his old coaching inn, perched right on the cross roads, is rumoured to have a ghost, some poor soul bricked up in a wall. But that was in the past, and perhaps more of that in the future, this tale is about the present.
Chris Thomas is a local lad, a forklift engineer by day, who boxes at Sandy Boxing Club. On Friday 3rd March, Chris made his debut as a lightweight at The Weatherly Centre, Stratton. Faced with a more experienced opponent with two knock-outs to his credit,
Chris gained a decisive victory - a 2nd round technical knockout. All being well, Chris fights again in a few weeks time at Bury St Edmunds.
And the connection with The Hardwicke Arms? Fred and Kath Green, now running that ancient establishment, sponsor Chris. They have provided him with kit and also contributed to the cost of trophies.
More than seventy people from the village went to support Chris, including a coach load from The Hardwicke. They gave him a rousing reception when he came out for the bout, and when the MC announced The Hardwicke’s sponsorship it was reported that ‘the roof nearly lifted’.
With this sort of support we can hope that Chris will continue to be successful, perhaps at some time turning professional.
Another, quieter, but very deserving beneficiary of support from The Hardwicke is Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice. The hospice has been ‘adopted’ as its ongoing charity by The Hardwicke and through the efforts of Fred and Kath, and its customers, and many others in the village, over £600 worth of new toys was presented at the children’s Christmas party.
An auction was organised which, with phenomenal support from the locals, raised £2475. Two auctioneers from the village, Bill Tangye and Colin Smith, had the task of separating people from their money - and they succeeded! Bill Butterick and Tracy Fields were also a great help. Of course, without the generosity of the people of Gamlingay, it couldn’t have been such a success.
Fred, Bill Tangye, Bill Butterick and Colin Smith presented the cheque and were shown round the hospice. They reported as being very impressed.
National Blood Service donor sessions
19th May and 9th June 2006
Community Centre, Stocks Lane
1-3.30 and 4.30 –7pm
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