Third Avenue, Gillingham – now the location of Robert Napier Secondary

School. The school moved to The Howard School in 1975, where its new Board of

Governors approved the adoption of the Anchorians Association as a “ready made”

Old Boys’ organisation.

To cement that link, the Howard School badge includes an anchor and the colour

purple – both constituent parts of the Association’s and Grammar School’s badges.

All former pupils of The Howard School are eligible to become members of the

Association and its affiliated sports clubs. And, of course, the Association is now

open to all, providing sport and social facilities to the local community.

STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION Membership totals: 2011 2012 2012

(actual)

Life members 306 312 35

Annual members 468 515 457

Staff & Honorary members 108 108 108

Family members 160 172

Junior U16 Sports members 20 24

Social

TOTAL 1,064 1,131 600

It has been very difficult to determine the true membership of the Association, with the

accuracy of record-keeping across the affiliated clubs being of variable quality. The table

above therefore reveals what we believe the membership to be in 2012, based on old

records and those (2012 actual) that reflect the information and annual subscriptions that

have been passed to me; for example, the number of Life Members reflects only those

who are members of the Rugby Club. The table also does not include the details of

family membership (as you know, we have offered family membership – the member

his/herself, spouse or partner and up to 2 children – for £10 per year), which is something

that we need better to assess, since the total number of 2012 actual members probably far

exceeds 600, when family members are taken into account.

Timely payment of subscriptions from playing members of our affiliated sports clubs has

been a matter of concern. This prompted the Committee at the beginning of the 2012-13

season, to ask that all affiliated clubs pay in full the total annual subscriptions for their

membership by October 2012, regardless of whether of not the individual members had

in fact yet paid the annual subscriptions to the affiliated club concerned (after payment to

the Association, the affiliated clubs would then pursue their members for payment). The

system worked well and I am grateful to all affiliated clubs for the assistance.

I would remind all affiliated sports clubs that their playing members are obliged to pay an

Association subscription not only when they are fit, but also if injured and are using the

Clubhouse. This applies equally to non-playing members.

All members of the Howard School Staff, as Honorary Members, are also invited to use

the Clubhouse facilities.

Members of various organisations who use the Clubhouse facilities are also thanked for

their support.

John Wright

House Chairman

Over the bar….

Our Steward, Paul Reilly, is now in his third year with us, working closely with the

Committee to improve our bar and catering and to ensure that the Association maximises

it income from hiring out our facilities. Since Paul’s arrival, bar turnover has risen by 46

per cent, due largely to a greater number of events and functions being held at the Club,

with gross profits since 2011 remaining broadly stable, taking account of consequential

increases in staff costs and refurbishment work.

Paul’s aim is to ensure that the bar continues to thrive and to grow steadily over the next

few years. He plans to arrange special events at the Club for all of our members and their

families, making the most of the refurbished Phillips Lounge and the main bar (where

refurbishment work is still in progress, including the installation of new storage

cupboards. We plan, also, to make the bar area in the hall as attractive as that in the

Phillips Lounge). Paul’s experience means that our bars stock an excellent selection of

real ales, lagers, spirits, wine and soft drinks to keep our members ‘refreshed’! His aim

has been to keep product quality at a maximum by regular maintenance; he keeps a good

cellar.

Hire of clubhouse facilities

The Main Hall, Phillips Lounge (weekdays only and some evenings during the

closed season, by agreement of the Executive Committee), Kitchen and Committee

Room are available for hire (subject to the Conditions of Hire, as set out under the

Constitution) for events in accordance with the Constitution of the Association and

the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 under which the Association operates.

The facilities may also be hired by non-members of the Association and non-affiliated

clubs upon the taking up of membership and payment of the annual subscription at the

time of booking (£10 per individual, which also affords membership to that individual’s

immediate family, i.e. spouse or partner and up to two children, 16 years old and under).

HIRE OF MAIN HALL

• £25 per hour (Fri, Sat & Sun) or £15 per hour (Mon-Thurs); or

• £100 for the evening (18.00hrs – 23.59hrs Friday to Sunday or otherwise by

agreement) or £80 for the evening (Monday to Thursday);

• Block booking of all facilities (i.e. > 5 evenings) attracts a 20 per cent discount;

and

• £50 returnable deposit (in whole or in part, depending on cleanliness that facilities

are left in at the end of the hire period).

HIRE OF KITCHEN

• £25 for the duration of the event (but see also provisions of £50 deposit, above).

THE PHILLIPS LOUNGE (subject to agreement by the Executive Committee)

• £20 per hour or

• £50 per half day (3 hours)

• £50 returnable deposit (in whole or in part, depending on cleanliness that facilities

are left in at the end of the hire period).

COMMITTEE ROOM

• £15 for evening.

CHANGING ROOMS

• £20 per match (for hiring by non-affiliated sports clubs).

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS TO APRIL 2012 & APRIL

2013

In the year to April 2012, the Club made a loss of £4,732, due mainly to the continuing

refurbishment and general repairs to and maintenance of the Clubhouse. Bar turnover

increased significantly during the year, thanks to the efforts of Paul Reilly, our steward,

in attracting private functions (such as weddings and birthday parties) to be held at the

Club. Expenditure on electricity and gas increased markedly, but this was due to the

Club overpaying this year and the Club will accrue a £6,000 refund that is shown in the

2013 accounts. The Club needs to increase its income to finance the ongoing

refurbishment.

The club made a loss of £8,123 in the year to April 2013, due almost wholly to the cost of

replacing the floor covering in the main hall and behind the bars, stockroom and kitchen.

Bar turnover increased again, by a little under 10 per cent, but this was partly due to price

increases. As noted above, the accounts include a £6,000 refund due from the power

company but at the time of publishing this sum has still to be received (the committee is

pursuing this with the electricity company). In order to continue to improve the

Clubhouse, it is essential that we maximise our income. An ideal and straightforward way

would be to increase the numbers in the 200 club or raise the annual membership

subscription.

Graeme Pike

Hon. Treasurer

Consolidated Income & Expenditure Account for Years ended 30 April 2012 & 2013

ITEM 2011 2012 2013

£ £ £ £ £ £

Bar turnover 46534 62308 67973

Cost of sales 26800 30419 28979

Wages 8155 18410 23377

Bar depreciation 2266 2266 1944

Other costs 0 700 3453

-37221 -51795 -57753

Bar Profit 9313 10513 10220

Other income

Subscriptions 2873 3606 3852

Gillingham Anchorians RFC 1112 1500 1600

Gillingham Anchorians HC 1500 1500 1500

Lettings & Hall hire 6520 9656 7984

Capital grants credited to income 1160 1160 1160

Donations & colours 250 - 550

Interest received 3 2 -

200 Club surplus, incl. old adjustments 1811 276 460

Other income 0 2324 6000

15193 20024 23106

24506 30537 33326

Expenditure

Depreciation of leasehold building 2919 2919 2919

Depreciation of fixtures & equipment 1314 956 956

Maintenance and repairs 4501 12155 16746

Cleaning 4860 2519 4536

Electricity & Gas 2317 7751 6218

Rent, Rates and Water 725 906 936

Insurance 1966 3335 3540

Association expenditure 115 - -

Other expenses 6856 4728 5598

25573 35269 41449

Surplus of Income over Expenditure -1067 -4732 -8123

Balance brought forward 106419 105352 100620

Balance carried forward 105352 100620 92497

THE ANCHORIANS ‘200 CLUB’

The ‘200 Club’ is open to all members of the Association. Its purpose it to raise money,

for example for capital projects, while at the same time providing a prize fund for

members. Membership and purchase of each individual ‘share’ costs £12 per year, with

most people paying £1 per month via standing order. Prize draws take place each quarter

(March, June, September and December (Boxing Day)). The ‘200 Club’ offers 4 prizes,

that were originally set at £300 (1st prize), £40 (2

nd prize), £20 (3

rd prize) and £15 (4

th

prize). The prizes were amended in December 2012 to £200 (1st prize), £50 (2

nd prize)

and two 3rd

prizes of £25.

The winners of the eight quarterly draws from June 2011 to March 2013 are set out

below. Congratulations to the luck holders of the winning shares!

A number of shares remain available, so if you’d like to participate or, for existing

members, to increase your shareholding, please let me know at the contact details below.

Please let me know, also, of any changes in address/contact details.

John Jezzard

‘200 Club’ Co-ordinator

01634 855795 or graywidejj@virginmedia.com

‘200 CLUB’ Prize Winners

June 2011 – Drawn by Graeme Pike September 2011 – Drawn by Dick Ferguson

1st Prize: GARFC (share no. 163)

2nd

Prize: E J Latter (165)

3rd

Prize: I Robertson (127)

4th

Prize: P J Francis (084)

1st Prize: A Coleman (028)

2nd

Prize: L Cornish (050)

3rd

Prize: M Williams (189)

4th

Prize: N G Fray (129)

December 2011 – Drawn by Katie McManus March 2012 – Drawn by Mark Pike

1st Prize: P A Francis (086)

2nd

Prize: F C Eatwell (100)

3rd

Prize: D Mason (112)

4th

Prize: J Jezzard (130)

1st Prize: N G Fray (129)

2nd

Prize: W Weatherhogg (173)

3rd

Prize: G Phillips (143)

4th

Prize: I Robertson (127)

June 2012 – Drawn by Rosa September 2012 – Drawn by Katie

McManus

1st Prize: D Palmer (124)

2nd

Prize: M V Dean (062)

3rd

Prize: W Flack (070)

4th

Prize: S Millgate (175)

1st Prize: S Collins (025)

2nd

Prize: M Williams (191)

3rd

Prize: F Eatwell (100)

4th

Prize: R P Crick (015)

December 2012 – Drawn by Chairmen of

Affiliated Sports Clubs

March 2013 – Drawn by Dave Collins

1st Prize: K Brown (036)

2nd

Prize: Mrs R Walker (136)

3rd

Prize: R Bruno (009)

4th

Prize: R Bursey (137)

1st Prize: R Cunliff (094)

2nd

Prize: R P Crick (015)

3rd

Prize: T J Leek (101)

4th

Prize: K Brown (036)

GILLINGHAM ANCHORIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Playing season 2011-12

The 2011-12 season was one of the most successful years that the Rugby Club has had

for a very long time. The 1st XV was crowned Champions of Kent 1 (having lost only one

league match all season) and won the Final of the Kent Vase (beating Old Dartfordians

RFC), securing a league and cup ‘double’. The 1st XV were also nominated for the ‘Team

of the Year’ at Medway Council’s Annual Sports Awards evening.

Gillingham Anchorians RFC 1st XV – Winners of the Kent Vase 2012

The Club’s success was based on having a good core 1st XV squad and consistent

selection throughout the season - although selection meetings were particularly tough,

sometimes taking 1½ hours to complete, due to the strong performances that players in

the 1sts and 2nds had achieved.

The 1st XV’s success was the culmination of the team’s gradual progress from 4

th to 3

rd

place in Kent 1 and finally becoming champions, with the squad demonstrating character

and resilience throughout the season. The front row benefited from having greater

strength in depth: Alastair Parker returned from injury and veterans Pat Richardson and

Andy Pritchard continued to defy the years; ‘Friar’ Stanton and the very much improving

Dan Perry. Phil Scott has again shown what a quality asset he is; Richie Kyle made a

welcome return to the Club and formed a great second row partnership with Tom Lord,

whose work rate continues to amaze all who watch him. Wayne English also performed

consistently well, definitely a guy you want in the trenches with you. The back row has

been a competitive area, as always, but suffered a loss in the early part of the season with

the injury to Mick McLorn. Richie Collins continued to add his tenacity and Craig

Whiting and Dave Hadris offered power and pace to the team. Special mention to the pair

of them for scoring nearly forty tries between them and they have certainly caught the

eye of some opposition’s coaches.

Our half-backs performed well all year. ‘Bokke’ (Ryan Dowling) improved his all round

game and Steve Franks continued to go from strength to strength - a player who is hugely

missed when he is not on the pitch. Jon Mann is turning into a very assured 9, and Kenton

Parbutt and Chris Everest formed a superb and defensively solid partnership in the

centres - both have improved hugely. This was also true of Mark Barfoot (‘Asbo’) who

played with great determination and has stamped his mark on the team. Special mention

must go to our captain Adam Davison, who again had a terrific season and led from the

front.

Gillingham Anchorians RFC 1

st XV - RFU Kent 1 League Champions 2011-12

For the lower teams, the 2nd

XV had an outstanding season, again under the leadership of

Mark Dishman and had secured 3rd

place in their Kent Rural league - their best league

position in 6 years, since having won the 2nd

team league. They used 36 players this

season: 22 forwards, 14 backs with a particularly youthful back line and only forfeited

one game.

The 3rd

XV had another successful season under Alan Blyth who managed nearly always

to field a team and forfeited only 3 matches. Sadly, the 3rd

XV finished bottom of their

league, but this outcome did not really do the players justice; one could not fault their

effort, enthusiasm or commitment to playing.

Promotion would test the whole Club, not just the 1st XV. And it was recognised by all

that it would be important to strengthen the 2nd

XV, to support the 1s in the higher league.

Playing season 2012-13

The season has been a challenging one for Anchs, especially following the achievements

of 2011-12. Many 1st XV players sustained injuries along the way, which resulted in

many of our more, er….’senior’ players having to step in – their experience and wise old

heads have been invaluable. Our objective this year was to settle into playing a higher

standard of rugby and to consolidate ourselves in London South East 3.

On the whole, the season has been successful. Huge amounts of hard work, both on and

off the field by the whole Club have seen us meet our goal of staying up to compete again

next year in London SE3. We have learned a great deal: we are now familiar with the

greater speed of the game at this level and the corresponding fitness that is required to

sustain this, if we are to ensure that we make further progress next season. This has been

achieved by Alex Browne and his coaching team: Adam Webb who started the ball

rolling with Alex with this group of players four years ago, Brett Little who has

completed some great work this year coaching the backs and 1st XV Captain, Adam

Davison.

The 1st XV ended the year in 8

th position having played 22 matches, winning 8, drawing

2 and losing 12. We certainly would have taken that in September. The step up to London

South East 3 has highlighted the greater depth of our squad that is required to compete at

this level. Player recruitment is a priority if the club is to remain at this level or to have

aspirations to progress higher through the leagues.

The Club has benefited from playing against quality opposition week in, week out,

evidence by significant development shown in the second half of the season. Particular

highlights were the away game against Maidstone where the 1st XV came very close to

beating an undefeated team (and eventual league champions) and denying them a bonus

point and the victory against a solid Horsham outfit.

Our front row this year has performed admirably, with special mention, once again, to

Andy Pritchard and Pat Richardson who continued to battle on in the twilight of their

careers. Also to Dan Perry who has improved yet again and is a real strength now in our

team. Phil Scott has again shown his qualities and done a great job as pack leader. Richie

Kyle has taken charge of the line-outs and has strengthened his great partnership with

Tom Lord. The end of the season saw the retirement of Wayne English; he will be hugely

missed as a character and player who always gave 100%. The back row has been a

competitive area as always and our strength in depth has helped here. Ryan Anderson, a

new player to join this year, has been outstanding, earning him the 1st XV Player of the

Year award. His work rate and desire to cut down anything that moves is extraordinary.

Richie Collins has continued to add his tenacity, Craig Whiting his powerful ball carrying

and the outstanding Dave Hadris contributing his enthusiasm and power to our team.

Our half-backs have performed well all year. Jon Mann has improved his all round game

and Steve Franks has continued to develop as a quality player. Also, we have been lucky

to have added Craig Whitehead’s experience towards the end of the season, producing

some excellent performances. Kenton Parbutt and Chris Everest continued their

partnership in the centres and have been solid in the midfield; and the returning Craig

Webb has shown us that he still has great pace, hands and lines of running. Mark ‘Asbo’

Barfoot and Adam Davison are two very different wingers but both showed great

determination and power in their games. From the back Mark George and Tom Shorricks

both offered assured and calm heads and experience to our backline.

Adam Davison stood down as 1st XV Captain at the end of 2012-13 after

4 seasons in the role and seeing his team progress to become Kent 1

Champions and promotion to London South East 3 and winners of the

Kent Vase. Adam is the second-longest serving Captain in the Club’s

history after PJ Beacon, who was Captain for 5 seasons between 1933

and 1937.

Here’s Adam (left) with the England 7s shirt presented to him by his 1st

XV team mates.

The 2nd

XV was led by Mark Dishman for the first half of the season, but he had to stand

down for personal reasons. The Club is grateful to Mark for having captained the side so

well for the past few years and it is great that he will continue to play. Grant Martin took

over the captaincy and did well to field a team each week, given the lack of availability of

players and late drop-outs. The 2s experienced a tough season having been assigned to a

new league and playing stronger opposition. There is a need for the 2nd

XV to get

stronger, in order that all the players can develop and mount a strong challenge for 1st XV

places and to ensure that selection for positions is competitive. Joe Granger won the 2nd

XV Player of the Year award. Another 2nd

XV player, Liam Wells won the ‘Most

Promising Forward’ award.

Former 1st XV Captain, Mark Pike took over from Alan ‘Tits’ Blyth as Skipper of the 3s,

managing to field a fair number of Vets (many of whom were also former - and much to

their chagrin, current - 1st XV players). This brought added experience to the side, but

that also benefited the team’s younger players, helping them to develop their game. Mark

had a difficult time managing to field a team each week, again due to lack of player

availability, but also due to three teams withdrawing from the league. However, on a

positive note, Ian ‘Frankie’ Wilson played with distinction throughout the season, even

managing to complete each game, without being invited cordially by the referee to leave

the pitch! His performances earned him the 3rd

XV Player of the Year Award.

Off the field, the end of the season saw brothers Gareth & Paul Knight stand down from

the Committee after 4 years as Chairman and Club Captain respectively. The Club is

grateful to both of them for their contribution and commitment.

Aside from the Committee, the Club could not function without the voluntary and

financial support it receives from its Supporters’ Club, whose members contribute to

making the Club more sociable – our regular Supporters’ Club pre-match lunches that are

held at the Clubhouse have been hugely successful and great fun, so much so that, not

wanting wives and girlfriends to miss out, in February the Club held its first Ladies’

Lunch (you think that the rugby lads are lively; they are mere amateurs when compared

with their other halves…….!). Thanks, too, go to Clive Davison for his comprehensive

match reports. The past two seasons also saw the award of ‘Life Vice-President’ to Stuart

Nelson, David Boardman and Nigel Fray, in recognition of their services to the Club over

many years, both on and off the field.

Supporters’ Club Lunch (Messrs Pike, Dedman & Allen in foreground)

The Club is also very fortunate in having attracted financial sponsorship, in particular

from its principal sponsors - The Rochester Bar for the 2011-12 and this year, from

Robert & Sonja Millar of Kissmix. The Club is most grateful to them and to all of our

sponsors for their support: John Jennings – L Robinson & Co. Ltd. (Jubilee Clips); Bob

Bursey – UHY Hacker Young; Dan Finch – Rhino Exteriors; James Brindley –

Stumpmasters; Marc Hewett – MAH Project Management; Robert Millar/John Wright –

Powersource Projects Ltd.; David Boardman; Paul Evans; and Steve Everest. Their

support has enabled the Club to invest in new weight training equipment and we are

working with Alex Browne and Craig Whiting to incorporate weight training into our

training programme generally.

Nigel Fray

Secretary, Gillingham Anchorians RFC

GILLINGHAM ANCHORIANS HOCKEY CLUB

Review of the Men’s Section

The 1st XI began the season as well prepared as I can remember. Under the captaincy of

Mike Lindley and management of dad Mick, the team had been working hard all summer

and this was to pay off handsomely as the season progressed.

Darren Richardson combined goal keeping heroics with the vice captaincy whilst Gary

Jackson proved a defensive rock with sterling support from Andrew White and Simon

Pickard. In the midfield, Jake Stevens went from strength to strength as a player with

captain Mike Lindley working tirelessly in support. Newcomer Chris Lack added a new

dimension & a keen competitive edge and they supplied Callum Harris & Joe Bryant

with plenty of goal scoring opportunities with both players netting over 20 times – a great

achievement. Ash Risby, Glen Rawson and Gordon Thomson were selfless in their

support of the strikers and a special mention also to Jack Oxby who has continued his

rapid rise to secure a regular starting place. His skill and pace were a real handful for the

opposing teams.

Men’s Hockey 1

st XI, 2012-13

This was a real team effort - promotion was achieved with a few games to spare & we

wish the team every success in the higher division next season. I am sure the team would

like to join me in thanking Mick Lindley for all his hard work as Manager this season.

The 2nd

XI have achieved minor miracles, having been promoted last year and vying for

most of the season to secure back to back promotions. Richard Brewer continued to lead

from the front with the consistency and strength of his own performances. The experience

came from the likes of Paul Gray, Neil Byrne and Iain Rawson who all confirmed what

quality players they are but it is the youngsters who deserve much of the credit. Harry

McDonald showed why he has secured a place in the Kent U16 team and we saw great

improvements in the performances of Tom & Harry Banfield. Richard Perkins and Ben

Lindley were as reliable as ever in defence when work commitments allowed them to

play with Owen Hamer’s pace & skill troubling opposition defences all season. Chris

Verrall knocked in the majority of the goals but received great support from Ben Selby

and Chris Risby

The 3rd

, 4th

& 5th

XI’s were finally in leagues where they could be competitive and all

sides finished in very commendable final positions in their leagues. As the lower sides

have to work very closely with each other in terms of personnel, it makes sense to give an

overall summary as many players have helped out in each of the teams. For the 3rd

XI

Sam Hall has led from the front but personal circumstances have meant he hasn’t been

around every week. He has relied heavily on the support of Chris Billingham who is

taking over the captaincy for next season and we are very grateful to Chris for his

contribution this year.

Gillingham Anchorians Hockey Club 2012-13

The legend that is Bruce Bendle is stepping down as 4th

XI captain after many years

sterling service & we thank him for the tremendous contribution he has made – you will

be missed but I hope that you will continue playing for a bit longer.

Neil Dixon took on the role as Club Captain & 5th

XI skipper and it is testament to his

persistence and persuasive talents that we have only had to cancel a handful of games

through lack of numbers. Thank you Neil for all that you have done this season. There are

a number of players in the 3’s, 4’s & 5’s who deserve recognition for their consistency,

support and willingness to help out when required to get so many games played. So hats

off to the likes of Mark Hamer, Nigel McDonald, Stuart Murray, Jezza Marshall, Indi

Paddam & Pat Lindley.

Review of the Ladies’ Section

The Ladies 1st XI has endured another difficult season so I am grateful to captain Laura

Hopkins for her continued enthusiasm & commitment. It has not been easy as you have

had to contend with unavailability & been depleted by injuries.

When everyone is available, there is a strong nucleus to the team with experienced

campaigners like Heidi Hadfield, Devia Bijkerk, Tina Hamer, Rachel Rawson & Sarah

Hopkins. Emma Strangleman continues to impress with her wholehearted commitment to

the cause. Sarah Watkinson proved a very welcome addition to the squad at the start of

the season with Emma Harris, Lauren Bremner and Sian Simpson also making their

mark. For the youngsters, it was great to see Hannah Bennett cementing her place in the

team and to watch the progress made by Abby Atkinson towards the end of the season.

Of course, relegation is disappointing but no-body can fault the effort put in by the

players. As a club, we will do all that we can to help the Ladies 1st XI consolidate & build

on all the positives generated through the season.

After a couple of tough seasons, the Ladies 2nd

XI found themselves in the right league

and highly competitive once again. Helen Goddard captained the side and formed a

formidable defensive partnership with Fiona May. Youngster Jess Neale made great

strides this year and in midfield, Heather Shave and the evergreen Denise Gray worked

tirelessly for the cause. Mel Young made a few ‘guest’ appearances and made a real

difference so we’re hoping that a move back to Gillingham beckons! The team were

bolstered by Sharon Goodall who scored a contender for goal of the season with her

roofed effort against Gore Court. Talking of goals, we have to finish with Jackie Gray

who managed the tremendous achievement of scoring 25 league goals this season.

The 3rd

XI had another solid season under the joint captaincy of Cheryl McMillan and

Emily Deacon. The season saw the end of an era as Sandy Bendle decided to retire with

Gill Banfield taking over the mantle of senior pro and 3rd

XI legend. The team remain

very united and enthusiastic in all they do so a special mention for regulars Ami

McCormack, Rachel Rae, Keeley Wigley and the much improved Ayshe Tilke.

I should also like to pay tribute to Vicky Winchester in her role as Ladies Club Captain.

She has worked incredibly hard and led from the front this season. We should be very

grateful for the enormous contribution she has made this year whether it be playing,

umpiring or organising.

Review of Social Events - There are 3 ladies that deserve our thanks in organising the

social calendar. Sarah Webb, Gemma Smith and Kerry Searle have not played very

much this season but all 3 remain very passionate about the club and its future. For this

reason, they have made a tremendous contribution off the field in organising band nights,

quizzes, cake bakes, 10k road races and fun runs. All have been wonderfully supported

by club members and friends with a total sum raised in excess of £2,500. We should be

suitably impressed.

Trophy Winners

KEITH HOPKINS MOST IMPROVED YOUNG MENS PLAYER – Harry Banfield

ROY THOMSON MOST IMPROVED YOUNG LADY PLAYER – Ayshe Tilki

JOHN BLOOR YOUNG LADIES PLAYER – Abby Atkinson

JERSEY TROPHY MENS U21 PLAYER – Tom Banfield

ADRIAN KEARNEY TEAM LEAGUE PERFORMANCE – Men's 1st XI

MALCOLM BATCHELOR LEAGUE PERFORMANCE – Chris Lack

RON ASHDOWN INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT – Jackie Gray

PHIL BIGGS CLUB PERSON – Laura Hopkins

LES PHILLIPS CLUB PERSONALITY – Emma Strangleman

CHAIRMAN AWARD OVERRALL CONTRIBUTION – Sarah Webb

MARTIN BANFIELD TROPHY VETERAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Gary Jackson

Gillingham Anchorians Hockey Club – Award Winners, 2013

A big thank you to Dave Selby. If it wasn’t enough just to provide 4 children who have

played for the club, Dave is still vitally important for his unseen but nonetheless

absolutely critical work he does in maintaining the pitch, the floodlights and fencing. We

owe Dave a very deep debt of gratitude.

A massive vote of thanks to Keith Hopkins for his 22 years as head of Junior Training

from which he has finally stepped down from this season. A quite exceptional

achievement which demonstrates Keith’s dedication to the club.

Trevor Shave

Chairman, Gillingham Anchorians Hockey Club

ANCHORIANS FOOTBALL CLUB

Anchorians Youth and Ladies’ Football - End of season report for 2011-12 & 2012-

13

Well, what a 15 months it has been for Anchorians FC! The club has gone from strength

to strength since my last report, increasing its participation numbers to over 240 players.

It has cultivated a strong standing in the local community, due to the work with the local

schools and Medway Council that treats the Club as its partner of choice, due to the

Club’s accreditation to the Medway Club Mark scheme & being the only Charter

Standard Community club in the Medway Towns, only the 26th

in Kent.

Anchorians FC has further increased its offering to increase player participate, with the

Club now running a soccer school for 3-5 year olds, along with disability football training

sessions. Due to the breadth and diversity of the opportunities to take part, the club has

been acknowledged for all its hard work by the various governing bodies and the local

council. None of this would have been possible without the small, but driven committee

who on a daily basis ensure that we can offer as many people as possible the opportunity

to participate in football, no matter their ability. So a big “thank you” to them all for their

continued hard work.

As stated above, the Club’s membership has increased, culminating now in 21 teams (an

increase of 6 teams from season 11/12). We now have 10 girls’, 7 boys’, 2 ladies’ and 2

disability teams. The Club also runs a very successful school links program, which has

seen the Club’s coaches deliver free sessions in over 25 local schools in the past 15

months. Off the back of this, the Club has attended 10-15 school fetes, supported various

Medway Council initiatives and schemes, such as the Mini Youth Games and the

Olympic event at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in June 2012, which was a

highlight for sport in Medway and at which the club had a stand and ran an activity area,

which was short lived as the sponge balls kept flying into Marks & Spencer’s! The week-

long event saw the club increase its weekly soccer school attendance to over 70 children

the following Saturday after the event. The Club also participated in Mend Graduate

Scheme, Winter Fun Days, Medway Mile, Medway Maritime Hospital Social club fun

day in aid of breast cancer, Halling council’s summer event & Medway schools year 5-6

5-a-side & futsal tournaments; Anchorians FC supported them all.

The Club has more than 40 qualified coaches, referees and volunteers, each of whom

have received various awards since the last AGM:

• Colin Ward was recognized at the Kent FA Workforce awards for his work in the

community & the club and was proud recipient of Volunteer of the Year for Kent

for 2012, Colin was further awarded at the Medway Sports Awards, as he was

presented a Bronze award, again for his work in the community for 2012-13.

• Jamie Johal was awarded the Young Coach of the year 2012 for Kent at the Kent

FA Workforce awards.

The 2 main highlights over the past 15 months, though, have been the recognition the

Club itself has received. Out of nearly 1000 sports clubs nominated; we received the

Bronze award for Sports Club of the Year 2012-13 at the Medway Sports Awards, and in

the final 6 nominated clubs for Junior Club of the year. In May 2013, the Club was voted

the Kent FA Charter Standard Community Club of the year 2013. This by far is an

amazing accomplishment, due to the fact that 2½ years ago, we weren’t even on the entry

level of the Charter Scheme, so to be awarded this in such a short space of time is

unheard of. Again, a huge thank you to all of our players, supporters, coaches, referees,

groundsmen, volunteers and, of course, the committee members themselves.

Now, onto the most important part the teams and the players themselves, who throughout

have continued to have and fun and enjoyment above everything else, with winning being

a bonus.

Season 2011-12

Angels U10 Halos: Our newest girls’ team for this season found it very tough going

playing up a year. However, by the end of the season, they began to match every team in

the league. Amy Haynes was awarded player of the season in the Kent Girls and Ladies

football league.

Angels U10s Hearts: Having the year’s experience of playing up a year really helped

this team, as they came into their own into this season, narrowly missed out on winning

the league and becoming the first Angels team to lift a league trophy. However, not to be

deterred the team went onto win the Tina Marshall cup, in a thrilling game which went to

penalties, at the Kent Girls and Ladies Football League cup finals day and becoming the

first Angels team to win a league affiliated trophy.

Angels U11: A tough season for this team, as the manager left midway through the

season,; however, the girls kept going and played some great football throughout, which

enabled them to reach the semi-finals of the Tina Marshall cup, and finishing 3rd

in the

league. Even though the team had seen a lot of change and upheaval this season, they

never gave up and played in a great spirit and therefore were awarded by the league

managers & supporters the ‘Fair Play’ team of the season for their age group.

Angels U12: A brand new team to the club, that were also playing in a new 9v9 format

for the first time, this team had a fantastic 1st season, reaching the league cup semi-final,

and coming runners-up in their league. They were also awarded the ‘Fair Play’ team of

the year for their league.

Angels U13: A few changes to this team at the beginning of the season, with a new

manager in place and a few new players, the team competed well throughout the season.

The team finished 4th in their league.

Angels U14: A tough season for this team, as injuries and a lack of players on match

days hampered there progress. However, the girls’ and the manager’s spirits never

dropped and they always came off the pitch with smiles on their faces no matter the

result. Finished 10th

in their division.

Angels U15: This team saw some slight upheaval midway through the season as their

long time manager stepped down. However, the girls rebounded well and managed to

reach the semi-final of the Tina Marshall cup, narrowly losing in a very competitive

game, they also finished 3rd

in their league.

Angels U18: Unfortunately, again changes in management midway through the season,

and the girls outside of football interests and school work growing, meant that this was a

very tough season for the team, whom finished 6th

in their league.

Anchorians Angels U10s Hearts

Anchorians Boys U12: A new team to the club, the boys had a troubled year due to the

league that they were playing in folding after the first few months of the season.

However, with a new league established in January, the team enjoyed their football for

the remainder of the season.

Anchorians Boys U15 Athletic: Under new management and with an influx of new

players, this team was revitalized, finishing 8th

in Division 3.

Anchorians Boys U15: This team was promoted to Division 1, where they found it tough

going. However, they persevered with good spirited performances and finished 6th

in the

league.

Anchorians Boys U18: The first season of U18 football is always tough, as you

potentially end up playing teams that are a year older. Starting in Division 2, the team did

well and ended up finishing 3rd

in the league.

Anchorians Ladies 1st team: This season proved to be the best to date for our ladies’

team, finishing 3rd

in the South East Counties Premiere Division for the second year

running. The ladies reached their first ever league cup final; after going behind against a

team that had already beaten them twice in the season, once being only the week before

the final, the ladies rebounded, taking their opponents to penalties. After a huge thunder

and lightning storm that threatened to stop the game, the ladies were victorious, bringing

home the first trophy in club history.

Anchorians Ladies 1st team

Anchorians Ladies 2nds: An injury-ravaged season, and results not going their way.

The team really struggled and were sadly relegated to the Kent Division. But better things

were to come in 2012-13.

Season 2012-13

Angels U10 Hearts: Our newest and youngest girls’ team for this season, found

themselves playing up a year, but faired very well and by the end of the season were

giving the top teams a game, losing by the odd goal. Finishing 5th

in their league, Selina

Ghebre was awarded player of the season in her division.

Angels U10s Halos: What a difference a season can make. Uunder the guidance of a new

manager, the team went from strength to strength, winning the U10 West Division

league, then the overall age group title. The managers and supports were voted as team of

the year and Amy Haynes & Sophie Nicholls won joint player of the season for their

division. They are also in the league cup final, making them the most successful team in

Angel’s history to date.

Angels U10s Halos

Angels U11 Hearts: Another strong season for this team; as of writing this, they are

equal at the top of the league table, with the play-off game to go, to decide who will be

the winners & runners up. The team has been awarded the managers’ and supporters’

team of the year for their age group and are in the league cup final.

Angels U11 Halos: A newly formed team for this season, has had a bit of tough first

year, with a manager change midway through the season and a few changes of players

throughout. But slowly and surely the girls got stronger as the season has progressed,

finishing 9th

in the league.

Angels U12: With a new manager in place and a host of new players, the team has had a

tough year; however, they have always played with smiles on their faces, no matter the

result. Finished 10th

in their league

Angels U13: Another consistent season for this team, reached the semi-final of the Tina

Marshall Cup and for the second consecutive season were runners-up in their division.

Angels U14: Injuries have really hurt this team this season, with their goal keeper

missing for the vast majority of it with a broken foot. The girls have pulled together well

as a team to cover the duties of a goal keeper. Finished 6th

in their division.

Angels U15: The most happy, go lucky team we have in the Club. They have

consistently taken to the field week in, week out and competed to the best of their ability,

usually with 1 or 2 players fewer than the opposition. Finished 11th

in their league.

Angels U16: A very mixed season for this team, due to a few injuries and players’

commitment changing during the season. This resulted in the team being comprised of

the bare minimum number of players each week. Finished 6th

in their division.

U10 Boys: Our youngest and one of our newest teams, has had a tough first season

together; however team spirit has remained positive throughout. Finished 5th

in their

division.

U11 Boys: Another new team to the club, the boys have adapted well and played some

great football. Finished 3rd

in their division.

U13 Boys: Our last new boys team, has had a good first season, reaching the semi-finals

of the league cup and finishing 3rd

in their league.

U16 Boys United: The team carried on where it left off last season, picking up a few

more wins along the way and finished 10th

in their division.

U16 Boys: A transitional season for this team, with a new manager taking over at the

beginning of the year. The boys improved greatly over the latter part of the season,

finishing 10th

in their league & reaching the John Lee’s Cup semi-final.

U18 Boys United: The first year at U18s has been a tough one, with nagging injuries,

stopping the team from really progressing. Finished 7th in their division.

U18 Boys: In their last season together, the team had some great achievements, runners

up in the league and reaching the league cup final. The club would like to wish the boys

or men as they now are all the best for the future and thank them for their service to the

club.

Anchorians U18s

U16 Boys Disability: After a lot of work with Bradfield’s school over the beginning of

the season we were able to form a team in this age group in January. It was great to see

these boys having the opportunity to play, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Special

thanks go to Colin Ward for all of his hard work in this area.

Adult Boys Disability: Again the work with Bradfield’s paid off, as this team was also

formed in January. Again Special thanks go to Colin Ward for all his hard work with the

team.

Ladies 1st team: The season started brightly with Club history having been made, by

entering the Women’s FA Cup for the first time, narrowly losing in extra time in the 1st

round qualifier. The remainder of season was blighted with injuries, which hit the team

hard and results didn’t go their way and unfortunately they were relegated at the end of

the season. However, despite this, the team was unlucky not to reach the Chairman’s cup

final, coming up just short in the semi-final. The team is looking forward to next season

and hopeful of instant promotion back to the Premier division.

Ladies 2nd

team: A massively improved season, with a new manager in place and a new

team, the team reached the semi-final of the league cup and went on 12-game unbeaten

streak, which saw them achieve third in the league.

As for the forthcoming new season, the Club hopes to retain all its existing teams and

players and is looking to develop a further 3 younger boys’ teams, as well as 2 new girls’

teams. The Club is also hopeful to increase its disability football offering and further its

links with the various governing bodies, local schools & the community.

Leigh Willis

Club Chairman

ANCHORIANS ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

The Club, surprisingly, gained promotion to Division 1 of the Medway area Sunday

League and we were unsure how well we would do….

We need not have worried. The season started well, with us winning the Rochagas 7-a-

side cup, as well as winning a new match ball for winning the Division 2 Sportsmanship

award. And we also won our first league game, managing to maintain our form and the

Club’s position in the top half of the league, until…… the Club found itself suspended by

the KCFA, thanks to the some administrative failings. This cost the Club vital league

points and lots of money due to fines that were levied on us. We then suffered a poor run

of results mid-season, but recovered in the spring with a strong unbeaten run that saw the

Club move up the league table to fifth place (and only 6 points from finishing the season

in 2nd

position) – the highest position that the Club has finished in its 30-year history.

The Club now has a strong squad and we are all looking forward to the 2013-14 season.

But any decent forwards who are reading this….. feel free to give me a call; we could

always fit you in!

Gary Miller

Manager, Anchorians Athletic FC

ANCHORIANS TABLE TENNIS CLUB

2011/12 Winter Season

A great season, with all of our teams showing consistently good form. Our 1st, 2

nd & 3

rd

teams compete in Division 1 and finished 3rd

, 5th

& 8th

respectively. Our first team

narrowly missed out on promotion by 7 points. Our 4th

team in Division 2 also narrowly

missed out on promotion by 6 points. Our 5th

& 6th

teams compete in Division 3. The 5th

team won promotion to Division 2 so will have to up their game to have a good season.

The 6th

team finished in 3rd

place.

2012 Summer League

We entered two teams, the 1st team finished in 5

th place in Division 1 and our 2

nd team

came in 3rd

in Division 2.

2012/2013 Winter Season

A superb season, with two of our teams gaining promotion. Our 1st, 2

nd & 3

rd teams

compete in Division 1 so plenty of home derbys!! Our 1st team played very well and

gained promotion to the Premier Division – a first for Anchorians TT Club. Well Done!

Our 2nd

& 3rd

teams finished in 4th

& 10th

place respectively. Our 4th

team after narrowly

missing out on promotion last season played very well and won the Division 2 title by 17

points, so gained promotion to Division 1 next season. The 5th

team in Division 2

struggled early on after gaining promotion from Division 3. However they had a stronger

2nd

half of the season and gained enough points to stay in Division 2. The 6th

team in

division 3 finished in 7th

position and will look forward to a better start to next season.

2013 Summer League

We have entered two teams into this year’s league which has just started. Both in

division 1 so more home derbys to come!

Sean McMillan

Chairman, Anchorians TTC

FROM THE ARCHIVES……

The Association has an old, wooden filing cabinet that, for many years, was located in the

store room behind the bar, surrounded by crisp boxes and lost property, thus making it

difficult to open.

It now resides in the Committee Room and we have at last been able to open it and view

its contents; they reveal much of the history of the Association, including all the files

about the building of the Clubhouse, its relationship with the Grammar and Howard

Schools and various files relating to the affiliated sports clubs. There are also the

membership records, some of which are quite poignant, especially of those past members

who went to war between 1939 & 1945 and whose records were subsequently marked

‘KIA’ (or ‘killed in action’). Many of us dash up & down the stairs of the Clubhouse,

perhaps without noticing the honours board hanging on the wall, detailing those ‘Old

Anchorians’ who lost their lives in the service of our Country; just once in a while, I

would urge you all to look up to it and reflect.

On a lighter note, the filing cabinet contains the menus and guest lists of Association

Dinners going back to 1947 (re-produced below). Other items of the Association’s

history (old press cuttings, photos, etc.) going further back into the Association’s history

are held by our resident archivist, John Jezzard (‘Jezz’).

The dinners, which continued up until about 20 years ago (we should resurrect them!),

brought together all of our affiliated clubs, the school (represented by the Head Master,

Head Boy and other teachers), as well as the Chairmen of the Old Williamsonians

(Rochester Maths) and Old Rogillians (ex-pupils of the former Gillingham Technical

High School (now Rainham Mark Grammar School) and Rochester Technical High

School) and other local dignitaries, such as the MP, Mayor of Gillingham and even the

local Chief Superintendent of Police.

The first Annual Dinner took place on Saturday, 19 March 1932 and was held at The Sun

Hotel, Chatham and hosted by the Association’s then President (and Headmaster of the

School), Dr H C Barnard. Those attending were entertained by the Old Anchorians Dance

Band! In his after dinner speech, Dr Barnard emphasised the ethos of the Association,

saying that “its name is practically appropriate, for it [the anchor] keeps you from

drifting…..”

First Annual Dinner of the Old Anchorians, 1932

Perhaps as a sign of the times, the main course at the 1947 dinner (held at The Foresters’

Hall, Sturdee Avenue) was described simply as ‘Joint’ – joint of what remains a mystery,

lost in the passage of time. But with rationing still in place after the war (and into the

1950s) and the recent horse meat scandal, one wonders whether the ‘joint’ may have

tasted somewhat, er…. ‘equine’ and whether the taste was masked by something on it; 2-

to-1 each way, presumably!

NEWS OF ‘OLD BOYS’…….AND GIRLS!

We welcome news from members of the Association who may have moved away.

Keeping in touch with old friends provided the fundamental basis of why the Old

Anchorians was formed and it is something that should endure. I would very much

welcome any emails / letters from you giving your news and that of your contemporaries

and old friends for inclusion in future editions of The Anchor. And don’t forget that we

have each year the Boxing Day reunion.

Please send your correspondence either by post to:

The Chairman,

The Anchorians Association

The Clubhouse

Darland Avenue

Gillingham

Kent ME7 3AN

Or by email to: NigelFray@aol.com