Page 170 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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used my years of experience to control all the external factors to remain calm inwardly. It was not until after the 120 minutes of football was over (I felt so lucky to get extra time as well!!) and we were waiting on the pitch to be called forward to collect our medals from HRH Duke of Cambridge that you could take the occasion in and see my wife, kids and friends with beaming smiles and that was a culmination of 23 years of blood, sweat and tears.
Thankfully that is not the end of the story yet. I have just passed the tness test for another year (yes I can hear people saying “and so you should, you are in the RAPTC” but it does get harder as you mature!!) so I will embark on my 13th season at the top level in August 17 with the same relish and pride as I did when I rst started as a newly quali ed Army referee. I will hopefully reach my 300th Premier League match during the season (286 at present) which will be another landmark for me. But as I always say – you are only as good as your last game so I will keep trying to maintain the high standards I have set up to now.
A DRAFT COPY OF A LETTER RECEIVED FROM GEORGE WELSH OF “HIS JOURNEY” IN THE CORPS
As my eyesight is fading fast and my age is now 92yrs: I have enjoyed my copy of the MBS over many years. In the last edition No 97, page 157 – top right Noel Kinder and I joined the Corps from course W36 in 1945 and on page 168 – bottom left Clem McBride was one of my staff at Keogh Bks Mytchett Depot of the RAMC in 1965. Thanks to the MBS I have contacted both.
The Journey of Corps Instructor:
CSMI GW Welsh (Retd)
Served as an A/I under SMI Douglas at No. 11 Infantry Training Centre, Fort George in 1940. Transferred to the Army Physical Training Corps in 1945 and retired in 1965.
Achievements
1938 A Seaforth Highlander until 1945.
1945 APTC (now RAPTC) during which time (1947 until 1950) in the Far East (Ceylon Garrison, now Sri Lanka).
1948 The year of the London Olympics. Represented Ceylon v Indian Olympic team at Hockey.
1954 In Malaya with the Northern Rhodesian Regiment, returning to the UK in 1957.
1957 Various Units to 1965.
1961 Four Wimbledon tournaments – seating steward – Royal Box.
1964 Trainer of the GB Hockey squad for Tokyo. Took the warm-up on Edgbaston ground prior to GB v W Germany.
1965 Retired having served 20 years as a Corps Instructor.
1965 Took up the post as Head of Physical Training at Gordonstoun School in Morayshire, Scotland until 1984 having to retire due to an age ruling. However, in 1985 I was taken back on strength until 1992. The Gordonstoun School new Sports Centre bears my name.
1966 The school Cross Country team won the County, the District and the Scottish Schools Championships – quite an achievement.
Footnote
During 1969 I took the school Hockey XI to the following countries: Holland, Germany, Spain, Channel Islands. We also competed in a Triangular Tournament consisting of Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball. A oat, the venue being the Moray Forth.
Highlights of my journey
Graced the following venues:
• Murray eld – 3 Seasons
• Wimbledon – 5 Seasons
• Edgbaston – as trainer of the GB Hockey Team for Tokyo v West
Germany
• Garden Parties – 3
• New Year’s Day drinks at the residence of the United States
Marine Corps Commander, Washington DC.
Not bad for a Corps man of 92 years of age.
I have enclosed a few photos, I am extremely proud of the one in Corps uniform whilst in Northern Rhodesia. 2 pictures from my Phase 1 & 2 Training. The opening of my Sports Centre. It was certainly a challenge, but “I did it my way” but loved every minute of it. Thanks again to the MBS.
G.W.Welsh