The Don September

THE DON Lime & Thyme “A real understanding of good food” pg.4 The Don’s Don - Eddie Gardner Brian Mullen “I became addicted to the social “I was the only foreigner on the aspect of the game” pitch” pg.6 September The monthly newsletter for the OW college and Donhead community OWCC - The Firsts are First “It is a victory for everyone in the pg.8 club” pg.12 IN THE CHAIR The AGM has come and gone and it seems that I’m still in the chair. More importantly, my very able committee has agreed to do another term of love labour, which is very good news for the club. The one exception is a swap in finance as we say thank you and farewell to Mike Tolmie who has served the club since before I was born...ish. Thank you Mike. In comes Richard Mason, previous Warriors treasurer and given they are the richest faction of the club by a distance, we’re all rubbing our hands to know the secrets. Look out soon for all the committee members sporting new initialled suits and embroidered underwear under Richard’s stewardship. MARGARET PARSONS There is a select group of sensational women who have supported the OWs over and above the call of duty, in various capacities and helped build our wonderful club. Margaret was undoubtedly one of those and will always have a brick in our wall. Please help us to help you by engagement in all that the club offers and letting us know what else you want from the OWA. After all, the committee is here to represent your needs. A wonderful person; we will miss you Margaret’. Margaret set up a lunch club for the ladies of the club and it would be a fitting memorial to honour Margaret with an annual lunch in her name. Watch this space for details. Julian Agostini OWA Chairman Margaret, together with husband Mike, epitomised the OWs. Genuinely affable and big hearted people with a great On a serious note, we have built a solid platform these last few years and our plans continue to be progressive. This next year will see further engagement with the school and development of more members from school leavers, hopefully. A main focus will be getting to know the exisiting membership so we can deliver the club that all our members want and deserve. We are working to harness this through more communication, of which The Don is a key part. Julian Agostini reflected ‘I never saw her in anything other than a good mood with a positive word for everybody. Eddie Bell recalls how Margaret used to volunteer herself for the job of touch-judge or running the line for all of husband Mike’s games for the “Rams” or the OWRFC 4th XI. Whatever the weather, Margaret would be there in full spirit to support the OWRFC and Mike in particular. sense of community and, simply, fun to be around. We are so sad for Mike but also for us all, to lose Margaret. There has been a deep sadness at the club this summer with the death of Margaret Parsons on Tuesday, 11th June. Margaret was Hon. Secretary of the Old Wimbledonians Rugby Football Club for some 18 years until her illness forced her to step down. OWRFC always had a very special place in her heart and all the players both past and present she would always affectionally refer to as ‘her boys’. Award winning local RIBA Chartered Architects working with homeowners and developers to design, advise and realise high specification modern living. We are delighted to support the Old Wimbledonians Association. Call now to book your free 1 hour consultation with Keith Malone RIBA on 020 8793 5135 www.oldwimbledonians.com