Over the years up until recently the club used to have guest speakers at our end of season Club Dinners.
Yes we were trying to raise money for the club and we did not expect something for nothing, but there is always a limit!
With Rugby turning professional the players saw after dinner entertainment as very lucrative, their fees unfortunately were often beyond our means.
A lot of the speakers did it because they were friends of club members.
Peter Lewis a former 3rd XV player who was a celebrity in his own right brought along Gerald Davies and John Taylor.(Peter Lewis was an announcer/host on the commercial London Weekend and TV CHANNEL HTV West).
Gerald Davies, Welsh an International and British Lion , he played on the wing and centre.He played his club rugby for London Welsh and Cardiff.
John Taylor was also a Welsh International and British Lion.He played flanker playing club rugby at London Welsh!
Alex Hay introduced , John Budd and David Rolllitt.
John Budd was a senior member of Clifton RFC.
David Rolllitt played for Bristol. Both these players were England Forwards and International players.
I brought from Newbridge Derek Morgan who was my dentist in my home village. He was a former English International and British Lion, and President of the RFU in 2002 . He played his club rugby for Newbridge RFC at No. 8. (W.D.G.Morgan).
Devizes MP Michael Ancram in 1995. After a club invitation!
The late Dorset and Wilts chairman Arthur Bowden.(played for Salisbury RFC and had several County Caps).and Willy Wildash who were friends of the club were-and County Dorset and Wilts Officials. He. Became President of the RFU
In 2011.
W.J. Bishop President of the RFU in 1995/96.
The late Dave Eggerton, was an England No.8 and played for Bath for a number of years.
Martin Bayfield.a former player of Northampton Saints, English International and British Lion second row , now a TV pundit.Played roles in the Harry Potter films.
There was Findley Calder Scottish International and British and Irish Lion captain 1989 Tour.
Jeff Probyn ,a former player of Wasps, England International, and the British and Irish Lions, Chairman of the Rugby Charity “Wooden Spoon”.Also a media pundit.He played in the front row at tight head.
More recently, Club President David Wright has invited Derek Bevan and Rick O'Shea
Derek Bevan Welsh International Referee.
refereed a total of 11 Rugby World Cup games, beginning with two games at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 and three games at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, including the final between Australia and England.
Rick O Shea , Welsh Rugby Pundit! Often seen on BBC Wales Scrum Five.
Further Information about the guests can be found on the Wilkepedia Web Site.
If any speakers have been missed off the list please contact info@mrfc.co.uk
