Hi my name is Ray Lovick, I used to attend the Wellesly every Saturday afternoon in the 50's and 60's with my late father Alf (Alfie) Lovick. If my memory serves me well there used to be a gent call Jack Pegg that ran the club or had something to do with it. I can also recall a cousin of mine Robin Myhill playing, as well as Dereck Rackham, Mick Broughton, the list could go on.
It is many years since I last visited Yarmouth but the last time I did the ground had not changed at all. It was great just walking round, all the old memories came flooding back. One of the greatest spectacles was the Showbiz XI matches every summer, the ground used to get packed.
Anyway I will once again be keeping in touch through your web site. Which I might add is very well laid out and easy to go through.
[Received 16/11/03]
Mick Capon writes:
Hi Gerry, excellent site and well maintained.
Although now living in the sun on the Costa del Sol I miss the bitter east winds on a Saturday afternoon on the Wellesley (not)! After checking my e-mails every Sunday morning, I automatically check the Bloaters results.
Glad to see that Paul and the lads have done well this season and will finish above "those across the river".
Please pass on my regards to everyone at the club and best wishes for next season.
[Received 1/5/03]
Richard Giles writes:
Just found the website and find it very interesting.
Memories of standing with my parents at the Wellesley flood back. I think from when I was in a pram, to the league title, helping in the building of the clubhouse and until I left for South Africa 20 years ago.
One of the most painful memories must be losing in the semi finals of the FA Vase, when we were so close to Wembley.
I have been back twice since leaving the country but always found the time to visit the ground and watch every match during my holidays.
The best memories were in the 1970's and watching players like John Cogger, Neil Hart and Kevin Ready and the league cup win at Sudbury against Clacton, where I finished up in the bath.
Great to visit the page and I will be regularly visiting from now on
[Received 7/12/02]
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Richard Bishop writes:
I used to be a regular at The Wellesley in the 1980's, and for a few seasons a regular away traveller. Used to stand with Paddy (Giles) and Barney (Dave Barnard) and have many great memories supporting the Bloaters.
Highlights have to be the FA Vase run, particularly the 6-0 demolition of Bracknell and the tremendous atmosphere at the quarter final against Brandon. The semi is just too painful to talk about.
Best side I've probably seen at the Wellesley was Ferencvaros, I remember they played us on a monday night and their short passing game ripped us apart and they were 2 up in no time. They then eased up, perhaps sensing we weren't that good, and we held the score for the remainder of the match.
The only downside in my time as a Bloater was that we never reached the FA Cup 1st round. However I've witnessed some great performances in that competion, winning midweek games against all the odds at the likes of Tilbury & Uxbridge and who can ever forget Mark Grealy destroying Cambrige City at the Wellesley. Still there's always next year.
I moved to Blackpool about 8 years ago and apart from watching Norwich when they venture north of Birmingham I am also a more than occasional visitor to both Blackpool Mechanics & Squires Gate. They both play in the North West Counties League which is the same level as the Jewson. Gate got promoted last year and now play in the same division as Fleetwood (another local side) Clitheroe (Gary Butcher used to be their manager) and Mossley (former FA Trophy Finalists).
The 2 grounds are only about 200 yards apart and a third club, Blackpool Wren Rovers who play in the West Lancs League (Anglian Comb equvilent) also play in the same area. Their ground actually backs onto Squires Gates' ground.
The rivalry between the clubs isn't like Yarmouth & Gorleston, most people watch both clubs and their is no history of intense rivalry. It's a different matter when Fleetwood roll into town though.
