A couple of seasons ago we ran articles on personalities in the Club. Strangely enough one of our best Clubmen did not appear in the series and so we intend to put this to right without any further delay.

Bob Parker has helped the Club with its financial activities one way or the other since 1933 which in anybody's calculations is a long time. He became Assistant Treasurer thirty-two years ago, and served for five years under the late Ted Bakewell, who was the Hon. Treasurer. In 1938 Bob was elected to Hon. Treasurer himself and has filled that position ever since with unquestionable distinction and unfailing service.

The Club's financial and sporting records are both kept by Bob. Every penny can be accounted for since he took over, as can the results of all matches played and points scored. Very rarely has a night passed without him working on club business.

It is an acknowledged fact in the Club that but for his financial wizardry the Club would not be in its present position and would probably not have a ground, leave alone having paid for it.

Like many others Bob played soccer at school, but on leaving he played rugger for the Bishop Road Evening Institute where he was studying and the Bristol Aeroplane Co. XV. In1929 he joined the Bristol Saracens R.F.C. and played under the captaincy of Les Webber and Gaffer Jones as vice-Captain. The next season he took over the vice-Captaincy of the "A" XV.

The next season 1931-32 saw him elected to the General Committee of the Saracens Club, at the same time gaining a place with Bristol United, but as is so often the case Bob was struck a cruel blow when he badly damaged his leg and hip and doctors told him he must never play rugger again. Many men of lesser caliber and Club spirit would have called it a day oand severed associations with the Club. Bob was determined to put back into the game what he'd gottten out of it and has repayed this debt beyond all calculation.

His memories of the game are many, and it is wonderful to sit down and listen to him relating incidents from the past such as when the Club was asked to play against Painswick R.F.C. in an annual Hospital match in 1931. As this was a gala occasion the First XV, all togged up in jerseys and boots, were asked to march through the streets behind the Town Band.

I have heard him describing changing facilities, such as changing at The Anchor in Neville Road, and then having to ride on the tram to play on the Club pitch at Monks Park. At least everybody turned up on time in those days - it was a long walk from Neville Road to Monks Park!

Straight after the War the Club started up again and as was to be expected Bob was one of the prime movers in gathering Old Saracens back in to the fold. Many was the week that Bob, George Wright and Guss Coppens didn't see their own fireside because they were out "after someone"!

Unfortunately we do not see as much of him as we would like but this is due to other business commitments and the fact that he is just recovering from an illness, but we are very pleased to report that his progress is more than satisfactory. We wish him for the future, good health, and together with his wife Doreen and daughter Margo, every happiness.

It is very difficult to conclude an article on someone who has done so much for the Club and given so much of himself in order that we may be the envy of others. I think the best thing is to say on behalf of the Club. Thank you Bob.....