Well, here I am writing my blog for the 100th time, a passage lasting nine months, so that's just over two blog entries a week, which seems a reasonable rate at which to write them.
This one needs a special topic then really, so why not another notable anniversary, which will fit very comfortably with what we did yesterday.
Peter Thomas, or Pedro, or Tommy, as he is often referred was yesterday the main attraction at the Twickenham RFC Vice-Presidents luncheon. He was guest of honour because in September 1957 as a 16 year old, he first joined the club. He has been a member ever since.
Pedro did not have a rugby background when he joined, he did not go to any of the local private or grammar schools who played rugby. He was just keen to embrace the ethos, and how lucky Twickenham were that he chose them. He was no star player, but the sort who featured in Michael Greens Art of Course Rugby. He would play anywhere home or away, and for any team. His 1st XV appearances were limited, and he, like me, never featured in a 1st XV picture.
In our day you had to play ten games in a season to qualify for the 1st XV photo, these days it seems that you just need your kit with you when the photographer turns up!!!
Pedro became club steward when his playing days were drawing to a close, and he became chief laundryman and pitch administrator at the same time. He had the ability to remember past players names and always gave a warm welcome to the opposition players and administrators.
Love found Pedro late in life, and his marriage to Chris signalled an end of an era when he stood down as steward. He remains a stalwart of the club and supports the teams regularly on a Saturday. When the tragedy that hit Cirencester Rugby Club during the recent flood occurred, it was inevitable that we thought of the two lost souls. They were undoubtedly the Pedro of their club.
The lunch was extremely lively and a good few glasses of ale were imbibed. Pedro got a unique present to commemorate the event, and we all hope for many years of his company going forward.
It is interesting that Pedro helped to build the current clubhouse, which will be demolished in the Summer. There can't be too many people who have outlasted their own teams facilities in that way.If there were hospitality boxes in the new structure, then I am sure the Thomas suite would sit comfortably with other Twickenham RFC legends, like Lionel Wright, the Wallbanks and Peter Harvey.
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