Thames (NZ): Sportclubs Xmas parties of past years

Do sports clubs still hold the annual Children's Xmas Party? Thames memories back to the 1960s and clubs such as the United Football Club. Xmas presents from Santa and sports days at Rohrlach's farm up the Kauaeranga. Crossing the ford to the large grass paddocks. Children's races, hammer the nail, tractor rides and of course lots of swimming. Finished with a good old lolly scramble.

 

Thames United Rugby Football Club (Inc) started 1940; clubrooms built in Jellicoe Crescent 1964. The building was destroyed by fire but subsequently rebuilt. Today it is used as a gym.

At the United Club was All Black Jack (J K) McLean, Who would later go to England and play Rugby League for Bradford Northern. Other All Blacks from Thames: Davie Stewart NZ Native Team 1888-1889, R (Dick) McGregor 1901-1904, H (Circus) Hayward 1908, A R (Mick) Lomas 1925-1926,  L S (Lew) Hook 1928-1929, and G W (Red) Delamore 1949.

Further information on Thames Rugby: Thames Rugby History

Background Reading:"Thames 1870-1970 100 Years of Rugby" By Young, F J

Thames Star 24 December 1898