Jack calls it a day after almost 36 years

PRESIDENT of the Gainsborough Sporting Club since its inception on 1st March, 1976, Jack Tighe is finally stepping down from the position.

During his tenure of almost 36 years Jack has been both a supportive and active member of the club but, due to age and failing health, he has decided to hand over the reins to a new president Ralph Bates.

The new man at the helm was introduced to club members at last Friday’s function at the Weston Rooms.

Ralph said he was proud and honoured to accept the position and stated that there are now three generations of the Bates family attending and he hoped that more family members could do the same.

The committee and club members thanked Mr Tighe for all of his hard work in the past and wished him a long and healthy future.

The main speaker for the January event was John H. Stracey, the former World Welterweight Boxing Champion.

He described his career from the age of 11 when he started boxing at the Repton ABC until he finally become World Champion in 1976 beating Jose Napoles in six rounds in his home town of Mexico City. He was only the second boxer to win a title outside Britain.

The entertainment was provided by John Stiles, son of Nobby Stiles.

John played for Gainsborough Trinity on the Northolme for two years in the 1990s.

This month’s gallon of whisky was presented by Paul Taylor of Kexby Fieldsports Ltd.

The winner was Dave Barrett of Bridge House Bed and Breakfast.

The next event is on Thursday 15th March when the guest speaker is Duncan McKenzie, the ex-Nottingham Forest and Leeds footballer.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Phil Cooper on 01427 613584 or e-mail [email protected]