Pictured are four members of Hadleigh Life Saving Club, who earlier this year competed in the Suffolk Branch Heats of the 2001 Royal Life Saving Society UK National Life Saving Championships. The competition consists of four sections, a previously undisclosed water-based incident, a previously undisclosed land-based incident, a timed rope throw and a timed swim and tow. The girls competed in the Junior Pairs section against other Life Saving Clubs from Suffolk.
Rachel Oxford and Laura Stainer finished second in their age group and went through to the next round, the East Region Heats. The East Region consists of Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. These heats were held recently and this time they managed second place again. Unfortunately, not quite enough to go to the National Life Saving Championship Finals in Manchester in November.
However, Life Saving is not only about competitions. It is enjoyable and educational, teaching youngsters and adults alike Water Safety skills and Resuscitation techniques.
The club meets on Sunday evenings at Hadleigh Swimming Pool, 6pm – 7pm. For further information, why not come along on a Sunday or telephone Kevin Knight 01473 827661
The English Junior Karate Championships took place recently at Crystal Palace, and Suffolk’s top Juniors, who train under the EKKA banner, scooped the best results in the country.
Two of the successful youngsters, Martin Copping and Lynsay Moffat, reflected on this success at Hadleigh School Leisure Centre on Friday 5th October, where Martin now helps coach and Lynsay trains with local instructor Stuart Kitchener.
At age 15, Martin was in his final year of the Junior championships, and a mainstay in the competition too, having been there for the past four years. He had achieved second and third places in the past, and was hoping to win this year.
And win is precisely what he did – in the Age 15, over 65kg section. Taking the match one step at a time, Martin fulfilled all of his aims and the aims of those who had coached him since he began learning the sport at age 7. Martin is not content at stopping here either; he will hopefully be selected for the English team at age 16, and from there hopes to go on to European and World competitions. Martin currently trains with Billy Brennan, 7th Dan instructor, in Needham Market and Colchester, who is helping him hone his skills to achieve his overall aim.
Eventually, Martin aims to be World Champion, before settling down to coach youngsters. He has already begun his coaching career, and helps his former instructor Stuart run the Hadleigh classes each Friday.
Lynsay has similarly high hopes. She began learning the sport at age 7 also, and has been to the English Junior Championships three times previously. Having picked up a silver in the past, Lynsay was thrilled to come away with the gold this year, and hopes to return next year and win the competition again.
Martin’s dedication to the sport has not gone unnoticed – on Tuesday 9th October he was presented with a Young Sportsman Award at Stowmarket Leisure Centre. This is a regional award which provides him with £100 to put towards his training expenses, as well as recognising his hard work to date.
Lynsay, like Martin, wants to perform her sport to the highest level. She began taking lessons one school holiday when a friend decided they should try out. The friend no longer trains, but Lynsay has been hooked ever since. She intends to make the England squad and go on to World level competition. After this, Lynsay hopes to join the Armed Forces and make use of the disciple and fitness she has already developed through Karate.
Stuart Kitchener, coach to Lynsay and former coach to Martin, is immensely proud of what the two have achieved. The English Junior Championships is an annual competition where the best students in the country under the age of 16 come together to compete in Kata and Kumite. Each of these students are selected by their individual association and, although they compete separately, each association is brought together in a league table at the end of the competition.
Suffolk students train under the banner of the EKKA, and with five gold’s, one silver and five bronze places, Suffolk were the most successful association in the country this year.
Stuart explained that the students taking part in this competition are those we can expect to see at the top level of the sport in the future, and Lynsay and Martin, with continued coaching, are capable of going all the way to the top. The Suffolk EKKA Association currently has three people competing in the Under 21 World Championships in Greece – Liam Brennan, Joe Morgan and Leoni Kersey – a measure of the success of this county.
Stuart concluded that Martin and Lynsay are just two of the potential stars to come out of the small Hadleigh club, and hopes to enter a number of children into the English Junior Championships next year. He said: “It is such an achievement to watch them come through from youngsters to champions. You witness positive changes in their personality as they become totally dedicated to their sport.”
For Karate is not only about attending lessons. Those who want to make it to the top have to train at the gym to build up strength and stamina, as well as practising at home, and all of this while they are at school too.
Karate improves self-discipline, balance and co-ordination as well as flexibility and fitness and is an ideal activity for children. On Monday and Friday, Stuart trains all levels of juniors and seniors at the Hadleigh High School Leisure Centre, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm. If you would like further details about these classes, contact Stuart on 07748 648063, or check out his website at: www.arenakarate.co.uk.
Otto Campanelli have made an “average” start to the new season, but look forward to better things from now on. Sadly this season has seen the end of the very successful side from the Hadleigh King’s Head, which is a shame. Nobody likes to see anyone fold up, especially locally, and they were a very good side. However it does mean that those players mostly have moved to Hadleigh Goldstar, British Legion and Otto.
Otto Campanelli had already “signed” three new players and have now gained Gregg Hills, Roy Norman and Jason Seager who all have a well-proven pedigree and will all be made welcome at Otto who can now look forward to some better displays and better results as well.
Otto Campanelli have been very successful in the past, but the last few seasons have been poor by their standard. However off the field they are almost untouchable in their organisation and administration, well led by Alan Wignall, ably assisted by is Committee and the team spirit. Otto are all good, honest and decent lads who play the game in the correct manner and cause not an ounce of trouble to anyone.
For two seasons running now voted “Best Run Club” in the Licensed Trades League of sixty teams to add to their two “Runners-up” awards in the same category. However now they hope to do it once again where it also matters as well 0 out on the pitch.
Alan Wignall
Hadleigh once again prove their winning capabilities, this time with only 10 players due to an injury within the first few minutes of the game to goalkeeper Clare Davey who fell, leaving her unable to carry on.
Thanks to Allie Strickland (defender) who stepped into the goalie kit and gave an outstanding performance, Hadleigh scored well into the first half with Diana Bryce battling at the goal line to open the scoring.
In the second half, Hadleigh proved their form with defence, even though under pressure at times. They passed the ball with confidence and width through to the ‘D’ with Fiona Brice scoring a cracking second goal for Hadleigh. More drama for Hadleigh as they were reduced to 9 players after Julie Grayling fell in the ‘D’, forcing her off the pitch. A set piece pass from the midfield into the ‘D’ saw Julie Gayling unluckily missing the goal, but it rebounded for Penny Arnold to finish the scoring for Hadleigh.
Christchurch’s goal came surprisingly when Hadleigh had only 9 girls on the pitch. This just proves Hadleigh’s ongoing strength and fitness to gain 3 winning points against a team with 11 girls including a goalkeeper.
Well done to Hadleigh defence who fought hard and well, to the midfield and forwards for scoring the goals which have taken Hadleigh ladies to second position in the League tables.
Congratulations and utmost respect girls for achieving such a high position so early in the season.
Well done to Mandy Letts for being awarded umpire’s player.
Hadleigh United’s hopes of a long run in this season’s Suffolk Senior Cu were dashed at the first hurdle when near-neighbours Needham Market delivered the knock-out blow by winning 1-0 at Millfield.
Last season Hadleigh reached the semi-finals but on this latest occasion an early Needham goal proved decisive.
However, Jewson League matches in recent weeks have seen some good results, particularly the 3-0 home win against Whitton United, and a 5-2 success at Brightlingsea. In the latter match Hadleigh scored four goals without reply in the first half, which saw the whole team playing their best football of the season so far.
The Reserves made a slow start to the campaign with heavy defeats in their first four games. But these are now a distant memory with Border League wins being achieved at Stanway and West Bergholt as the team gradually became used to playing at a higher level after winning promotion to Division One this season.
Manager Andy Grimsey was given a further boost when the Reserves gained a splendid 1-0 win at Woodbridge in the first round of the Border League Cup.
The first two weeks of November will be a busy time, beginning with the annual fireworks display on Friday 2nd at 7.30pm. the following day Warboys Town are at Hadleigh for a Jewson League match, and then Needham Market will be entertained in the second leg of the Division One Cup on Tuesday 6th.
That will be followed by the longest journey of the season to Wisbech Town on Saturday 10th and then Halstead travel to the Millfield on Tuesday 13th. Border League fixtures for the Reserves for November were not known at the time of writing these notes.
A big pat on the back goes to club member Adam Waspe for taking part in the recent Orwell Walk from Ipswich to Felixstowe. Adam gave the proceeds of his sponsorship form to Hadleigh United and the club wishes to thank all those supporters who made donations.
Brettsider
The outdoor season has now come to an end and culminated in the Finals Day which was well attended and the spectators were treated to some good and interesting bowling.
The results were as follows:
Winner: Colin Norton Runner-Up Ian Whitmore
Winner: Ian Whitmore Runner-Up: Bill Gogelan
Winner: Terry Swift Runner-Up: Colin Norton
Winners: Terry Wiles and Eric More; Runners-Up: Eddie McLeese and Phil Ebdon
Winners: Peter Oxford and Ian Davey; Runners-Up: Jean Nunn and Phil Ebdon
Winners: Sheila Poulton and Ken Blackman; Runners-Up: Audry Alder and Phil Ebdon
Winner: Pam Linge; Runner-Up: Elizabeth King
Winners: Audry Nelson and Dorothy Panks; Runners-Up: Valerie Woodman and Jean Nunn
Winner: Ann Fraser; Runner-Up: Dorothy Panks
Winners: Colin Norton, Ken King and Pam Horley; Runners-Up: Sylvia Steel, Eileen Simpson and Bob Davey
Social events will now take place throughout the winter months with the members looking forward to the start of the 2002 season.
It was with some trepidation that Legionnaire crossed the bridge over the River Brett and made his entrance through the hallowed portals of the Babernabeu. An exclusive interview with the Legion F.C. supreme was not unusual, as Community News readers will know, but to be allowed entry into the legendary Babernabeu Bootroom was a privilege that no reporter, National or local, had ever been granted. A daunting moment. However Melvin immediately put me at ease by producing a steaming pot of tea (Earl Grey) and a plate of fondant fancies (no éclairs). “Welcome to the Bootroom” he smiled.
On his surprisingly tidy desk lay a set of Architect’s Plans. Answering my query, Melvin revealed that these were the preliminary drawings for the proposed “Tutty Dyer” double-decker stand. “A tribute to a revered Hadleigh footballer and a man I would welcome to my coaching set-up with open arms.” A recent petition suggesting that the whole complex be retitled the “Tuttydome” is still to be evaluated (all the signatures looked suspiciously alike) and growing out of this a proposal that the “Tottydrome” also be considered as a name, thus honouring the late, great Ellis “Totty” Warren – a twinkle-toed maestro of the 40’s and 50’s Hadleigh United side and one of Hadleigh’s finest ever purveyors of Fine Ales. The “Tottydrome” would also highlight the growing numbers of young Hadleigh totty who now follow the side, arguably the best looking team in the Sunday League. A regular bunch of Babe Magnets, as one young beauty said.
It is rumoured that as well as a large number of League Club scouts attracted to the Babernabeu, Record Company agents looking for boy band members are also taking a keen interest.
I asked Melvin to first clarify the rumours that he had been offered the vacant Scotland Manager’s post. “I could never be a Scotland Manager” said an indignant Melvin. “Samoa – Yes. Scotland – no. Can you imagine the indignity of being run out of Glasgow by a horde of irate Jocks, having just been beaten by the Faroe Islands? Mind you,” he added wistfully, “I still think I could look rather fetching kilted up in the MacOxford Tartan.”
I asked why the Kama Sutra training method had not worked for England against Greece. “Well,” replied Melvin, “Sven Goran made the fatal mistake of issuing every member of the England Squad with a personal copy of the Kama Sutra and they obviously left their legs in the bedroom. The exception of course was David Beckham, and this only because Posh was on tour promoting her new book and David was at home babysitting Brooklyn. This error will not be repeated as Sven Goran has now withdrawn all copies of the Kama Sutra, save for his own Swedish translation. Legover Les will, of course, be available for one-to-one tuition.”
Last year you were associated with some big name transfer deals Melvin, I asked, can you bring readers up to speed on some of those?
“Well I told David Johnson, the former Ipswich Town striker, that it would be a mistake to choose Nottingham Forest over Layham Road, and so it has proved. With Julian Rix now semi-retired, David would probably be a first choice player at the Babernabeu. I last saw David Ginola looking lank-haired and disconsolate on the Villa bench, and Stan Collymore? Whatever happened to Stan Collymore? Whatever happened to Stan Collymore? Had all of these lads been guided by me they could now be larging it in the Legion Bar on a Saturday night drinking cut price ale. What a waste”
How do you propose to finance the new “Tutty Dyer Stand” I ventured. “Confidential talks are underway” he confided, with a six man Consortium that includes construction tycoon, Chic Holden, and show business sensation C R Coley-Moore. With men of this stature on board how can we fail?”
Melvin revealed that alarmed by the complacency in the England camp before the Greece game, he had scoured Virgil for a suitable quote. On the eve of the match he had e-mailed Sven Goran with the words * “Timeo Danaos et Dona Ferentes”. What scholarship from the great man.
On the pitch things have been going very well. If it’s goals you want, Home or Away, Hadleigh Royal British Legion is the team to follow.
September 23rd – League Senior Cup
Hadleigh RBL 5
P Bignell 2, S Lamb, S Lewis, Simon Leeks
Orford Town 3
(sweet revenge for a League defeat)
September 30th – County Shield
Hadleigh RBL 4
B Goodchild, P Bignell, S Lewis, C Grimsey
Felsham 1
(The club sends best wishes to the Felsham goalkeeper, injured in an accidental collision with David Glass. David was not as badly injured as first feared.
October 7th
Hadleigh RBL 6
D Leeks 3, S Lewis, M Lindon, Shane Leeks
TXV Energi 4
(a cracking game, with all three new signings on the scoresheet, including a Danny Leeks hat-trick)
October 14th
Melton YCOB 1
Hadleigh RBL 8
S Lewis 4, R Andrew, B Goodchild, P Bignell, D Leeks
After the game at Melton a delicious chicken curry lunch was served at The Horse and Groom. Rumours that Melvin did not have seconds are denied. Congratulations to Stephen Lewis on his four-timer.
A further two new signings have been completed, so welcome to Dean Skinner and Jason Curtis.
PLAYER PROFILE
Name Paul Sheldrake
Age 27
Nickname “Duck”
Favourite Player Bryan Robson – Best Captain ever seen
Favourite Team Ipswich Town
Best Player played with Micky Glass/Martin Lindon
Best goal ever seen Ryan Giggs: FA Cup semi-final v Arsenal
Football ambition To play as long as I can and enjoy some success
Legionnaire
First correct translation received wins signed photograph of Melvin
‘The Hadleigh 10’
Sunday the 18th November sees the latest edition of Hadleigh’s largest annual sporting event. ‘The Hadleigh 10 mile Road Race’, promoted by local running club, Hadleigh Hares AC.
Sponsored by local chartered Architects, Wincer Kievenaar Partnership and The White Hart public house of Hadleigh, the race starts at 11am from the race headquarters based at Hadleigh United FC. The course is the now well-established, beautiful but challenging route taking in Lower Layham, Polstead Heath and Shelley via the quiet lanes of the Brett Vale, before returning to the Layham Road ground.
As usual an extensive list of race awards await the leading competitors, including age category awards extending as far as the over 65’s. However, no competitor will go home empty handed as all finishers will receive a specially designed commemorative T-shirt for their efforts.
Race director Ray Robinson reports that pre-entries are already reaching a healthy stage, and with the promise of good weather hopes to see entries on the day swell the numbers beyond last year’s excellent total of over 200.
Entries for the race will be accepted on the day until approximately 30 minutes before the start.
North Essex & South Suffolk Cross Country League
Following last season’s promising individual cross country performances, both in the league and main championship races, Hadleigh hares look forward to the imminent start of the new winter campaign.
Strengthened by the arrival of some new Autumn signings and some encouraging pre-season form the Hares aim to make a strong challenge at the top of Pool B.
This year’s fixtures are as follows:
Race 1 Sun 4th Nov Acorn Village, Mistley
Race 2 Sun 25th Nov Hylands Park, Chelmsford
Race 3 Sun 2nd Dec Ipswich (venue to be confirmed)
Race 4 Sun 16th Dec Gosfield School, Halstead
Race 5 Sun 13th Jan Holbecks Park, Hadleigh
Race 6 Sun 10th Feb Layer-de-la-Haye, Tiptree
All races start at 11am for seniors, 10.30am for juniors.
Meet Railway Way car park, Station Road, Hadleigh at 9.40am (9.20am for Chelmsford).
Anyone interesting in representing Hadleigh Hares in the above fixtures or any of the other extensive list of cross country races, whatever your standard – enthusiastic beginner or experienced campaigner – contact the Hares cross country captain Paul Sear on 01473 827604.
Steve & Stu in the hunt for family form!!
Steve Hunt, probably one of Hadleigh Hares most dedicated competitors, showed a glimpse of his true potential at the recent Langham 10k Road Race. Showing excellent early season form, Steve stormed into 15th place and a new personal best of 39 minutes 40 seconds for the six and a quarter mile course. Backed up by Gordon Funnell in 25th place and Brian Airlie in 30th place, the Hares hinted towards a successful winter’s racing.
Not to be outdone by dad’s success, Stuart Hunt – better known for his goal-keeping exploits – recorded an excellent 7th place in the accompanying Fun Run. Over an approximate 1.5 mile course Stu’s performance indicated a potentially bright future in the world of distance running.
Youth and Junior Rugby Training starts
It was a new adventure and a positive step forward for Hadleigh Rugby Club on Sunday 14th October when the first batch of young rugby players aged from 8 years to 15 years turned up for coaching at Layham Road Sports Ground.
As holders of the Suffolk Cup, and newly promoted to London Division 3 North, the playing committee agreed that in order to move ahead in the modern game a Youth Section had to be established. Posters and letters have been sent to the high schools and primary schools within a 10-mile radius of the club and fliers distributed to households in the town itself.
It is hoped that numbers will increasingly swell over the next few weeks as more word is spread and the involvement of the Eastern Counties Youth Development Officers helps promote the training sessions. Each week first team players including overseas players who are fully qualified youth coaches, and coaches from the Eastern Counties Youth Development Office, will be in regular attendance to support the sessions.
Following a good turn out on its first day, the Youth Development Co-ordinator at the club, Alan Murray, was enthusiastic and confident that the venture would be successful if the young people in the town and surrounding areas showed willingness to have a got at the sport. “It is an ideal opportunity to learn skills from experts and to be part of one of the county’s most successful and ambitious clubs” is the view put forward by Chairman Mike Harris, who strongly believes that the development of rugby skills at such an early age is the way forward for Hadleigh Rugby Club.
Coaching takes place at the ground every Sunday morning at 10.30am. Everyone from mini age, 7 years, up to junior colts, aged 16 years, are welcome. If you wish to join the club or just have a go at learning the skills of the game, then turn up on Sunday mornings. For more information contact Alan Murray on 01473 652448.
Hadleigh are enjoying mixed fortunes as the season unfolds. They contrived to lose their opening two league encounters against Rochford 21-10 and Shelford 30-12. However against Brentwood they turned things around and posted a 39-3 victory which lifted them to fifth place in the league on points difference.
The 2nd round of the RFL Intermediate Cup saw the Layham Road boys travel to Kings Lynn to face West Norfolk. The game was littered with mistakes by both sides and several injuries to Hadleigh players, but eventually finished 6-6 after extra time. Hadleigh were fortunate to progress as the away side.
One of the players injured in the cup match was new signing Johan Visser, a South African from N Transvaal. In his first outing for the Falcons he scored a brace of tries and generally tormented Stowmarket. The following week he was promoted to the 1st team and was instrumental in the win over Brentwood. The club are hoping his lay-off will be a short one.
Hadleigh have been fortunate to secure the services of guest coaches during the past month to augment the sterling work of Kev Parker. Rowly Williams, late of Harlequins and London Irish and soon to take on the USA Eagles as Technical Director came along and took a session on defence whilst Steve Powley, coach of the Army XV oversaw a session with the backs. The club envisage the use of guest coaches will be a regular event during the coming season.
The Falcons have had a fine month, unbeaten in three games and scoring a hat-full of points in the process, beating Harwich 86-0, Stowmarket 75-0 and Sudbury 47-15.
Pete Hicks has been to the fore in the points scoring table with a club record haul of 51 in the game against Harwich. The only disappointment was the inability of Ipswich to find enough players to field their ‘dream team’ in the league.
Forthcoming Fixtures
1st XV
Nov 3rd Saffron Walden home (friendly)
Nov 10th Romford away (league
Nov 17th Wymondham home (league)
Nov 24th Bury St Edmunds away (Cup)
Dec 1st Bury St Edmunds away (league
2nd XV
Nov 3rd Romford II away
Nov 10th Sudbury home
Nov 17th TBA
Nov 24th Bury St Edmunds home
Dec 1st Harwich home
Junior Fishing Results
JUNIOR CUP WINNERS
Points Shield Luke Harvey
Points Runner up Aaron Fitzpatrick
Partridge Cup Luke Harvey
A Sparkes Challenge Cup Matthew Snowling
Pairs Cup Darren Snowling and
Zara Snowling
Hadleigh Castings Shield Tommy Butler
Beeston Cup Darren Snowling
K Green Junior Shield Aaron Fitzpatrick
Groves Cup Karl Martin
F Everett K.O. Cup Karl Martin
Knights & Hill Adult/Junior
Pairs Trophy Shaun Snowling and
Karl Martin
Polstead-Roach/Rudd Trophy Luke Harvey
R Catterall Pike Cup Luke Harvey
Orchid Transport Shield Leon Barnes
G H Griffiths Transport Shield Tommy Butler
Team of Three Trophy Winners Karl Martin, Luke Harvey and
Tommy Butler
POINTS TABLE 2001/02
Luke Harvey 366
Aaron Fitzpaatrick 364
Zara Snowling 340
Karl Martin 312
Matthew Snowling 303
Scott Snowling 301
Jamie Butler 292
Jason Ambrose 288
Tommy Butler 262
Ben Snowling 197
Kayleigh Snowling 50