It has been a long-standing tradition in the South Sydney Junior Rugby League area that some traditional Rugby League Clubs continue to hold their Annual Reunions and so stay in contact with their ex administrators, coaches, players and supporters . Many of these Clubs days of competing in the game have long gone but the Annual Reunions are very popular and continue to be held. Over the years this has been the case with the old Chelsea United JRLF Club and in recent years through the Chelsea Old Mates Group .

 

Our 2019 Annual Reunion held on the 13 October 2019 at the Erskineville Alexandria Bowling Club was well attended by over 110 persons from Chelsea Old Mates and many other Clubs in the South Sydney area plus the surrounding rugby league Districts. From the patrons comments received everyone enjoyed themselves and many commented it was the “best one for awhile” .

Fred Hailwood.

 

As usual proceedings were commenced by Fred Hailwood giving a warm welcome and paying respects to some 14 dearly beloved South Sydney identities who had passed away since October 2018 . This was followed by a wrap up of 2019 in brief by Warren Thompson , leading into the announcement of the seven recipients of the Chelsea United RLF Club Awards for services to the Club .

 

We thank Bob McCarthy MBE and Blake Solly , CEO South Sydney District RLF Club (son of our past great player/Clubman , Chris Solly) for once again presenting these Awards, this year to :

– Frank Votano

– Paul Votano

– Sam Votano

– Graham Sly

– Digger Livingstone

– Dave Seeto (not present)

– Garry Hobson (not present) .

The Votano Boys.

Digger Livingstone and Bob McCarthy.

Flash Thompson, Graham Sly and  Bob McCarthy.

 

 

Everyone settled down after the formalities were complete to enjoy the hospitality of the Bowling Club and the excellent menu at Billy’s Kitchen.

 

The Chelsea Old Mates Committee (Warren Thompson, Colin Downing, Terry Murray and Ken Vessey) are most grateful for the continual support and attendance of our Chelsea Old Mates Members . This year was especially pleasing to see the attendance of a number of Members with their wives and/or Family members , these included Wayne Stevens, Gary Stevens, Bob McCarthy, Ray Branigan , Jim Harvey , Ken Potter, Jim Wilkins, Bob Magnus and we extended a warm welcome to first time attendees Michael Cleary and wife Maria.

Ray Branigan, Rick Fetherston, Gary Stevens and Steve Dillon.

Scoop Vessey and Chris Devine.

 

Our thanks go to the Executive and Staff of the Bowling Club for their friendly service and the welcome extended to us and our Guests.

Well that’s it for another year but in the meantime please continue to support the Chelsea Old Mates by attending their future functions , especially the Christmas Drinks on the 5 December 2019 from 1200 at the Bowling Club – you never know our astute Treasurer Terry Murray might “shout” a round or two or three ???

 

by Ken “Scoop” Vessey

on behalf of Chelsea Old Mates Committee

21 November 2019

To attend the Famous Chelsea Old Mates….

CHRISTMAS DRINKS.

When…5th December.

Where …. Royal Erko Bowling Club.

Time…. Noon.

As the late and great Mike Raymond would say…..

“Be There”

PS…. Remember……if you attend you to could be badly photographed by Scoop Vessey Cub reporter.

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