The Ashtead Link 34

The Ashtead Link The Journal of the Old Freemen’s Association

Issue No 34 November 2015

The Old Freemen’s Association

List of Officers – 2014-15 President

David Haywood

Chairman

Alex Tribick

Vice Chairman

Jon Sowton

Secretary/ Mins. Sec. Laura Morrison

. alextribick@whmatthews.com jonnysowton@aol.com laura.morrison2@ntlworld.com

Membership

Sarah Stanley

temp.-.being maintained by Pat Jenkins

Editor

Pat Jenkins

patofa52@gmail.com

Treasurer

Alastair Cameron

alastaircameron2@gmail.com

Ass. Treasurer

David Harn

david.harn@virgin.net

Bar Chair

Clive Jones

muddyfun@hotmail.co.uk

Development Officer

Rob Austen

rob.austen@btinternet.com

Maintenance

Ron Gummer

rongummer@hotmail.com

Clubhouse Bookings Laura Morrison

laura.morrison2@ntlworld.com

Web-site Manager

Nikki Linsell

info@ofhc.co.uk

School/FSA Liaison

Laura Morrison

laura.morrison2@ntlworld.com

Committee:

Eleanor Deighton, David Harn, Mike Bailey

Representatives of Affiliated Clubs Cricket

Chris Reynolds

creynolds@cratus.co.uk

Rugby

Chris Reynolds

creynolds@cratus.co.uk

Hockey

Nikki Linsell

info@ofhc.co.uk

Sports Hall

Mike Bailey

chugger@btinternet.com

Bar Sub-Committee Clive Jones (Chairman) Paul Slatter (Barman), Mike Bailey, Laura Morrison,

Vice Presidents - with years of service, Tom Shutter 1959-60, Phil Kelly 1967- 8, Richard Haydon 1969-70, David Harn 1971-72, Chris Cobb 1973-74, Ashley Mote, 1975-76,Chris Fry 1977-79, Judith Mitchell nee Alsopp 1982-83 Nigel Barnett 1984-85, Pat Jenkins 1986-87, Chris Reynolds 1988- 89, Steve Jenkins 1990-91, Alastair Law 1992-2006. Laura Morrison 2007-2014

The Old Freemen’s Association www.oldfreemens.co.uk

The Old Freemen’s Memorial Clubhouse, Ashtead Park, Ashtead.

Surrey. KT21 1ET 01372 274356 patofa52@gmail.com Dear All, Welcome to the November edition of the “Ashtead Link.” With Christmas and New Year on the horizon we have got some interesting events being planned for you, so do look at that section of the magazine, which will also be repeated, in diary form, at the back for quick reference.

From time to time new people are mentioned in the magazine and the editor felt it would be helpful, if when visiting the Park, or reading about them, you could put a face to the name. So we will start by including one or two photos in this edition.

The Chairman’s Update And so a new Rugby and Hockey season starts, a cricket season ends, and a new Headmaster, Roland Martin begins. All change as the seasons turn!

As Roland and his family settle in, we busy ourselves offering funds for scholarships and bursaries and take a significant role in the preparations for the major School Careers Convention in November.

This is a major showcase event,that demonstrates to the outside world as much as those within the school community the capabilities, and reach of the School, its staff, pupils and past pupils. It is hoped that some of the advice and help that O.F.A. members can provide, given their wealth of experience, will help guide and mentor pupils and the outside visitors as they find their way in the ever more competitive arena of higher education and the world of work.

Members, you will have experience that can be invaluable to pupils, staff, and the visitors, and so I would encourage you all to lend your support and give some of your time. Details for which can be obtained from the Association Administrator, Laura Morrison, without whom I would be lost.Providing these things as well as sporting

and social meeting facilities is what we are all about…. Alex Tribick(1993)

The Association was very pleased to learn that Nick Goddard (1973) has been elected a School Governor.

UPCOMING EVENTS What's going on at the Old Freemen's?

As well as the cricket, hockey and rugby provision throughout the year don't forget you can also make use of the Sports Hall on Tuesday evenings for aerobics and badminton. In addition there are the very popular 'Dad's football' and touch rugby Clubs on Thursday evenings. We also have the Channel Sailing Club which meets every Wednesday evening and is keen for more members.

If you are not so sporty and would like to utilise the Clubhouse for something else, a book club, our very own Old Freemen's choir or amateur dramatics society, please let me know as we are always open to suggestions and more than happy to help.

If you are back from University or just coming to Ashtead around the Festive Season why not pop up to the Clubhouse to see who's around and enjoy the atmosphere.

We will have many more events planned for after the Christmas Holidays so keep looking at the Old Freemen's Websites for more information!

So far this term we have already hosted a wonderful re-union lunch organised by Ed Law and catered by Irene Gummer & team. There was an annual 1950's Leaver's Lunch at the Clubhouse on 28th October. The next OFRFC lunch is also a sell-out being held on the 7th November for our annual match against Whitgift. Surrey Rugby have been holding their trials at CLFS and have been welcomed by the Old Freemen, and using our Clubhouse. We have been also been open for all the Rugby World Cup matches on our new big screen - a facility which we will, of course, be offering for the 6 Nations in the Spring next year. As always, there has been a wonderful family atmosphere during the start of the winter hockey and rugby season at the Clubhouse with all ages coming along to enjoy the facilities provided by the Old Freemen.

This year we have been approached to help the School with their 2015 Careers Convention (on 12th November) which is a huge event open to CLFS pupils and other surrounding schools. We have been able to provide the School with a large number of Old Frees from varying professions to help with the event this year.

Our role is to provide help to the students with any questions they may have about various areas of industry which they would be interested entering. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has already offered their help as it is much appreciated.

With this in mind, we very much hope to continue with this provision year on year.

We do intend to be a lot more proactive in this area with one of our big new ventures for the coming year being the compilation of our Old Freemen's database. We are also in the process of compiling a survey form which we will circulate to all Old Freemen and their families shortly, to be returned to us, with information to provide assistance to new Old Freemen looking for employment or work experience and to create a much more detailed network of employment connections. Many of you have helped in the past but we hope to formalise the way we provide this help.

The School will be holding their Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, 5th December where there will be a huge number of goodies on offer so come along and support the School.

We have also been invited by the new Headmaster, Roland, Martin, to join the School for their Christmas by Candlelight Carol Service in St. Giles on 15th December - if you would like details please let me know as this is a beautiful evening.

Next year, as some of you may know, is the 90th Anniversary of CLFS at Ashtead Park and the 70th Anniversary of the Old Freemen's and we intend to make it a big year and celebrate in style so there will be a number of big events throughout the year!

On Saturday 6th February there is the Start of the Six Nations Cup and a chance to see it on our marvelous new screen.

We have some big new dates for you to include in your diary for the coming months.

The OFA will be having a stand at the Ashtead Village Day next year on Saturday 11th June 2016, when we will be joining forces at this event with the School and the FSA to represent the entire CLFS community. In addition, the actual day will start with a procession of vintage cars from the front of Main House. During the afternoon at least one Old Freemen's Band will be playing too.

We will also be celebrating with a 'Party in the Park' on 10th September, 2016 where there will be bands, side shows, catering outlets and many other activities on offer to the entire school community. This will be another joint venture between the 3 bodies of the school community.

We are looking for volunteers happy to help with both of these events so please get in contact if you would like to help with any of the upcoming events.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to organise something, can offer your help with our regular events or would like to assist with one of our big events coming up to celebrate our 70th Anniversary - I look forward to hearing from you!

Please email laura.morrison2@ntlworld.com In addition to these events organized by the Committee, Alan Gerring has offered to run an event for past Scouts and Guides. th

Scouts & Guides Re-union – 18

June 2016

Yes the date has been altered, so if you have already booked please let Alan know if the new date suits you.

Alan’s schedule: The format would be to meet in the Clubhouse for morning coffee, followed by a buffet luncheon and afternoon tea.

If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions for the memorabilia displays and/or talks, then please let me have them.

For those of you who didn’t get around to making contact, please do it NOW. Alan Gerring Phone

E-mail alan@thegerrings.com

01202 6941481

Wallace Road, Broadstone, Dorset. BH18 8NF

The War Graves Visit The School have invited our members to join them on their visit to the War Graves on Thursday, 10th March 2016.

The coach will leave at 6.30a.m. and the visit will include an evening meal.

The cost is £75 which covers all travelling and other fees.

Will those who are interested please contact Mrs. Guest : eguest@clfs.surrey.sch.uk

EVENTS PAST

Old Freemen’s Day was held on Sunday 28th June 2015, when a goodly number of past pupils of the School arrived in the Park. It followed the usual format, that is a buffet lunch; a cricket match between the school and the old boys; the use of the tennis courts, plus a tree planting ceremony in memory of Robin Eve. Robin's three children attended the service which was led by the Rev. Roger Williams, then David Harn gave a brief eulogy on Robin’s service to the School and the Old Freemen’s Association before his children took turns to sprinkle soil around the tree.

The afternoon concluded with tea and cakes in the main dining hall. The cricket match resulted in a resounding win for the Old Boys who hadn't beaten the school in many years, which was rather gratifying.

I also met a current sports master who took me into the cricket pavilion and showed me the team photographs complete with names, dating from when we all played together in the first eleven for the school.

Pat Jenkins née Hardy opened up the Archive Room and on display was the Honours Board for the recipients of The Collett Bat and who should be the first winner but a certain Malcolm Fruin, a great supporter of the Association in spite of living in Canada.

Finally I got to meet a newly recruited Governor who is also an Old Freeman. We got on like a house on fire and he invited me to contact him with my suggestions concerning the Old Freemen’s Clubhouse which I helped to build.

Alan Gerring An Extraordinary General Meeting This was held at the Clubhouse on Thursday 16th July. It was rather poorly attended but those who came heard of the appointment of our new President David Haywood, a previous Headmaster and a great supporter of the Old Freemen’s.

Alex Tribick, our Chairman, following his aim to bring in younger blood to the Committee, was delighted to have Jon Sowton volunteer to stand as Vice Chairman. Both are very welcome additions to our list of Officers.

Ed Law's Vintage Players' Reunion lunch

This lunch was held on 26th September 2015 and saw 60 past players and supporters seated for a grand meal prepared by Team Gummer and Smith, and helpers. It was a wonderful event, thoroughly enjoyed by all and which incidentally swelled the RFC coffers by some ÂŁ850. Huge thanks must go to Ed and all involved in preparation, or even just turning up. Plus a major mention also for Paul Slatter and Robert Morrison on the bar. A very special occasion, where even The Grace became a rendition of "Mollie Malone"!

The on-field dessert was a masterful 63-0 demolition of Woking 2's by Jake Wilkinson and Lawrie Gummer's 2nd XV - several future stars of the Club on show here. It was great entertainment.

Meanwhile, Nicos Charalambous and John Ormrod's 1st XV were cementing first place in Surrey 1 with a 51-5 victory at Old Paulines. We are Top of the League in week 2 - congratulations to all!

By Roger Seymour

Thank you, Ed, for once again organizing such an enjoyable event.

50s Reunion Lunch – 28th October 2015

David King not only sent out all the invitations but he and his wife Jenny, with the assistance of Rob and Liz Austen, prepared the buffet lunch and provided the drinks for the event, then they set up the tables and decorated them, so that when everyone else arrived it all looked marvellous.

What a magnificent feast was the unanimous reaction. As so often happens several of us found ourselves greeting former friends who we had not seen for about twenty years. The fellowship of this decade is notable. Then at the end of the lunch a number of us helped with washing up and clearing away the tables, which was a great help to our now rather tired organizers. Our thanks go to all four of them, we are now looking forward to the next reunion.

A happy postscript

The final clearer–uppers were: Duncan Brice(1958),Paul Hepworth (1957), Jenny West née Hawkins, David King(1957), Jean Bauman (1956), Liz Austen née Norwood(1959), Rob Austen(1959) and the photo was taken by Jenny King.

NEWS OF OLD FREEMEN

Clare Roberts (née Austen 1983) celebrated her ....well, a significant birthday, with her husband Richard, son Jack (2014) and daughter Sophie (current pupil) with a family party in Salcombe, Devon.

Also present were her brother Simon (1985) and his wife Fiona; Sister Kate (1987), her husband Stephen and children Amelia and Christian; and her parents Rob (1959) and Liz (nee Norwood 1959).

Clare is a senior consultant with PA management consultants and travels frequently to Europe, the Americas and Australia.

After a year off working and travelling, son Jack has just started at Bath University reading natural sciences. His sister Sophie is in the 6thform at Freemen’s

Simon Austen(1985) is the rector of a large and thriving parish in Exeter. One son is in his last year at Peterhouse, Cambridge, the other is still at school and their daughter hopes to start at University next year reading languages.

KateStyles (née Austen) is a recruitment consultant with Ascension Associates and works ferociously hard in a very competitive environment.

Kate, Amelia and Christian

Liz and Rob Austen, both now ‘retired’ keep busy with various activities; among other things Rob is Development Officer on the OFA committee.

Our thanks go to Rob and Liz. Austen, for this update .

James Williams (1998) and his friends seem to be enjoying themselves.

Whilst Tammy Sparrow nĂŠe Dougan (1973) shared this photo by David Mutten which seems very appropriate for a magazine coming out in November

Has the dog given up looking for the ball and left it to Steve to find?

Steve Jenkins (1978) and his dog Lacey

Have you done anything clever, unusual or would just like to get yourself mentioned for all your contemporaries to read about? Then contact our Editor, Pat Jenkins on the email patofa52@talk21.com. She would love to hear from you.

Births, Marriages and Deaths Births Gosh has no one had any babies since June?

Marriages Our very best wishes to the happy couples: Tim Beeson/ Vicky Law

Tim Beeson and Vicky Law got married on 19th July in the Algarve, Portugal. The ceremony was held at the Lady of the Rock with the reception in Praia da Luz. There were many other guests from Freemen's including the best men, Richard Turk and Christopher Linsell and the bridesmaids, Nicki Hobbs (Williams), Sarah Walls (Cowley), Alexis Jones, Karina Pyne, and sisters Becky and Hannah.

Having met after leaving school on the Old Freemen's Rugby tour, the top table was named after the Haven Pub in Mudeford. There was also a table named after the bar in the Old Freemens club house, The Wild Bar. Jon Hobb’s Wedding Jonathan Hobbs (2001) married Alish Rodgers on 19th September 2015 in Collioure, France. Friends and family from England, Ireland, Australia and USA celebrated with them in the glorious late summer sunshine. Other Freemen including Vicky Law, Jenny Fribbens, Jon Bird, Alex Morley (all 2001) and Rob Reynolds, George Webb and John Hess (2002) were in attendance. Jonathan ("Spike") and Alish now live in Melbourne and will be returning to Australia after a Rugby World Cup Honeymoon!

Deaths Our Condolences go to Richard and James Turk on the death of their father, who died on August 9th 2015. He had the distinction of being a Swan Marker and Queen’s Waterman in addition to running the family Launch business, to which Richard has succeeded.

Sadly, another death has been reported. It is that of Mrs Pat Gibbs, the widow of Rowland. She sadly passed away after a long period of illness during the evening of Sunday, November 1st.2015On behalf of all at Old Freemen's, we send our condolences to the whole Gibbs' family for the loss of a wonderful lady who, to many of us, was the "Club Mother". None of us will forget her many years of kindness and interest in the Club and our members. Easter Tours were especially dear to Pat her generous sponsorship of the Sunday crab-fishing and her impeccable judging of the Fancy Dress Parade are bringing a smile as I write. I have so many happy memories of a fantastic lady.

Pat was a Humanist, and details of any funeral arrangements are not yet available.

Many of you are in direct contact with Simon and for those who wish to contact Mike, his details are:Landline: 01342 834535. Mobile 07783 317313.

Sadly, Neil Jackson passed away at the end of October and his son Philip wrote: “My father really enjoyed his time at Freeman's, then as an Old Boy, and was an active member of the Club House team that built the original bar etc. I remember

many happy hours spent at the Club House as a child, playing, watching the rugby and sitting in the bar talking to Nobby Clark (builder of the club house) and all my fathers ex school mates.”

New at the Clubhouse

.

This fantastic screen was installed for the start of the Internationals.

Roger Seymour wrote: For those who watched the World Cup matches shown live at the Memorial Clubhouse, thank you all for helping to contribute to a wonderful atmosphere. A very big thank you to Paul and Robert on the bar for their stamina, keeping us watered, and to those who laid on any grub to feed the masses.

The new super-TV with the ceiling speakers was very much appreciated by all – a huge thanks to Rugby Chairman Bob Davies and Ronnie Gummer for their efforts to provide us with such a wonderful new toy!

Lost and Found Lost Frances Reynolds (2004) – her mail has been returned marked no longer lives at this address – so can anyone put us in touch again?

The Archive Room Several displays have been set up since June and currently there is naturally one of World War1,,whilst another area portrays Victorian times to accompany the founding of the School in Brixton in1854. Following on from this is the School in Ashtead from 1926.Then the final area is devoted to Livery Companies and apprenticeships which is a topic being studied for Enrichment.

If you are turning out a storage space and come across an item in any way connected to the School or of historical input, do please give us the first choice of giving it a good home.

The School Needs our help Every year the Upper Five pupils are encouraged to undertake at least one work experience placement of a week. This usually takes place during the first two weeks of July but can be at another time if more convenient. Pupils are required to find their own placement through family, friends and other contacts. The school careers department provides a list of some firms which offer work experience to 15-16 year olds but we would like to use OFA contacts to expand our database. If you would be willing for a current or future Freemen’s pupil to contact you or your firm about a possible work experience placement, please could you contact me at school? lvickers@clfs.surrey.sch.uk Please say you can arrange for a pupil to visit your workplace for a week, to learn a little more about what would be expected of him/her should they decide to follow that career.

Reports of the affiliated clubs The Old Freemens Cricket Club The Old Freemen’s Cricket Club have again fielded three teams on most weekends and also run a successful 20/20 mid- week team. On the face of this it this would appear to have been a very good season for our Club.

However it has actually been a far more challenging task to fulfil our fixtures this season than last because of the greatly fluctuating availability of our players. Our Club urgently needs new players of all ages and abilities to join us. This Club has the very good fortune to have two lovely home grounds of Headley Cricket Club and the School’s 1st XI square.

The Saturday 1st XI played in the Surrey Downs League Division 1 and had a difficult season due to player availability that seriously affected the strength of the 1st XI week to week. The team was ably led by Jeff Haywood again who did everything he could to encourage players to play but sadly his efforts were frustrated, which resulted in just two games being won in a very competitive league. Despite the lack of victories there were a number of excellent performances from Andrew Brooks, Ollie Graham, Oscar Coyle, Angus Noble and Declan Botha. These are all young players which bodes well for an improved season next year when we hope to bounce back into Division 1 at the first attempt.

The Saturday 2nd XI, which plays in the Surrey Downs League Division 4, was badly affected by the inconsistent availability of the 1st XI, taking important 2nd XI players from their already depleted squad to ensure that the 1st XI had a full team to fulfil their fixtures. Obviously this has seriously affected the strength of the 2nd XI and on a few occasions has meant that the 2nd XI has not been able to fulfil its own fixture commitments. The 2nd XI remains in Division 4 for next season and, with new players like Lewis French, Alex Stevenson, Barney Cowie and Harry Bradshaw joining regulars Richard Easton, Ben Whiting and Jim Brooks, we are keen to build a successful side for the 2016 season. The Saturday teams are embarking on a major recruiting drive over the winter to boost our squads.

The Sunday XI, by comparison has had a much better season, winning 7 of their 14 fixtures and having a thrilling tie with Norwood CC mid -season.

Once again Mike Rippin has had a great season, scoring two centuries and two further scores over 50. John Dennis has also had an excellent season with both bat and ball.

However special mention should be made of the Captain, Tom Glover, who has worked tirelessly to get the team out on the pitch every week but has also personally had a good season with the bat.

Despite the short comings in terms of results, all the O.F.C.C. teams have enjoyed their cricket and all teams have had an excellent team spirit. We need to look positively towards the 2016 season and back the Captains by making ourselves available as much as possible to raise our standards, and most importantly, enjoy playing at our excellent grounds.

Clearly the secret to our success in the future will be the recruitment of new players to our Club, so whether you are currently playing for the School, a father of a current or former pupil of the school, currently playing for another Club and fancy joining us or you just stopped playing a while ago and would like to play again, please contact David Richardson 07973 753 480 or David Hammond 07773 525 405.

David Richardson Chairman Old Freemen’s Cricket.Club.

The Old Freemens Hockey Club Old Freemen's Hockey Club Report - November 2015 It's been a tumultuous start to this season at the hockey club.

Having been promoted and now playing in division 4 of the Surrey Ladies League, we have been pleasantly surprised that the standard of our opponents are not at all

dissimilar to our own. Well that is when we have had a full team on the pitch, which hasn't been very often

Injuries have been rife - losing some key players before the first league match had even begun and then losing our all-star goalie after the second game to a shoulder injury. Despite these set-backs the team has continued, as usual, with great enthusiasm and attitude. The games so far, despite being a player down, or even two during one of our matches (when we lost 10-1 to Surbiton, ouch!) has been enjoyable and fun to play in.

Despite the challenges of adapting to only having 10 on the pitch, the ladies have been producing some remarkable hockey. Exceptional levels of skill and beautiful curated play, especially during our 7-5 win to Oxted, continues to make this squad thoroughly enjoyable to be a part of, and to watch.

We've welcomed back some fabulous new players this season, including Old Freemen Lydia Armitage, Nell King and Lucy Hobbs. Training sessions have been well attended over at Mitcham on Tuesday nights, run by our fabulous playercoach-personal trainer Caragh Evans. Captaincy and vice-captaincy continue for a further year by Katy Lutley (whose lazy glutes are being woken up this season) and Louisa Blair (who went to Kenya recently and bought back on her return our old team mate Natasha Clementis, who we've banned from ever leaving the country again).

The club also has the pleasure of announcing the appointment of our new Club President, the one and only Mr James Burns. James (aka Irish) has been an excellent supporter and umpire for the club over the past few years, bringing to the

club a renewed energy in developing and further progressing the squad and our role within the Freemens community.

Looking to the rest of the season, we hope there are no more injuries or last minute drop-outs for matches and that we can retain our position within this division for another season. We also hope to continue to work closely with the CLFS sports department to provide additional hockey opportunities to the 1st and 2nd XI squads, as well as developing a stronger mentoring, careers support role for girls at the school (you will catch many of us at the careers fair this month with our army, police, doctors, financial traders and architects hats on).

Thanks also to our home match kit sponsors Lyceum Capital and away kit sponsors HDEW cameras for both of their ongoing support to the club and the team.

Want to find out more? Our new updated website is www.ofhc.co.uk, follow us on Twitter on @OFHC, or Instagram @OLDFREESHC. Nikki Linsell

The Old Freemen’s Rugby Football Club Our 85th season started with our first home game on the 12th September hosting a trial game against Effingham and Leatherhead followed by a ‘Gummer’ BBQ! We lost, but the signs looked good against a larger and more senior club.

With club stalwart, James Tremaine, as Director of Rugby, and the School Sports Master, Jon Moore, as our Coach last year’s successful team is completed again by Nicos Charalambous and John Ormrod as the 1st team leadership. I am delighted to report that they have started the league season with four wins and a draw, seeing us as joint leaders of Surrey division 1.

The 2nd XV is under new leadership, with Malcolm Beech and Richard Turk stepping down and Jake Wilkinson and Laurie Gummer taking on the fighting 2nds. They have won and lost this season in equal measure, but remain an important part of the Club playing enjoyable rugby.

The running of the off-field side of the Club has seen some changes, with various committee people stepping down after a very welcome contribution. The most obvious of committee positions we need to fill are membership secretary, vacated

by James ‘Irish’ Burns, and the after match teas, vacated by Irene Gummer and her happy helpers (The Smiths!). However with the support of the ladies’ Hockey team we will cover the match teas with a combination of volunteers from both Clubs.

Not all the Saturdays are full – so any offers gratefully received for a few Saturdays please. Please contact me if you are able to offer a couple of hours on a Saturday to brew up a chilli or sausage and mash.

As stated, it is our 85th Anniversary this year, so we are marking this with a number

of events – we have already had the now traditional ‘Veterans’ lunch on the 26th September organised by Ed Law, and have a ‘Badger’s Lunch’ on the 7th November with 65 people already set for what maybe a very long lunch and the 1st XV league game against Old Whitgiftian’s. We hope to host other events including, the Bill and Theo ‘birthday at the races’ lunch in mid-January; another Badger’s Lunch on the 20th February; then the Ladies lunch is set for the 12th March, and we have plans to run an unders / overs match over Christmas. Later in the season we’ll be looking at a match against the Surrey President’s XV…date to be confirmed.

You’ll notice a change in the Clubhouse this season – we have invested in a new TV projector, Sky HD box, 2m square screen and surround soundIt has provided us with excellent viewing facilities for the World Cup, so we can also look forward to the 6 Nations in the New Year.

The Club would also like to thank all our sponsors – without whom we’d not be able to invest in coaching, new 1st XV kit, match balls, the physio team and much else.

Finally – a reminder of why we play rugby and what makes the Old Freemen’s what it is: It’s about providing enjoyable and competitive rugby It’s about being with friends, old and new It’s about being considerate hosts for visitors It’s about having fun I look forward to seeing you all at the Club at some point in the season.

Bob Davies - bobclaredavies@btinternet.com

DIARY DATES 2015 Thursday 12th November

Careers Convention

at School

6.30 p.m.

Saturday 5th December

F.S.A. Fair

at School

11 a.m.

Tuesday 15th December

Carols by Candlelight

St Giles Church

6 p.m.

December date t.b.a.

Overs v Unders Rugby

Saturday 6th February

2106 Start of 6 Nations Cup

Thursday10th March

School War Graves Trip

Saturday 19th March

Beer Festival

Clubhouse

Saturday 25th June

Freemen's Association Day

Clubhouse

Saturday 11th June

Ashtead Village Day

OFA/ FSA/ School event

Saturday 18th June

Reunion Scouts &Guides Clubhouse

Saturday 10th September

Party in the Park

Clubhouse 6.30 a.m.

OFA/ FSA/ School event