Old boys get together to share memories of Bognor Boys Club

About 70 former members of Bognor Boys Club enjoyed a great night as they met up.

It was the first reunion for some, meaning it had been at least 50 years since they had seen their fellow former members of the club in Westloats Lane.

One of those present was Frank Enticknapp. “This understandably resulted in the difficulty of recognition.

“Once this was resolved, it was followed by a level of banter that was to be expected on such a occasion.

“This was infectious and was the theme throughout the evening.”

A wide range of photographs from 1943 to 1958 added a visual element to the evening.

It was organised by Rob Willard and held at the football club’s Seasons venue in Nyewood Lane.

Members’ personal albums were also taken along. Some real gems were among the black and white snaps.

These included the boys club float in a Forties carnival and an early 1940s athletics meeting in Yapton. They featured Don Hazzard, the club’s captain in 1946, and Brian Morris, its captain in 1950.

“Both were at the reunion and were able to tell many stories and give an insight into many aspects of the early years of the club,” said Mr Enticknapp.

Also among those present was 1939 football captain Ernie Randall who went on to play for Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

One sad aspect of the night was the minute’s silence in memory of Richard Harnett who had died two days earlier.

He joined the club in 1954 and was a member in 1959 when it became the community youth club.

He attended every reunion and left many fond memories.

Members expressed their sadness at his passing.