Bob’s Amazing Mini Mission
Weston-super-Mare RFC are proud of pioneering mini rugby half a century ago and, although 50th celebrations have had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, they intend to mark their achievement as soon as they can.
They particularly want to celebrate the remarkable contribution of the marvellous man who founded mini rugby at the club, Bob Hedges. He set up the mini rugby section in 1970, coached, arranged fixtures, and worked with huge enthusiasm to bring the game to the town’s youngest players and to clubs beyond.
Bob remains the man who brought a love of rugby to those youngsters of 50 years ago having, without opposition or a rule book, created a mini rugby legacy that has stood the test of time.
Bob’s own three sons played at Weston. Robert, one of his twin younger sons, who played for the minis also played for the first team, and went on to coach them, while his twin Ted played for the 1st XV and the Army.
Older brother James clocked up 200 first team games and Bob’s daughter Debbie’s husband Alan Bradley also played over 200 times for the firsts and became club captain. But the rest of “the lads” also grew up with Bob’s influence on their lives.
Said Tony Lewis, one of the original minis: “I was lucky to become part of this historic rugby family. I’d attend senior matches as a youngster with a number of lads around my age, deployed as ball boys or even managing the score board. We became part of a unique team, which wouldn't have been possible without the commitment and vision of Bob, who recognised that by bringing us together in a structured manner he could develop the next generation of rugby players.
“He moulded us into a team and gave us our own identity, although at the time we weren't aware of what he had created. Bob not only gave us lessons in rugby but lessons in life, where we understood respect for our peers and senior people in the game. Matches were few and far because we were pioneers and didn't really have much in the way of opposition, but we played a couple of private schools on a regular basis. I remember that Bob contacted HTV West News and they came down to run a New Bulletin on us.
“I remember getting invited to Bob’s twins’ birthday party at their house which turned out to be another training session in their garden. Bob created a family environment where, even today, we all have something not only to be proud of, but for the rest of our lives. The last time most of us got together was for his surprise 70th birthday party. The first thing Bob said was ‘The mini's are here!’ I could tell he was bursting with pride that the boys had made the effort to celebrate with him. It’s great to recall the fantastic times we had and to recognise that I was a part of rugby that has developed into something great, with thousands of young girls and boys enjoying Sunday morning. doing what they love. I can honestly say the Bob was instrumental in this achievement.
Said Bob’s son Ted: “During games and training, come rain or shine, my dad was always full of enthusiasm and encouraged boys’ parents to get involved. He visited local schools and those further away, watching young lads play. If he saw potential he would invite them to train for him at Weston.
"I would say that 90% of his young players went on to represent the first team, the county and, in some cases, Bath and England at all levels. He had the ability to encourage some of the ‘less well behaved’ lads to take up the game, keeping them out of trouble, learning rugby’s values and the responsibilities that came with them. Many of us remember his love for the game and the time and effort he took training all involved, getting them to matches and encouraging parents’ support. He, and his team of coaches, also organized us playing at the Bristol Memorial Ground and the Rec at Bath before their big club games, an experience we loved.”
Tim Webb added: “Bob was one tough task master and always insisted we were in our rugby shorts and shirts no matter what the weather and totally forbade us to wear a track suit or even a T- shirt to help keep warm. He wanted us to man up and be tough. We all owe a big, big thank you to Bob for all he did over those mornings which effectively helped to form us as individuals and especially the importance of playing as a team which has served us ever since. Without a doubt, it made us crazy rugby players and fans for the duration of our lives.”
The club records, thanks to Bob, detail every team and every game they played, all in his handwriting before spreadsheets and databases were available. Bob served Weston RFC as Chairman of Selectors, Chairman of the Rugby Playing Committee, Committee member and press officer. Until recently, when his health deteriorated, he was at all home games and most played away.
His club recently made him an honorary life member and with many of Bob’s minis still regulars at the club, there’s no doubting that they will be raising a glass to mini founder Bob when the golden anniversary is eventually celebrated.
