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25 years on...

I am prompted to write after  reading on our website the “About us” page written Lynn, our Chairman, in which she talks of girls coming and going, but  also of the many that stay members because of the Club’s ethos of caring for all players and encouraging fun.
Well I am one of those players that stayed....stayed for 25 years....and is still staying....at least while the body is willing!  I have just started my 25th consecutive season with Bulkington Netball Club. In 1998 I proudly accepted a gift presented for 15 years of continuous service to the Club, as a player, committee member and many years as Chairman.

I am embarrassed to recall that I have since also accepted a present for retirement from netball!  I had intended to give up completely as I could not commit 100% due to the demands of supporting my son, James, who has become a professional rugby player. However, I am extremely grateful that each season during the last 10 years various teams have wanted and welcomed me back to play with them. This is a tribute to the friendly atmosphere at Bulkington Netball Club - it’s difficult to stay away!

My netball during 25 years has gone a full circle. A very satisfying feeling I am pleased to say, having started in 1983 in the lower team of the time- the C Team, rising through various positions and ranks to play in the A Team, and now playing in the D Team. This illustrates another of Bulkington Netball Club’s assets. It has a team for all players, whatever your ability or stage of netball life you are at. This means that as a junior, new member or ‘old’ member you should never have to leave the Club....that is until your body expires!

I feel really proud to be a member of a Club with such a good ethos, from which it has not wavered over the years, giving it a sense of continuity and balance, and also a Club that has continued to move forward, improving itself and the opportunities for its members.
I could go on.  A lot can happen in 25 years....the kit changes, the rule changes, the weekends away....but my intention is not for this article to be about what I have done but about what Bulkington Ladies Netball Club has given to me - and what it can give to all members.  I say make the most of it....and as Lynn says - have fun and make friends for life.

Sarah Grindal

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