The new ground and pavilion are now officially open. A celebration week, between the 7th and 15th September, to launch the Club's new home, proved to be a resounding success, although a glance purely at the results of the games may not indicate this. On Sunday, 8th September, over 600 spectators joined the Guests of Honour, Mr JF Wass, President of the Eastern Counties Rugby Union, and Mr K Joslin, President of the Essex Rugby Football Union, in watching a most entertaining game against a side raised by the Club's President, Jo Arnold. The side included four internationals and eleven county players and proved far too fast for an enthusiastic but non-tackling OB's side. They scored ten tries, nine of which were converted, to make the score (48-0) seem one of immense proportions. We were delighted that Tony Jones (1935-41) travelled from Bournemouth to referee the game.

On the Wednesday we were honoured by the presence of the Master Warden of the Draper's Company, Mr SL Lloyd, who officially opened the new pavilion. He was introduced by the Head Master and accompanied by Mr AA O'Neill, Clerk to the School Governors, and Mr JD Castle (1923-27), Beadle of the Draper's Company. The formalities were followed by a game against a Combined London Old Boys' XV raised by Mr FH Garside of The Daily Telegraph. For the second time in four days we were soundly beaten, but during the first half played with fourteen men because of injury. We did, however, manage four really good tries and at one stage, with the score at 28-13, appeared to be in the ascendancy after ten quick points.

On Saturday, 14th September, Mr JTW Berry, President of the Rugby Football Union, officially opened the ground. He was accompanied by Mr Robin Prescott (Secretary, RFU), Mr Bill Ramsay (Secretary, RFU), Mr Bill Ramsay (Treasurer, RFU) and Mr David Brooks (Manager of the British Lions).

The game that followed was played in appalling condition (including a thunderstorm), but the OBs beat the Old Blues 9-3. Afterwards Mr Berry drew the first tickets for the six-monthly prizes of the 200 Club (Michael Stout won a Mini!) On behalf of the OB Football Club, John Hasselgren presented Jo Arnold with two cut glass decanters, a token of the Club's regard for its President.

While the 1st XV were having limited success, the "A" XV were more than holding their own. They beat Old Stortfordians 1st XV 25-8 and Billericay 1st XV 13-11. In the fixture arranged for guest clubs Old Emmanuel beat Old Hertfordians (22-18) and Sidcup beat Southend (16-3).

An immense ammount of work was put in both before and during the Celebration Week by a large number of members, but I am sure that none of them would begrudge a mention of the efforts of the President, Jo Arnold. It would be impossible to estimate the hours devoted to the Club by Jo and, as well as his tremendous administrative ability, his physical efforts have been incredible. If the President ever requires a job as a gardener, painter, carpenter or odd job man, any member of the Football Club would give him an excellent reference!

The engagement of two members (RJ Kent and Stuart Waller) were announced during this memorable week. It is not known yet whether it produced any divorces.

J.E. Draper
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