Funeral of MC Black, Thursday 8th February at Waltham Abbey Jewish Cemetery at 11:45am

Dear Friends and Associates of MC Black,

I’m writing to inform you that MC Black’s body has been released by the Hertfordshire Coroner, and we have permission to bury him.  The burial service will take place on Thursday, 8th February at Waltham Abbey Jewish Cemetery at 11:45am  More details will be forthcoming when we have them.

Waltham Abbey Cemetery, Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN93QZ

I know that many of you are not Jewish, so though that I would add a few words about what to expect.  The body will be in a simple casket that is completely bio-degradable.  The (closed) casket, covered by a cloth, is displayed in the prayer hall at the cemetery.  There is a short prayer service (in Hebrew) in the prayer hall,  followed by a eulogy.  Then the family and the casket process to the gravesite.  There, more prayers are recited, and the casket is lowered into the grave.  After some more prayers, the mourners shovel dirt onto the casket and fill the excavation.

Be warned that cemeteries can be quite muddy at this time of year.

Flowers are not appropriate.   If you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, I’m sure the MC would approve of a gift to Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, the home operated by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution that took such good care of our mother during her final years.

Those of you who are Jewish may wish to know that we are planning a shiva minyan at Welwyn Garden City Synagogue on Thursday evening — time to be announced.   Rabbi Tatz will officiate at the burial service.

Andrew Black

MC Black RIP

MC Black, a Past President of the Association, and a stalwart of the committee holding numerous offices over the years,  died suddenly and unexpectedly a few days ago, The exact cause of his death is being investigated, the coroner has said that there are no suspicious circumstances.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Informal Gathering at the Barrow Boy & Banker

Our first social occasion of 2024 took place on Friday 26th January from 13.00 at the Barrow Boy and Banker pub located on the south side of London Bridge.
It was a very informal get together and large numbers (forty plus??) turned up
The aim was to encourage as many Old Askeans, both male and female, to meet and enjoy each other’s company. A number of the Hatcham Association (Aske’s old girls), swelled the numbers and a good time was had by all (well at least I enjoyed myself!)

Tony Coffey RIP

For those who haven’t heard, Tony passed away late last year. Many included in this email will have played with Tony and even gone to school with him at St Mary’s before he took off for a new life in the Antipodes.

His family here in England are holding a Memorial Mass for his life. Here are the details for the Funeral service on Monday 15th January 2024 at 1pm.

St. John Vianney R.C Church,  Heathfield Rd, Bexleyheath DA6 8NP followed after at the Prince Albert PH, 2 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7LE

Apologies for the late notification but we have only just been informed of the details by Tony’s nephew, who plays for the current Askean team. I hope you can make it

Barry Ash RIP

It is my sad duty to inform you that our former president for 2010, Barry Ash, died recently. His funeral will be on Tuesday 30th January at Beckenham Crematorium at 11:00am. This will be followed by reception at The Crown and Anchor, 19 Park Road, Bromley, BR1 3H.

You are welcome to wear your OA striped blazer and tie.


John Rowswell RIP

Dear Alan, I am writing to tell you that my husband, John Rowswell OA passed away peacefully on 19th July 1923. aged 95 years. He will be greatly missed by all his family. The funeral will be held at Beckenham Crematorium on 30th August 2023 at 2pm. He was always very proud to call himself an Old Askean.

Yours sincerely,

Ann Rowswell.

Askean Rugby Club AGM 5th August at 4:00pm

Please see details below of the AGM for Askean RFC to be held on Saturday 5th August 2023 at 4:00pm. This will be followed by the 100 Club Draw (you’ve got to be in it to win t!!!!!) and Wales v England World Cup warm-up match, kick-off at 5:30. Come along and see what the club is up to and the plans we have for the up-coming season following a tremendous second half of last season. SUPPORT YOUR CLUB

ASKEAN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD

(RFU, KCRFU, MCRFU, LSRFUR, KSRFUR)

Notice is hereby given that an 

Annual General Meeting

of the

ASKEAN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD

Will be held at

The Rectory Field, Charlton Road, SE7 7EY

on Saturday 5th August   2023 4.00PM 

AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence

2. Minutes of the last AGM

3. Approval of the Annual Report

4. Approval of the Accounts

5. To approve that the club should take advantage of the Audit Exemption available to Small Companies/Industrial Provident Societies

6. Election of Officers

7. Any other business

Please regard this notice also as a request for any resolutions to be considered

Paul Walsh

Hon. Secretary

Askean RFC

The Rectory Field

Charlton Road

SE7 7EY

Graham Evans RIP

For those who have not already heard, I have the sad news to pass on that Graham Evans passed away on 16th July. Many of you will not have known Graham but he played for the Askean Club at both rugby and cricket representing the county. He was also an excellent athlete and an all-round top bloke.

For those who wish to pay their respects, Evvy’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 9th August at 1:45 at Bluebell Crematorium near Knockholt, TN14 7AE. The wake will be held at Bromley Football Club, Hayes Lane, BR2 9EF. If you have not already let me know that you will be attending, please let me know asap so adequate catering can be provided.

Regards

Steve Homewood

Askean Rugby Club – Former Players Lunch

Following on from my earlier e-mail reporting the sad passing of our ex-player Graham Evans, people always say “Why do we only meet up at funerals?” Well, now is your chance to see eachother  on a happier occasion. Following on from the success of last year’s FP Lunch, we are holding another gathering at The Rectory Field on Friday 25th August from noon. 

Everyone is welcome to have a beer and a curry in the convivial surrounding of The Rectory Field, the Home of Askean RFC where we are the only male rugby team to hold home matches. Bar prices are very reasonable and the food is great as well as being exceptional value, so what better opportunity to meet up with old friends and wallow in nostalgia over a beer or three. 

If you know anyone who may be interested in attending who is not on our mailing list, please pass on the good news. This is a celebration of our past and current friendships and a chance to share an ale

Please contact me if you are able to attend

Regards

Steve Homewood

07795 445404