2022
Archive - News 2022
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Christmas Message
24th December 22
As we fast approach the festive season I wanted to reflect on our season and thank a number of people who are all volunteers and who work tirelessly to get our games on each week. Whilst results haven't gone our way Martyn Sharkey , Karl Whelan and Ryan Evans have worked miracles to get teams together to meet our playing commitments, thank you gentlemen.
The team of ground and facilities volunteers have continued to ensure the best of grounds and environment for playing, thank you all gentlemen.
The junior section is very ably supported by volunteers who ensure that our youngsters enjoy their first rugby steps in a safe and fun environment whilst they themselves are developing new skills, thank you ladies and gentlemen.
All of the volunteers on the various committees who work to enable your club to survive and thrive, thank you one and all. And finally the players and members who make up our great club I hope you and your families have a very happy Christmas and let's make it a safe and successful New year for 2023.
Best Wishes,
Steve Barnett
Chairman of Rugby
Women's Christmas Festival Success
19th December 22
Our Women's softball team enjoyed success on Friday 16th December, winning the Cheshire Christmas Cricket Festival at Birkenhead Park Cricket Club. A massive congratulations to everyone involved!
Boxing Day Game
5th December 22
I am delighted to announce that the Annual Brothers v Veterans game, for the Beckett Hillan Shield, will be played for the first time since 2019. The game was first played in 1980 after an idea/discussion by Robbie Knight, Donny Hawker, Richie Beckett and Pete Evans . It was played, whatever the conditions, every year from 1980 to 2019 and has always been a wonderful club day and occasion creating some awesome memories. Then COVID came along; so it is great that we can resume this fantastic tradition
All club players over the age of 17 are welcome to play as are individual guest players from other clubs. The meet time is 12.30pm on Boxing Day, Monday 26th December. If you wish to play, make sure you register with me on arrival. Teams are announced at 1pm with KO at 1.30pm. As ever all spectators are most welcome!! Looking forward to a great day. Until then may I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas indeed. See you all on the 26th!
Richie Beckett
President
Old Parkonians Association Ltd
Geoff Davies
16th September 22
It is with sincere regret that I have to report the death of Geoff Davies who passed away peacefully in hospital this morning 16th September 2022. Our thoughts are with his daughter Anne Mariee, son Mike and granddaughters Jessy, Hattie and Juliette at this sad time.
Geoff was a true stalwart of the Club having served as an Officer of the Club on various committees, President of the Association and Captain of the Cricket Club in 1963 and again in 1972. Geoff also played rugby at the club and will be especially remembered for his refereeing of the junior sides at the club later becoming a referee with the Liverpool and District Referee’s Society. Geoff also continued to offer support and advice on all matters appertaining to the Club right up to the recent past.
He was instrumental in establishing the Club as we see it today having been involved in the laying out of the present Club house and grounds in particular the planting up of the many spectacular trees that form our boundaries which will be forever his legacy.
Geoff is now reunited with his beloved wife Margaret. Rest in peace dear friend.
UPDATED
- Geoff's funeral mass will take place on Monday 10th October at 2pm at St. Winefride's RC Church, 5 Burton Road, Neston, CH64 9RF.
The burial will follow in the church graveyard where Geoff will be laid to rest with his late wife Margaret.
There will then follow a "party" (Geoff's words) at Old Parkonians, Holm Lane, Oxton, CH43 2HU where all who knew Geoff are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.
Ken Cooke
OPAL Chairman
HRM Queen Elizabeth II
14th September 22
Dear members, as a sign of respect to Her Majesty The Queen, the club will not be opening this coming Bank Holiday Monday.
Ken Cooke
OPAL Chairman
International Tickets
26th August 22
Tickets are available to members for the following games:
Saturday 4 February 2023 – England v Scotland – KO 16:45
Sunday 12 February 2023 – England v Italy – KO 15:00
Saturday 11 March 2023 – England v France – KO 16:45
Paul Mullen must be notified by email (mullen55@btinternet.com) of the game, number of tickets and price requested. Additionally mobile numbers also need to be given. Applications are to be made no later than 30th August. Ticket prices are below.
Please do not send monies
with applications. Paul will secure the tickets from the RFU GMS and an automatically generated email will then be sent to the applying member asking them to visit the GMS website to pay for their allocated tickets. Prior to receiving their tickets, the member will need to have downloaded the Twickenham Stadium app to their mobile phone. The member's eTickets will then be sent to the app a few days before the game.
The club are allocated a specific number of tickets for each game. As such, if any game is oversubscribed by members then the Rugby Club Committee will decide
who is successful or not.
OPAL AGM
18th August 22
Notice is hereby given that the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Old Parkonians Association Ltd. will be held at the Clubhouse at the HM Curphey Memorial Ground, Holm Lane, Oxton, Wirral CH43 2HU, at 7:00pm Monday 12th September 2022.
Click here
for the associated AGM notification and agenda.
Nick Byrne
OPAL Secretary
Rugby pre-season friendly
15th August 22
Clear you diaries! We welcome Liverpool Tritons to Holm Lane this Friday 19th August in our final preseason friendly. Make sure you’re there to support the lads. Bar open until 11pm.
J.D. Smith Memorial Bench
8th August 22
Saturday the 6th of August saw the family of JD Smith unavailing the memorial bench in memory of J.D. A lovely moment where all the family and friends were able to remember a true gentleman and legend of Old Parkonians Rugby Club.
Richie 'Taff' Gibbon Memorial Game
28th July 22
This weekend we host Ormskirk in 'Taff Memorial Cup' where will celebrate the life of Richie 'Taff' Gibbon
by playing the sport he loved most and committed so much of his life to.
The teams will meet at 1pm to have a drink before the game (3pm KO) and port will be provided for the players at half time. Following the game both teams will celebrate and remember 'Taff'.
Everyone is welcome to attend an enjoy a memorable day at the club.
Clubmark Accreditation
18th July 22
The Cricket Section is pleased to announce that following a long process, we are once again an ECB Clubmark accredited club.
The ECB defines a Clubmark accredited club as 'cricket clubs which shows that a club is sustainable, well run and provides the right environment for its members. Clubmark accreditation also means your club is recognised as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages, as well as assuring parents and carers that they are choosing the right option for their young people'.
The club is extremely grateful to Adam Westwater and Mark Colebourn
who have worked tirelessly to ensure our application was successful.
Women's Touch Rugby Tournament
30th June 22
Oxton Parkonians are thrilled to announce that we are hosting Stage 7 of the Wirral Womens Touch Rugby League on Wednesday 6th July. Games will start at 7.45pm and finish at approximately 9pm.
We have a new women's team for this season so any support would be greatly welcomed. There is also live T20 cricket on and the bar is open from 7pm.
Emma Weswater
Senior Rugby Update
27th June 22
Oxton Parkonians Pre Season Training Camp
Parkonians 1st XV Coach Ryan Evans commented:
Since our first pre-season training session on 1st June, we have seen an influx of new players and numbers around 25 attending each week. The sessions have beenrunning for just over an hour, but we are aiming for our sessions to be between 7-8pm every Wednesday.
For those who wish to attend pre-season, it will consist of a number of drills such as; fitness, handling skillls and agility work which will then lead to more constructive and more physical sessions and most importantly, team run throughs.
We currently have three pre-season friendlies arranged (dates below) whilst also taking part in Prenton Rugby Clubs 10s tournament on the 16th of July.
In addition to Wednesdays, I will also be introducing Saturday sessions in the coming weeks (times not yet confirmed), which will solely focus on team run throughs, line and backs moves along with scrummaging sessions.
For further information please contact me on r.evans1991@outlook.com
or message our Instagram or Facebook pages respectively .
Pre-season friendlies All to be played at H.M. Curphey Memorial Ground
Ormskirk - Taff Memorial Game
Saturday 30th Of July - 3pm KO
Wythenshawe
Saturday 6th of August - 3pm KO
Liverpool Tritons
Friday 19th of August - 6pm KO (30 Mins Each Way)
Ryan Evans
1st XV Coach
Walking Rugby Update
30th May 22
Walking Rugby continues to grow. Fifteen this week including a couple of proper veterans! – Anita and Roger had to go before photo due to childcare!
Everyone is enjoying it so why no come and give it a go. We meet at club on Wednesdays at 7.00 pm, bar is open for a quick pick me up afterwards.
Just turn up or if you want more information message Steve Williams on 07896 589725.
Alan Muir memorial game
18th May 22
On Wednesday 25th May at 6pm, our Midweek XI will host Chester Taverners (the club of Alan's son in law, Steve) at Holm Lane. In what is set to be an annual event, the teams will compete for the 'Alan Muir Memorial Challenge Cup'.
Alan was a much loved, valued and respected member of both the cricket and rugby sections and it would be fabulous to see as many members as possible come down to not only enjoy a good game but to also remember Alan. The bar will be open by 7pm.
Chris Beckett
Kevin Dobbing
3rd May 22
The club sadly has to inform members and past players of Kevin’s sudden passing on 10 April 2022. Kevin attended Park High School and on leaving school in 1976 immediately joined our rugby club playing until the end of the 1983/84 season when he left the area.
Kevin’s playing position was full back and he was a tremendously gifted player and was an automatic 1st team selection. He will be remembered for his barnstorming runs from full back after the opposition so often foolishly kicked the ball in his direction. He was a decent cricketer too playing for our club in the early 80’s.
Kevin was a lovely guy and very good company; he will be very sadly missed. Our condolences go to his family and especially to younger brother, Andy, who also played rugby for the club
Richie Beckett
President, OPAL
Walking Rugby
28th April 22
Walking Rugby came to the Old Parkonians for the first time on Wednesday 27th April.
We started with four a side (Steve Kearney had to go before the photo shoot ) and those who attended enjoyed the experience. More participants are expected next week. If any ladies or gents fancy having a go, we are running it at the club Wednesdays, 7.00 pm start.
Message Steve Williams on 07896 589725 if you are interested.
International Tickets
21st April 22
Tickets are available to members for the following games:
Sunday 6th November 2022 - England v Argentina - KO 14:15
Saturday 12th November 2022 - England v Japan - KO 15:15
Saturday 19th November 2022 - England v New Zealand - KO 17:30
Saturday 26th November 2022 - England v South Africa - KO 17:30
Paul Mullen must be notified by email (mullen55@btinternet.com) of the game, number of tickets and price requested. Additionally mobile numbers also need to be given. Applications are to be made no later than 4th May. Ticket prices are available here.
Please do not send monies
with applications. Paul will secure the tickets from the RFU GMF and an automatically generated email will then be sent to the applying member asking them to visit the GMS website to pay for their allocated tickets. Prior to receiving their tickets, the member will need to have downloaded the Twickenham Stadium app to their mobile phone. The member's eTickets will then be sent to the app a few days before the game.
The club are allocated a specific number of tickets for each game. As such, if any game is oversubscribed by members then the Rugby Club Committee will decide
who is successful or not.
Reminder to members
11th April 22
Members are reminded of the need to produce their own membership cards in order to receive discount at the bar.
The staff are no longer able to swipe any other cards apart from your own.
If you have lost your card or need a replacement card, please speak to me when you are next in the clubhouse.
Replacement cards are at a small cost of £1 and this will need to be paid prior to receiving your new card.
Thank you for your continued support.
Steve Murphy
OPAL Director
HMS Queen Elizabeth Visit
31st March 22
On Saturday 26th March, the club was honoured to host the Captain, Officers, and crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth.
On a beautiful spring day at Holm Lane the crew were delighted to take advantage of the sunny weather and dry pitch to enjoy a social game of rugby followed by a “few” drinks afterwards. The crew proved to be a very sociable group and genuinely enjoyed their time at the club although I am sure a few would be feeling a little delicate on Sunday!!!!
Ken Cooke was pleased to receive a ships pennant from the captain, and we reciprocated by presenting a number of club ties, dicky bows, and club badges.
On Sunday, a group of members were pleased and honoured to accept an invitation to visit the ship. We were treated to a tour of the ship in the company of crew members Bhabha and Junior.
The crew showed themselves to be a credit to HMS Queen Elizabeth and to the armed forces in general. It was an honour and pleasure to meet them and hopefully we can reunite on their next visit to Liverpool.
Ken Cooke
Chairman OPAL
SDL Architecture Sponsors club
31st March 22
The club is pleased welcome our latest sponsorship partner SDL Architecture.
SDL is based in Oxton and have been providing architectural services to the construction industry for over 25 years helping homeowners and business owners improve their properties and built environment through the incorporation of well designed light and space.
Steve Williams
Sponsorship Manager
Race Night for Ukraine
28th March 22
EVENT POSTPONED
I am sorry to say that the Race Night planned for Saturday 2nd April has been postponed due to lack of confirmed interest for this date. We hope to arrange a new date and will confirm this as soon as possible.
I am pleased to say that thanks to sponsors and donations we have raised £300.00 to date. This has been paid to the Disasters Emergency Committee Fund for Ukraine. A big thank you to the members who have donated, Shooting Boots CIC for their contribution and to IPS Marine Fabrications, Amber Thermal Insulation, Barry Fogg Electrical, Converged Communications, Ian Williams Photography and Graeme Williams for agreeing to sponsor races.
Also thanks to Jo Hillan, Amy Whelan, Tom Williams and Frank Keating for their efforts.
Steve Williams
Old Parkonians Golf Society
28th March 22
Dear Member,
I am delighted to attach details
of our society's first get together for some time because of the Coronavirus restrictions.
Hope to see you soon,
Paul Corvers
Birkenhead School / Noctorum Road
21st March 22
Dear Member
I just want to provide you all with an update regarding the proposed sale of an unused playing that Birkenhead School own at Noctorum Road.
Many of you will be aware that 3 years ago we were approached by the Rugby Football Union and Birkenhead School about the potential for investment to allow us to replace the failing drainage to our main rugby pitch and to install floodlights. This investment would be funded from part of the proceeds of sale of the school land at Noctorum Road. Prenton RUFC would also benefit with them having a third pitch laid for community use and floodlights on this pitch.
There has been strong opposition to the proposed sale of land led by the Noctorum Ridge Residents Association.
Representatives of both clubs, together with the school, presented our reasons for supporting the sale of the land to the council Planning Committee on Thursday 17th March 2022 but sadly, despite what we considered to be very strong arguments, the application was not approved.
The school have already lodged an appeal and will now gather more information to support this. Both Old Parkonians and Prenton will support an appeal.
I will update you further once more is known.
Regards,
Ken Cooke
OPAL Chairman
Smith and Sons throw weight behind Oxton Parkonians
20th January 22
Property consultants, Smith and Sons, has agreed to sponsor Oxton Parkonians Rugby Club.
The long-established Wirral based business and rugby club have formalised a relationship with a sponsorship agreement to include a Smith and Sons advertising board stationed permanently at the ground as well as logos on the rugby post protectors.
Ryan Evans, Residential Property Manager at Smith and Sons has played with the club for many years. He explained: “It’s great to see this strong and positive alliance made. As a member of the Smiths team and a member of the Oxton Parkonians rugby club, I have been facilitating the agreement which I knew would be a great fit for both!”
“For the Parkonians, it's fantastic to have the support of a brilliant Wirral business and we’re so pleased that the company have agreed to sponsor us.”
OPAL Chairman, Ken Cooke added: “As a community sports club serving the local area for over 90 years, we are pleased to be associated with an established company such as Smith and Sons, who themselves have been serving the local (business) community for a considerably longer period of time. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship.”
You can find more out about property consultants Smith and Sons on their website www.smithandsons.net
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Business Details
The Old Parkonians Association Limited