Long-time City fan seeks programmes

A Roman steeped in Bath City pedigree is looking to fill some gaps in his programme collection. Keri Hawkins, grandnephew of striker Bert Hawkins and son of former chairman Alan Hawkins, featured in the recent City v Hungerford programme recounting tales of 60’s cup runs and the Aqaue Sulis Incident – Fleetwood Mac at Twerton Park!

Hello fellow supporters – a request and some memories from Keri Hawkins

I was wondering if any of you can help me with the following items I am looking to buy.

• Bath City home and away programmes from season 1953/54
• Testimonials and tickets including Harry Liley – played 23^rd April 1956 (see picture of ticket)
• Semi-final and finals programmes and tickets
• Aquae Sulis incident brochure – see picture on loan from Dave Bliss
• Bath City book (mid 1960’s) – see picture of one page courtesy of Chris Stone
• Friendlies home and away plus tickets

I was born and lived in Bath and I think I was born with Bath City FC coursing through my veins. It goes back to before I was born as my grandfather’s brother, Bert Hawkins, played for Bath City in the 1920’s and by all account he was a prolific scorer. He appears to have stopped playing when he lost his wife in childbirth on Christmas Day.

My earliest memories are accompanying my dad (Alan Hawkins) to Twerton Park when he was treasurer of the Supporters Club and my grandad (Sid Hawkins) would be selling double chance tickets.

An early highlight was the FA Cup run of 1963/64. I remember going to Maidenhead then Wimbledon and catching the charter train from Oldfield Park Halt. I wasn’t able to go to the replay as it was played on a weekday afternoon as the club had no floodlights. That afternoon I was on school monitor duties at South Twerton and the Headmaster, Mr Fenton, came to the class to tell me we had won the replay.

Then came the game against Bolton Wanderers, oh so close to beating them! Ian McFarlane conceded a penalty in the last minute and up stepped Francis Lee to score. Inevitably we lost the replay.

Not long after this my dad joined the Board of Directors and later became Chairman. When he was away with the first team on a Saturday I had to stay at home in the morning and take the funeral bookings as he was registrar of Haycombe Crematorium at the time (Thanks Dad!!)

During his time on the Board he helped organise the Aquae Sulis Incident. What a great day that was with Fleetwood Mac topping the bill at Twerton Park but unfortunately it was a financial disaster. Also during my dad’s time on the Board he enlisted me and Dave Bliss to open a programme shop with initial stock provided by David Stacey (I am sure that older supporters will remember the name).

When my dad stepped down from the Board he became chief match day turnstile steward ably assisted amongst many by myself, my grandad and Dave Bliss. Work took me away from bath in the early 1970’s and further away in the 1980’s. My visits to Twerton Park have become fewer and fewer over the years, but my support never wanes. With the advent of the internet it is now much easier to keep in touch.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed some of my memories and hope that you will be able to help me in my quest. My email is kerihawkins@btinternet.com and my phone number is 01962 852047

Best wishes

Keri Hawkins