窪蹋勛圖厙

Exeter University Football Club Reunion: 78 March 2020

A group of EUAFC alumni had an enjoyable weekend reminiscing and celebrating their time playing football for the university. With an age range of 22 to 70 plus, many decades of surprisingly similar memories were shared of tussles with local teams, facilities that still exist such as Duckes Meadow, facilities that no longer exist such as Gras Lawn, and memorable UAU/BUCS matches and trips. 

Two topics were central to almost all alumni memories Ted Wragg and the Black Horse. Many Ted stories were told a favourite being when he skived a meeting with the current Education Secretary Sir Keith Joseph to watch a Devon and Exeter league match. Many Black Horse stories were also told some possibly shouldnt have been(!) and it was reassuring for all to realise that the Black Horse experience  transcended the generations.

A hard core group re-familiarised themselves with the Black Horse on Friday night, followed by a fascinating tour of St Lukes campus on Saturday morning by Craig Williams, professor in sport, football alumnus and Ted Wraggs son-in-law.

Then it was on to Topsham and drinks at the Lighter Inn. Unfortunately the EUAFC 1st XI game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, so after a visit to the Topsham ground it was off to Exmouth FC to revisit a ground virtually all of us had played at several times. Many stories were exchanged during an entertaining match with lots of goals 6-1 to Exmouth.

It was then on to the Black Horse spiritual home of EUAFC  for the England vs. Wales Rugby match and the England win 33-30 which was enjoyed by virtually all.

A great meal at La Cote Brasserie followed with great stories shared, four current team members present and money raised for EUAFC. The alumni clearly retained and displayed their EUAFC stamina for on and off the field activity - and final drinks at Las Iguanas continued for some time further. 

All agreed that the weekend had been a great success and were already looking forward to bigger and better things next year!

John Palmer, 1979-83

Quotes

Thanks for the excellent day! Jerry Barker

Brilliant time. Great to see some old friends and make some new ones with shared interests and memories. Lets do it again before too long. Phil Greenfield, 1977-80

Outstanding weekend. Great to see everyone and meet new friends. Roger Cantello, 1981-84

Great weekend lovely to meet old/new friends. Brian Stopp, 1972-75

It was a privilege to meet players past and present. Every conversation punctuated with a smile or an outbreak of raucous laughter and a knowing wink. Stuart Clark, 1980-84

Very nice to meet you all last night. It was great to talk to people with a shared passion for EUAFC the four of us said how much we enjoyed the evening. See you again at the next reunion! Joe Henley, Club Captain 2020

Thanks for the memories. Pete Amos

Thanks for a great day and John great organisation. I am sure it will go from strength to strength. Looking forward to the next event. Craig Williams, 1983-87

Thanks for all your efforts in getting everyone together this weekend. We had a great time. Andy Evans