West Park St Helens - Golden Jubilee

Golden Jubilee

In 1997, celebrations of West Park's 50th Anniversary started early with a Grand Ball held in May. Over 400 revellers attended this Golden Jubilee, at which many long-standing friendships were renewed, and many a famous game replayed. In July, we learned that we had been granted a Leyland 17-seater mini-bus - for the use of both junior and senior club players - by the Foundation of Sport and the Arts. This organisation is run in conjunction with the Pools firms, who place money into the foundation for the good of sport and art throughout the country. This was due to John Fletcher and Liam Fortune writing to this organisation regarding our problems of transporting young players on Sunday mornings when no local authority transport was available.

In the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons the teams made a valiant effort to achieve promotion by twice finishing runners-up in the North West 1 Division. We were hopeful of a successful and enjoyable new season with Steve Peters as the new coach, Martin Strett as club captain, and Rob Briers (who was also the Lancashire RFU vice-president) as Director of Rugby. Then in 1999/2000 West Park finally achieved its ambitions and we were duly promoted as Champions to North Division 2.

Updating the history shows many people who have not been mentioned through the years. Eric Briers - who has been an active member of the back room staff as team secretary, fixture secretary, lower teams' captain, press liaison officer, kit-master and general 'good egg' on Saturday mornings - has devoted over 40 years of service to West Park RFC. Dave Griffiths - (who would want his job as Team Secretary and Match Secretary?) has been doing these jobs for over 30 years. Frank Cheetham - who travels from Standish every Saturday to mark our pitches and even brings his own pies for his dinner. Tony Rigby - formerly Club President - returns from two years' non-backroom activities and non-linesman duties to resume normal service. The club thanks Tony for his dedication over the years. The other members on the scene: Dave Appleton has now taken over the Fixture Secretary's role from Eric Briers, and is in charge of the oranges, scoreboard and other mundane duties on Saturday afternoons. Tommy McLoughlin is still active, helping out on Saturdays and Sundays. Phil Jones and Barrie Wilson have also contributed to the club over many years. 'Mr. Junior Section', George Baldry, has given his time and expertise to the Mini/Junior Section since its inception in 1983, and it is a credit to him that the club is so vibrant in its youth policy. This was recognised by all member clubs of the Lancashire RFU who voted West Park as winners of the inaugural 'Best Junior Section'.