This was WSR8, an event beginning with the arrival of the first guests during Thursday and Friday. It was the start of an enjoyable weekend, with quite a few saying this was the best Reunion yet.
Stephen Cresswell summed it up:
“Yet again another great weekend spent with good company and great people. I’ve made many new friends north of the border and I’m humbled to be made welcomed by them all; you have made a young man very happy. Thank you to Andra, Lilian, Billy and the whole Scottish crew for making this a true reflection on friendship and involving everyone. Congratulations to all those who received awards and the desire to keep the wrestling business going forward in future years.”
There was a special moment for Stephen on arrival in Ayr. He mentioned to Andy Bryden (Dale Storm), that he had been a fan of the 1970s tv series Budgie and would like to visit the nearby village where the character Charlie Endell (played by Iain Cuthbertson) had lived.
No problem!
Not only did Andy drive Stephen to the village, he knocked on a door and introduced Stephen to Iain Cuthbertson’s widow, with whom Stephen is photographed holding the shield that was in the background of scenes in Charlie Endell’s office.
Those requiring transfers from the railway station were picked up and taken to their hotel. In most cases this was the Premier Inn, Ayr, about one mile from the centre.
For each of the three official WRS events taxi transfers were provided each way free of charge. The first gathering was Friday night at Smith’s Pub and Restaurant with twenty in attendance.
Saturday was a rest day for many with a few travelling into Ayr and some further afield. New arrivals that day and everyone settled into the hotel. Bill Beaney and Karl Heinz had driven overnight from Kent, arriving around 8.00 am, just in time for breakfast.
Saturday evening was the big night out at Willie Wastle’s Sports Bar and Restaurant. It was a grand night out. Gernot Freiberger, who had travelled from Vienna for the Reunion, said, “I had a really great weekend in Ayr attending the 8th annual WRS. Meeting nice and even nicer persons. Thanks to all and especially to Andrew Bryden for his hospitality.”
Sunday was the main day with the Reunion itself held at the Peter Boyle Bowling Club. It was time for the Sunday arrivals. Earliest to start were the boys from the London, or a bit further out for Ken Sowden, who set out at 2.30 am, picking up Sanjay Bagga, Johnny Kidd and Lee Bamber on the way to the airport.
It was another early start for Colin Joynson, driving up from his home in Manchester. seen with Main Mask.
Andy Bryden opened the Reunion, followed shortly by the obituaries for the year, read by Colin Joynson. Following the group photograph, the buffet was served, another legendary part of the Scots Reunion provided by Andy’s wife, Lilian, and her small team of helpers.
Awards were presented with a full list of recipients in the Newsletter for 22nd September
More photos and report of the Awards ceremony in the Newsletter for 22nd September
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Wrestling Heritage 