Royal Wootton Bassett RFC

L to R Top - Melvyn Wright, Micky Brown, Ian Keith, Hamish Keith, Mike Leighfield, Royston Smith, Stuart Nation.
Bottom row - Josh McCafferty, Phil Bardwell, Charlie Hix, Gavin Ougan, Elye Darragh, Jake O’Neil, Sam Robinson.

The idea to establish a rugby club in Wootton Bassett was put in motion 50 years ago by John Forbes-Keith, with the involvement of his sons Ian and Hamish and a number of other local lads who had been playing rugby for Calne Bentleian RFC.

John instigated a meeting of all those interested, held in the lounge bar of The Curriers Arms public house on 21st December 1971. Now, the rugby club has played tribute to this historic event, during its 50th anniversary, by including the names of the thirteen who attended the meeting on this season’s First XV playing shirt:

• Ian Keith
• Michael Leighfield
• Royston Smith
• Melvyn Wright
• Hamish Keith
• Vernon Nation
• Tony Trussell
• Colin Applegate
• David Brown
• Ian Campbell
• John Baker
• Michael Brown
• John Forbes-Keith

This hidden detail can be found within the golden stripes that run down the rear of the player’s shirts.

Yesterday, at a Vice President's Lunch at the club, the remaining founding members - Ian, Hamish, Mike, Mick, Melvyn and Royston, together with Stuart Nation representing his father Vernon who sadly, recently passed away - were presented with a commemorative match shirt bearing their names.

The shirts were presented by current members of the club's 1st XV team, each of whom were graduates of the Royal Wootton Bassett RFC youth section. 

Ian and Hamish Keith, presented with commemorative shirts by Elye Darragh and Charlie Hix.

Club Captain, Gavin Ougan presented a commemorative shirt to Stuart Nation who was representing his father Vernon who passed away a few weeks ago. Vernon had purchased the club's first ever set of playing shirts, so it was fitting to now be able to present one back.

Royston Smith was presented a shirt by Josh McCafferty.

Michael Leighfield was presented a shirt by 1st XV Vice Captain Phil Bardwell.

Sam Robinson presented a shirt to Mick Brown.

On behalf of our club, we hope this small token will show our thanks for establishing the club we all enjoy today.

Photos by James Booth Photography