Bernard Lovell's Reports on Box Rovers 1960s-70s
Alan Payne Research courtesy Julia Romain and Cliff Lovell, with thanks to Chippenham News
Photographs Julia Romain and Cliff Lovell unless stated otherwise May 2022
Alan Payne Research courtesy Julia Romain and Cliff Lovell, with thanks to Chippenham News
Photographs Julia Romain and Cliff Lovell unless stated otherwise May 2022

The lads going on tour to Spain in 1977 Back row: Billy Bloor, Dave Williams, Tony (Modeller) Jacobs, Steve Andrews, unknown, Graham Guy, Bob Miller, Andy Kerr, Kevin Ford, unknown. Kneeling: Graham Cogswell, Robert (Nobby) Hall, Dave Hill, unknown, ? Toghill, unknown, Charlie Davis. (Photos courtesy Kevin Ford)
After Box Rovers’ successes in the 1950s, the side grew older and most of the players retired. They didn’t stop supporting the club (after all for many it was an incredible success story) but they drifted down into the Reserves and then became supporters and officials. Alec Cogswell and Stan Scarth took organisational roles as club chairman. Bernard Lovell went much further – he did all of the above roles and for 20 years watched, ran the lines at the edge of the pitch and reported on the club’s matches for local newspapers. These are extracts of his Rovers reports.
Reporting and Playing for the Rovers
Football was always Bernard’s passion and he played and won trophies playing for Peasedown St John and Box Rovers. He continued to support Box Rovers Football Club after his playing days were over and he would often be called upon to roll up his trousers and run the line if they were short of a linesman. As befitted a proud Welshman, he was also a great supporter of the Welsh International Rugby, of course. Bernard was well-practised in writing football reports after playing for so many years. He knew all the home team and could talk about their abilities and tactics. It was a time-consuming job, regularly attending matches, finding the names of the opposition players and writing his report without resorting to the usual clichés of sports journalism. Ocasionally Bernard would let his descriptions flourish: Goalkeeper Gets His Marching Orders. This Wiltshire Junior Cup-tie proved a humdinger of a match, excitement being sustained to the very last.[1] For the record it was Box Rovers who defeated Highworth Town 4-3 and Chapman, the Highworth ‘keeper, was sent off after the last goal. Bernard wearing 'Alex James shorts' in Carenarfon |
Above: Box Rovers 1955-56 with Ossie Butt’s dog as the team mascot and
Below: the 1956-57 team with members back row: D Mansfield (trainer), M Floyd, J Harris, M Lovett, R Clark, M Holder, K Boulton.
Front Row: B Lovell, M Alexander, G Phillips, C Greenland and R Bull
Below: the 1956-57 team with members back row: D Mansfield (trainer), M Floyd, J Harris, M Lovett, R Clark, M Holder, K Boulton.
Front Row: B Lovell, M Alexander, G Phillips, C Greenland and R Bull
Playing was a lot more fun than attending annual general meetings and other committee events in times of crisis. One such was the state of Rovers’ finances in 1967. Under the heading Rovers Finances in Sorry State, he reported on the need for £40 to be raised to clear outstanding accounts and also for affiliation fees to the league, and to cover the premium for the Wilts Injured Players Fund.[2] The newspaper article got the desired result when the following AGM reported a bank credit balance of £32 with an additional £190 held by the Supporters Trust. Unfortunately, from the playing point of view, the Rovers had not done as well as their finances and Box finished second from the bottom of the Wiltshire League Division 2.[3]
Down in the Dumps in the 1960 and 70ss
Results took a turn for the worse when in 1966 Bernard reported a thumping defeat Rovers 0 Sutton Benger 9.[4] In 1970 one of the club’s stalwarts and a founder member, Arthur Taffy Boulton, died and a minute’s silence was held before kick-off.[5] But the turn-round in finances continued and by May 1970 the supporters club showed a balance of £314 (worth today £5,000).[6] Players were using the new changing facilities in the Selwyn Hall and it was agreed that there was no need to retained the rooms above the public conveniences opposite the Queen’s Head for storage and getting changed. The playing results too started to improve and Rovers finished in the top six of Wiltshire League Division 2.
When club president Ron E Marsh requested to be relieved of the role after 20 years (although willing to serve as vice-president) TH Norman of Spafax, Mill Lane, agreed to take over.[7] The lack of sufficient players for two teams resulted in many of the younger members being drafted up to the first team squad, leaving the Reserves to suffer poor results in the 1970s. In 1971, the Reserves hadn’t managed a win by mid-November letting in a host of goals, such as 6-0 hiding against Moredon and 6-1 against St Joseph’s.[8] Fortunately it wasn’t as bad for the first team who recorded wins of 4-3 against Wootton Bassett and 8-1 against West Lavington.
Results took a turn for the worse when in 1966 Bernard reported a thumping defeat Rovers 0 Sutton Benger 9.[4] In 1970 one of the club’s stalwarts and a founder member, Arthur Taffy Boulton, died and a minute’s silence was held before kick-off.[5] But the turn-round in finances continued and by May 1970 the supporters club showed a balance of £314 (worth today £5,000).[6] Players were using the new changing facilities in the Selwyn Hall and it was agreed that there was no need to retained the rooms above the public conveniences opposite the Queen’s Head for storage and getting changed. The playing results too started to improve and Rovers finished in the top six of Wiltshire League Division 2.
When club president Ron E Marsh requested to be relieved of the role after 20 years (although willing to serve as vice-president) TH Norman of Spafax, Mill Lane, agreed to take over.[7] The lack of sufficient players for two teams resulted in many of the younger members being drafted up to the first team squad, leaving the Reserves to suffer poor results in the 1970s. In 1971, the Reserves hadn’t managed a win by mid-November letting in a host of goals, such as 6-0 hiding against Moredon and 6-1 against St Joseph’s.[8] Fortunately it wasn’t as bad for the first team who recorded wins of 4-3 against Wootton Bassett and 8-1 against West Lavington.
August Bank Holiday Fun, 1970
A pleasant task was reporting on the match between Box Youth and a ladies’ team, The Bath Busty Beauties in 1970.[9] Three Box players were sent off, one for pulling the hair of an opposition player. Bernard reported that Goals were scored by both sides at regular intervals, and it is doubtful if anyone knew the final score. Water was thrown over referee Mr Parrott, who took it all in good part. At the same time as this match on the Lower Rec, a ladies’ side were playing the Gents at cricket on the Upper Rec, hoped to become an annual Bank Holiday August fixture. To even things out, the men all batted and bowled with their wrong hand. The match was televised and highlights on the local TV news.[10]
Robin Sawyer Tragedy, 1974
In 1974 local man Robin Sawyer collapsed and died playing for Box Rovers Reserve team. He was aged only 30 and treasurer of the football club. Bernard reported simply and with dignity on the tragedy. Football club president Stan Scarth led members in a minute’s silence and announced the raising of £150 for a memorial to him. The annual general meeting of the cricket club in 1974 started with silence to remember the death of club stalwart Robin.[11]
In December 1974 a combined Box Rovers and Box Youth Football Clubs held a dance for 300 in Selwyn Hall raising £137 for the memorial fund.[12] In 1975 the cricket club held a dance for another 150 people in Selwyn Hall raising £90 for the Robin Sawyer memorial fund. A bench was erected on The Rec in honour of him.[13] In April 1975 Rovers played Box Youth in aid of the fund and Robin’s father Gilbert Sawyer presented the memorial cup to Kevin Ford, Youth Team captain.[14]
This all happened when the Rovers were under pressure to revitalise themselves. Presiding over the AGM as chairman in 1974, he wrote of Box Rovers’ Mediocre Season in the Wilts Division 2 League but he praised the work of John Gingell, secretary, and Alec Cogswell, first team manager. His prestige and commitment to the club were such that he was unanimously re-elected chairman that year.[15]
A pleasant task was reporting on the match between Box Youth and a ladies’ team, The Bath Busty Beauties in 1970.[9] Three Box players were sent off, one for pulling the hair of an opposition player. Bernard reported that Goals were scored by both sides at regular intervals, and it is doubtful if anyone knew the final score. Water was thrown over referee Mr Parrott, who took it all in good part. At the same time as this match on the Lower Rec, a ladies’ side were playing the Gents at cricket on the Upper Rec, hoped to become an annual Bank Holiday August fixture. To even things out, the men all batted and bowled with their wrong hand. The match was televised and highlights on the local TV news.[10]
Robin Sawyer Tragedy, 1974
In 1974 local man Robin Sawyer collapsed and died playing for Box Rovers Reserve team. He was aged only 30 and treasurer of the football club. Bernard reported simply and with dignity on the tragedy. Football club president Stan Scarth led members in a minute’s silence and announced the raising of £150 for a memorial to him. The annual general meeting of the cricket club in 1974 started with silence to remember the death of club stalwart Robin.[11]
In December 1974 a combined Box Rovers and Box Youth Football Clubs held a dance for 300 in Selwyn Hall raising £137 for the memorial fund.[12] In 1975 the cricket club held a dance for another 150 people in Selwyn Hall raising £90 for the Robin Sawyer memorial fund. A bench was erected on The Rec in honour of him.[13] In April 1975 Rovers played Box Youth in aid of the fund and Robin’s father Gilbert Sawyer presented the memorial cup to Kevin Ford, Youth Team captain.[14]
This all happened when the Rovers were under pressure to revitalise themselves. Presiding over the AGM as chairman in 1974, he wrote of Box Rovers’ Mediocre Season in the Wilts Division 2 League but he praised the work of John Gingell, secretary, and Alec Cogswell, first team manager. His prestige and commitment to the club were such that he was unanimously re-elected chairman that year.[15]

The inaugural Sawyer Cup. Back row from left – Andy Guy; Andrew Kerr; David Jones; David Williams; Stephen Andrews; Richard Guy (behind, partly hidden); Jimmy Perrott; John Portnall; Graham Cogswell; Mr Perrott (referee), Richard Robson; Wally McCarron; Billy McCombe; Jimmy Trainer; John Gingell; Paddy O’Connor; Bruce Cole; Alec Boore. Front row – Brian Coombes; Tony (Moddler) Jacobs; Chris (Bibber) Phillips; Kevin Ford (captain Box Youth); Andy Hayter (club captain); Gerry Peblow; Robert (Nobby) Hall; Roger Rebbeck; Billy Boore; Alec Cogswell. (Photo courtesy Kevin Ford)
Rovers in 1970s
Over the years the personnel of the clubs changed as people became more committed with the business of their own lives. John Gingell resigned as secretary of the Football Club in 1977 and Alec Cogswell had to step back into the breech.[16] It was a double blow because John’s wife had always done the laundry of kit, ensuring their immaculate turn-out.[17] In 1979 Bernard himself retired as chairman after six years and was replaced by Alan Trudgeon, who was also serving as first team manager. Retiring treasurer Graham Guy moved to London and Graham Cogswell, player and fund-raiser-in-chief, also left the district.[18]
The Rovers and the Youth teams enjoyed some European football in 1977 with a four-day tour to Lloret de Mar, Spain.[19] The first game was cancelled due to rain and in the second Dave Hill scored twice, although Box lost 3-2.
In 1978 Andy Hayter was manager, Alan Trudgeon (formerly Box Hill and Rovers centre forward) managed the youth team, and Alec Cogswell was secretary. The committee included Bruce Cole, Gerald Peplow, Tony Jacobs and Robert Hall and members Phil Goulding, Peter Downing, John Welch, Donald Hoare, Billy Boore, Andrew Kerr and Chris Phillips. The team would have done better in the 1977-78 season except that a fixture pile-up resulted in their playing every night of the week for a fortnight. The club made the final of the Wilts Junior Cup for the first time in 25 years although beaten by Airspring, Trowbridge.[20] The worst aspect of the season was having to withdraw the Reserve side from the Trowbridge and District League and incurring a fine.
Bernard was a leader in promoting village activities in local newspapers but he wasn't the only one. Before him, Henry Druett, headmaster of Box School, promoted village activities and local history through the parish magazine and regional newspapers and after Bernard came Penny Newboult for many years, together with Tudor Jones and Michael Rumsey. Others - too many to mention - have also taken up the mantle. They all need to be commended in bringing the community of Box to greater recognition.
Over the years the personnel of the clubs changed as people became more committed with the business of their own lives. John Gingell resigned as secretary of the Football Club in 1977 and Alec Cogswell had to step back into the breech.[16] It was a double blow because John’s wife had always done the laundry of kit, ensuring their immaculate turn-out.[17] In 1979 Bernard himself retired as chairman after six years and was replaced by Alan Trudgeon, who was also serving as first team manager. Retiring treasurer Graham Guy moved to London and Graham Cogswell, player and fund-raiser-in-chief, also left the district.[18]
The Rovers and the Youth teams enjoyed some European football in 1977 with a four-day tour to Lloret de Mar, Spain.[19] The first game was cancelled due to rain and in the second Dave Hill scored twice, although Box lost 3-2.
In 1978 Andy Hayter was manager, Alan Trudgeon (formerly Box Hill and Rovers centre forward) managed the youth team, and Alec Cogswell was secretary. The committee included Bruce Cole, Gerald Peplow, Tony Jacobs and Robert Hall and members Phil Goulding, Peter Downing, John Welch, Donald Hoare, Billy Boore, Andrew Kerr and Chris Phillips. The team would have done better in the 1977-78 season except that a fixture pile-up resulted in their playing every night of the week for a fortnight. The club made the final of the Wilts Junior Cup for the first time in 25 years although beaten by Airspring, Trowbridge.[20] The worst aspect of the season was having to withdraw the Reserve side from the Trowbridge and District League and incurring a fine.
Bernard was a leader in promoting village activities in local newspapers but he wasn't the only one. Before him, Henry Druett, headmaster of Box School, promoted village activities and local history through the parish magazine and regional newspapers and after Bernard came Penny Newboult for many years, together with Tudor Jones and Michael Rumsey. Others - too many to mention - have also taken up the mantle. They all need to be commended in bringing the community of Box to greater recognition.
References
[1] Chippenham News, 29 October 1976
[2] Chippenham News, 26 May 1967
[3] Chippenham News, 7 June 1968
[4] Chippenham News, 9 September 1966, 26 May 1967 and 7 June 1968
[5] Chippenham News, 16 January 1970
[6] Chippenham News, 29 May 1970
[7] Chippenham News, 16 July 1971 and 11 June 1971
[8] Chippenham News, 5 November 1971
[9] Chippenham News, 28 August 1970, 17 December 1971, 26 November 1971 and 31 December 1971
[10] Chippenham News, 12 March 1971
[11] Chippenham News, 7 March 1975
[12] Chippenham News, 13 December 1974
[13] Chippenham News, 20 June 1975
[14] Chippenham News, 4 April 1975
[15] Chippenham News, 10 May 1974
[16] Chippenham News, 15 July 1977
[17] Chippenham News, 9 June 1972
[18] Chippenham News, 15 June 1979
[19] Chippenham News, 7 April 1977
[20] Chippenham News, 2 June 1978
[1] Chippenham News, 29 October 1976
[2] Chippenham News, 26 May 1967
[3] Chippenham News, 7 June 1968
[4] Chippenham News, 9 September 1966, 26 May 1967 and 7 June 1968
[5] Chippenham News, 16 January 1970
[6] Chippenham News, 29 May 1970
[7] Chippenham News, 16 July 1971 and 11 June 1971
[8] Chippenham News, 5 November 1971
[9] Chippenham News, 28 August 1970, 17 December 1971, 26 November 1971 and 31 December 1971
[10] Chippenham News, 12 March 1971
[11] Chippenham News, 7 March 1975
[12] Chippenham News, 13 December 1974
[13] Chippenham News, 20 June 1975
[14] Chippenham News, 4 April 1975
[15] Chippenham News, 10 May 1974
[16] Chippenham News, 15 July 1977
[17] Chippenham News, 9 June 1972
[18] Chippenham News, 15 June 1979
[19] Chippenham News, 7 April 1977
[20] Chippenham News, 2 June 1978