Who are you really?

[Fats]

I’m Richard.  Born in South Africa in 1950 and moved to London in 1959.  I went to boarding school before coming back to live in South Kensington.

I joined Wasps in January 1969 and I played at 15 for the Whippets, the colts team in the late 60s early 70s, which was rated as fifth out of fifteen sides Wasps put out each week.  In 68/69 we played 17, w15 d1, l1 loss was to London Welsh 5ths so no disgrace.  We beat the Royal Navy Colts, who until then had been unbeaten, in a rearranged match at the end of the season. (I have a team photo if someone can tell me how to post it)

In 1970 I played for the Nomads which was Wasps 15th side.  (To “qualify” for the Nomads you had to play at the level to get into one of the top 5 sides but also be a good drinker.)  in 1971  I broke by my leg and ankle playing for them at Hitchen when I was tackled by one of my own side, when I hadn’t got the ball after the whistle had gone.  We arrived with 15 and they only had 11 so we gave them 2 to play at 13 a side.  Taken to hospital for 5 days then in a cast for 15 weeks.  Had to give up the game on medical advice.

I am an accountant by profession but moved into industry on qualifying.  Worked for Rothmans and with them got to live in Egypt and then Greece.

I came back to the UK and joined a high tech company and with them moved to Brussels for five years.  I changed to another company in Brussels which  moved me to Silicon Valley for a further four then when the company was restructured came back to Brussels to restructure Europe.  I then got to Tokyo for a year to restructure the Japanese entity, very interesting.  Japan well worth a visit.  As a reward I got 2 and a half years in Hong Kong up until the handover in 1997. 

Came back to the UK and started watching Wasps at Loftus Road and was a season ticket holder there at at Adams Park.  I have three daughters two of whom had season tickets as well.  I attended all the Wasps games at Twickenham until I gave up on double headers because they were not a nice atmosphere.  Was in Dublin for the great win there with many of the original DW’s and all the triumphs at Twickenham.  Had great trips to Perpignan and Italy with the DM’s.  Still have my DW shirts and a Wasps lions shirt for the few who may remember it.

Don’t make it to the Ricoh as can’t manage long distance car travel due to back issues.

Made several good friends through Wasps and DW’s who I remain in contact with.

Am now retired

Posted on the other place for many years then found it too unpleasant to visit so stopped looking at it for several years.  I go occasionally but much prefer this site.

[Vespula Vulgaris]

(I have a team photo if someone can tell me how to post it)

If you hit the + that says "Attachments and other options" you should see the option to upload a file from your computer.  PM me if it isn't working.

[Gaz]

I am Gary, but please call me Gaz!

I hail from the Luton & Dunstable area but lived in Wycombe for about 5 years hence my connection to Wasps. I had a season ticket until the relocation to Coventry. I used to get to the Ricoh 3 or 4 times a season but family commitments mean that I haven’t been for a while.

I did play rugby at school, was over six foot tall at 14 so our Welsh teacher who was an avid rugby nut put me in the second row, but I was scared of contact so it didn’t last long, I ended up as the lankiest (but very quick) utility back you’d ever see - I was still scared of contact but it got me out of the way of ‘the rugby’ as the teacher put it!

Carved out a career in the IT industry, amateur musician (guitar and EDM production in my home studio) whenever I get the time. Also have a motorcycle (Triumph Tiger 800) that gets use every day – rain or shine, or sleet and snow as it was last week! Thinking of changing soon …

Chilham - very impressive motorcycle CV, I am envious.


--- OAW Book Club Section ---

Read that someone above (BG, NWW?) has read Dan Walsh’s book – always a good read. Assuming you might have also come across Jupiters Travels from Ted Simon’s journey in the 1970s, or an even more vintage throwback ‘One Man Caravan’ which I think goes back to a journey in the 1930s. Both recommended if you haven’t had a chance.

[BG]

Hi Gaz, it was myself who mentioned reading Dan Walsh's book.. (lent it to someone and never got it back!) I think he submitted articles to Bike magazine whilst on his travels but then stopped for about 6 months when he "lost himself" in South America

I think I bought Ted Simon's book as well but didn't find it as good a read as Dan's

I believe Ted Simon's book was the inspiration behind Ewan McGregor's Long Way Round bike trip.

I don't ride much now.. been to Saints and Wuss with NWW on our bikes

[coddy]

Also have a motorcycle (Triumph Tiger 800) that gets use every day – rain or shine, or sleet and snow as it was last week! Thinking of changing soon …





Hi Gaz, no need to change bike just update to the latest model as I love mine.

I was just thinking how nice it would be if the Heineken Cup was played in the summer months, the bike trips to the South of France would be heaven.

[WallyWasp]

I love this idea. I am pretty certain it would bomb on the DW website, which I like many have finally kicked to the curb with just too much negativity and footballish attitudes.. but enough about that time to talk about me!

Dave, 30s, live in Surrey.

Started following Wasps back end of 2005/6 season having been dragged to a game by my oldest school friend who had chosen Wasps to support as they were good (well we all know bloody brilliant at that time). I hated rugby and sport at school so like to feel, as I didn’t know who Wasps were back then and just really enjoyed the spectacle and the atmosphere,  I am the purer Wasps fan than he (who I lovingly joke is a glory hunter!)

I have been a huge Wasps fan since, was a season ticket holder for five years (before I couldn’t justify the cost any more) at AP, and have followed them all around Europe. Sadly have only been to the Ricoh once since we moved (mostly due to time and money), but am getting up there once more this season as my fiancée bought me a ticket gift voucher for my birthday (hurrah!).

Since converting to a rugby fan (no pun intended), have also been very active with supporting England (though always had a passing interest even before 2003!) and even went on the 2013 Lions tour, one of the highlights of my supporting journey!

What else… I’m an amateur writer, former local broadcaster, have been playing myself for ten years this season (lock and tighthead prop when needed) and also love Cricket and cooking and singing. one kid born last year.

I made a great group of friends during my really active time at Wasps and am hoping to catch up with many of them when I get back up later in the season.

Think that covers most of it.

[Speedy1974UK]

I'm Michael, 44 from Chinnor on Oxon/Bucks border

Started supporting Wasps when they moved to Wycombe - was a WWFC season ticket holder at the time. Whilst had is no longer the case I am still a Founder Shareholder in the club

Been a season ticket holder (along with my Dad) from the first season to the present day. Was one of the lucky few to be in Dublin on that special day back in 2004

I'm a Mechanical Engineer by training. I was a Design Engineer for 18 years at a small local company that makes specialist medical equipment.
Still at the same company I'm now one of four owners of the business. My current role is Service / Sales Director (officially) however as its a small company find I end up turning my hand to most things. IT being my other 'specialty'

Aside from rugby (and still football), i enjoy watching most sports, especially F1 & Cricket. Enjoy to travel (last year managed to travel to Thailand, Bali & Vegas) just booked with my partner a trip later this year to Singapore and Australia
Also into my music (rock and punk), with my favourite band being The Wildhearts, and love helping my partner look after her granddaughter

[DanJester]

I'm Dan, been a Wasps supporter since 1999 when my then-employers were one of the sponsors and I used to see the lads around work pretty regularly.

Used to consistently get down to Wycombe for games, less so towards the end of the run there. Haven't made it up to Cov as yet, due to not driving and the travel time being so long for me (even if the stars align and all the trains are in sync). Now living staggering distance from the Stoop but steadfastly refuse to switch allegiance, much to my mates' amusement.

Away from rugby I'm a big fan of the NFL, specifically the Carolina Panthers, with side affection for the Bears and Seahawks, I enjoy watching baseball too (Thank heavens for BTSport showing so many games!) and am a fan of gaming, both tabletop and console.

[chates]

I'm Tom, 28, grandfather was a supporter from the Sudbury days, and Dad and I have had season tickets since our first season at Wycombe. Grew up in Amersham with Wasps very much the local club, and we followed to Coventry, albeit reluctantly at first.

Live in East London with the wife now (she's French but comes along to the occasional game and is slowly being converted) and make the journey on the train, while Dad drives from Amersham - he's jealous that my journey is slightly quicker but refuses to abandon the comfort of his car.

Dad, his brother, and I (and various groups of friends) have managed at least one away European trip every season, and we've seen many more losses that we have victories, but wins at the RDS and close calls like Toulon make it so worth it!

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Welcome to the forum Tom!

[Mikeuk56]

Hi
I'm Mike from Birmingham
When Wasps moved to Coventry my son and I went to the Leinster game at the beginning of 2015. In May that year we both became season ticket holders and will be renewing for next season
Years ago I use to watch Moseley in the days of Jan Webster and Sam Doble. I  still remember clearly Midland Counties (West) beating the All blacks

Married with 3 grown up children  and 2 grandsons

I really like the tone of this forum

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Hi Mike!

Welcome to the forum.

[Hymenoptera]

As I've dumped DW and this is my new home thought I may as well end your suspense!!

Nick, been watching since Sudbury, got into Wasps as my uncle in law, Gary Holmes played for the 1st team. My first game against Quins was heavily influenced by some heavy hitting LSD, so having returned under just my own steam, I fell in love with the club.
Have followed from Kent to Sudbur, Kent to Acton, then Northampton to Acton / Adams Pk, then moved to Canada and would only catch games when I was travelling back to the UK for work, now live in Atlanta and rarely get back for work, thus get to many games. Last game was visiting family in Dublin Vs leinster which is never fun.

Work from home, in IT, in mostly 100% humidity.

[SilverShire]

Hi my name is Ben, 24 year old vet student from Surrey.
I've been a wasps fan for as long as I can remember and I'm not really sure why I started supporting wasps (not meant to come across as negative, I just think that one day I decided that I would support wasps). I've played rugby for the my school and university 1st teams and I also play for my schools old boys club when I have a free weekend. Family are split evenly with my little sister and myself supporting Wasps, and my older sister and dad supporting Sarries. Things can get a bit tense on Wasps vs Sarries game days...

[matelot22]

I'm Mike, I didn't get into union until I joined up. Being a Northerner, we played league at school and, to be honest it struck me as a bit of a stupid game, just repeat the same thing over until you score or hand over the ball....... So joined up, playing compulsory sport one week, it happened to be rugby. As I knew nothing I just got put on the wing, being pretty muscular for a teenager (I'd boxed for a few years already) I got put in the front row one week, and I loved it!! Once past the colt stage though, I wasn't really big enough to prop, so had a few games in the back row. Only played for a few years as I picked up a few nasty knee injuries off the pitch that threatened my naval career, so had to be careful, but I stupidly agreed to play a one off game down the Falklands about 8 or 9 years ago, boy did that hurt!! As my interest in playing the game grew, so did my interest in watching. First internationals (not a lot of club rugby on the box in those days) then as more club games started to be televised LBND was rising to prominence. As well as being a colossus on the field, I just loved his passion for the game, so Wasps drew me in (plus everyone seemed to support Bath or Tigers in those days). I enjoy reading DW and this forum as I'm not blessed with the analytical mind that many of the members are, my heart rules my head in most things, so I don't post a huge amount, but greatly enjoy reading the contributions of others.