Presidential Race ...

Well, maybe not so much of a race, more of a breed!A new Presidential Era at Harwell R.U.F.C will begin for the 2015/16 season, with Kevin Lewis taking over as President of the Club from Brian Arnold Esq.

The Office of President was inaugurated in 1961/62, when founder members Bob Jackson & Hugh Roskell suddenly realised after 14 years or so that we didn't have one! They asked the Director of Harwell, Sir William Penney, to apply and after an exhaustive interview he was given the job. The Presidential 'batton' has only been passed-on twice since: Once to Jimmy Hill in 1967/68 and then, following Jimmy's death, to Brian Arnold Esq in 1981/82.

A number of the HOBS will remember Jimmy Hill's tenure, but almost certainly, all of the current playing members will have known no other President than Brian, or Dad Arnold as he is affectionately known. As they say, Time & Tide wait for no man, and Brian (although we thought he'd go on playing forever!) has now chosen hang-up his presidential boots! Some of us older members are not exactly sure of the 'legality' of this move as there is some thought that the Club constitution states that 'resignation' involves an Act of Parliament to ratify the change. Watch this space!

Kevin Lewis joined the club in the 80's and took a stint at 3rd team Captain in 1988/89. He took on the post of Club Chairman in 1996/97, a role he played for a number of seasons. Kevin acquired the nickname of Tonga owing to his resemblance to a certain King of some South Sea Island, so his appointment might be the closest thing we'll ever have to a Royal President! We wish Kevin every success as he has a hard act to follow! And to Dad Arnold we simply send our enduring affection and gratitude for a job well done!

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