NEWHAVEN BOY'S CLUB

1954 A club trip to Belgium

By Mary Avenall

Photo:A day trip for the club

A day trip for the club

Mary Avenall's private collection

This page was added by Jackie Blackwell on 02/11/2008.
Comments about this page

I can name nearly everyone in the picture. It was taken in 1954 when the boys club went to Belgium and stayed at the Hotel du Panier D'or in Blankenburg. From the left; Ron Smith, John Thomas (our wonderful club Leader from Wales),"Shonk" Avenall, Mrs Thomas, Wilf Belton, John Duplock, Rex Dunstall, Alan Berry hidden behind Ernie Farley, Bill Ingram "?" "?" "?" Dennis "Simbad" Simpkins, Me (Jack Patten) and Pete Avenall. What a great trip that was! 15 pounds each all found and one free ticket for the leader who promptly put his fare in the pot to share.
Jack Patten, Canada

By Jack Patten
On 16/04/2008

I believe I can add the three missing names from Jack Patten's account of the Boys' Club trip to Belgium. I think they are Keith Townsend and his younger brother and Tony Betteridge. I met Tony a few months ago near where this photo was taken and we talked about this day in '54. I have also re-established contact with Jack Patten in Canada.

By John Duplock
On 15/06/2008

Further to my adding the missing names from the Boys' Club trip - it was not a 'day trip', it was about a week, and thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. Mr. Thomas was truly a great leader.

By John Duplock
On 15/06/2008

Did this Alan Berry live in Evelyn Avenue ?

By Michael Cawte
On 25/02/2011

I think that Alan Berry did live in Evelyn Av. He now lives in Peacehaven, I met him and John Duplock last year when I visited the UK. All three of us were in the "Black Cat Dance Band" together.

By Jack Patten
On 23/10/2012

The person centre of the flag hands behind flag is Ray Townsend who was living in Lewes Road at the time. 

By Francis Bulman
On 02/08/2017

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