Opening the meeting, Pat Ellis thanked everyone for supporting this first meeting of 2026 and gave a brief but positive update on the progress of Allen Bagshawe, our Chair, following his recent illness, saying he was now back home and well on the road to recovery. She also advised that our Secretary, Shirley Cormack, had succumbed to the winter ‘bug’ and was unable to attend this meeting.
Barbara gave her regular update on arrangements for the various organised events/outings, viz:
- Croft Park Café, 22nd January. Members are advised to car share, if possible, as car parking is very restricted.
- Everton Visit, 19th February. An international rugby league match is taking place at the MKM Stadium on this date, affecting car parking at the ground. An alternative has been secured in the Walton Street Car Park.
- London Trip, 19th March. There are still a few places available.
- The monthly meeting on 5th March will celebrate England’s success in the 1966 World Cup. The meeting will start at the earlier time of 10:00, and hot food will be available at £12.50/head. Tony Conway advised that this meeting would feature the first of what will be an annual quiz in memory of the late and much-loved Senior Tiger, Ron Betts, and asked members to consider being one of 12 (max) contestants. Full details to follow via email.
Andy Riley reminded members that a trip to the away game at Blackburn on 31st January was still available to book.
Members were pointed to the Home Instead help desk, attended by Mandy Aitken and Tina Hilpert, promoting a service for the elderly which, among other things, provides help in the home as an alternative to residential care. This was the second time they had attended one of these meetings after being inundated with enquiries the last time out.
Phil Hyde promoted the Senior Tigers’ swimming/aqua aerobics sessions held between 19:30 and 21:00 each Thursday at the Haltemprice Sports Centre, in the hope of attracting new members.
Richard explained that today’s guest, Stan McEwan, had stepped in at the last minute. With the FA Cup game against Blackburn not being played until Sunday, first-team players had been given the day off.
In his usual, inimitable style, Richard fired umpteen questions at Stan, prompting responses on topics ranging from his playing days at Hull City (1984-88) to his love of the city itself, where he has remained despite moving to other clubs since leaving City. With the interview taking place either side of the refreshments break, everyone was treated to a full hour of listening to Stan’s often light-hearted thoughts on people and incidents that helped shape his playing career, accompanied by some highly amusing anecdotes along the way.
Pat thanked Stan on behalf of the members for bringing back so many happy memories, and everyone showed their appreciation in the usual way.
The meeting closed at 15:35 following the drawing of the raffle.
Brian Nickson
Stan McEwan and Richard Richard interviewing Stan
Stan with the Arrow Air Anglo American Cup – 1984 Mandy Aitken from Home Instead and Ernie
