Articles

How a phone call changes a Chelsea Players life for the better……….

Always one for getting results Ken Vessey decided to work through the telephone directory endeavouring to find former Chelsea players to invite to the reunion/fundraiser. He struck gold.

Looking for Ray Burns and following a tip off that Ray resided in Arncliffe; the conversation was similar to the following:

“Hullo! Are you Ray Burns the former Chelsea United footballer?
The answer came back. “No mate, I am Bob Burns.”
“Oh, sorry to bother you. I am looking for Ray to invite him to a reunion.”
“Then invite me I played for Chelsea mate.”
Only since those days I have shortened my name to Burns.”
“What was it before”, inquired Ken?
“It was Fishburn – Bob Fishburn”

Ken and Bob had gone to school together and played in the same team for Chelsea United.
That phone call unearthed Robert Burns from Arncliffe. A further call found Ray Burns from Arncliffe another Chelsea icon and dual A grade premiership winning centre.

Bob Fishburn (Burns) was the youngest resident in a nursing home in Arncliffe, having lost his leg and hip in a building site accident. Ken’s phone call meant a huge change in Bob’s lifestyle with former teammates looking after him for the rest of his days.

Regular visits, days out especially to Erskineville Bowling Club for the Chelsea Old Mates social days. Almost blind Bob had two eye operations that restored his sight.

Other than school Bob was a one club man playing for Chelsea and starring as a quality lock forward. He represented NSW schoolboys in both rugby league and cricket.

We lost out mate in June 2013 where we were summoned by the medical team to inform us there was nothing more they could do for Bob. His health issues had taken their toll.

If it wasn’t for that phone call Bob would not have had the great change in his lifestyle and the company of his mates for that previous six years.

Warren Thompson

Tags: