Lew Madley is a long time Bay supporter, former club President, and author of the only book ever written about the club - JBAA The First 100 Years. Today Lew is celebrating his 99th birthday.
I met Lew at one of the first games I ever attended at JBAA. I was new to rugby and had just started dating John (our current President). Heading into the busy clubhouse, post-game, can be overwhelming when you don’t know a single soul. As I was casting my eyes about wondering where to go and who to talk to, I spied an older gentlemen, stylishly leaning on his cane, and we struck up a conversation. That kindly man was Lew. I gladly listened as Lew regaled me with tales of the old days and the club’s history. He helped me through an awkward moment, and I’ll never forget our meeting.
The First 100 Years
Lew wrote a history about the club
Since then, I’ve learned that Lew has been a fixture at most games and events, enjoying his Saturday afternoons watching the games and the post-game camaraderie in the clubhouse. I’m certain this year has been difficult for Lew as he has not been able to get out and about due to the Covid 19 restrictions. As Lew nears his centenary birthday, we want to send him our warmest regards.
If you haven’t seen or talked to Lew in a while, pick up the phone and give him a call, I’m sure he would like to tell you a story. Or two.
We can thank Lew for writing his own biography and for those of you that don’t know much about him, here are some excerpts about Lou from Lou’s book:
Born in Cardiff, Wales, in November, 1921, he was educated at Grangetown School and Cardiff Technical College. Following schooling he was apprenticed at the Mount Stuard Dry Docks, Cardiff. In November, 1940, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was called to active service in March 1941. Following a training period he was posted to 225 squadron, Army Cooperation Command, R.A.F. with whom he served until demobilisation in December, 1945. During those years he took part in the invasion landings in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and France. In addition to Britain he also saw service in Corsica and Austria.
Returning to civilian life following the war he eventually emigrated to Vancouver, Canada, in March of 1952.
Of his sports background:
The son of an all-round sportsman who was a marathon runner, rugby, soccer, basketball, water polo player, and in later life, lawn bowler, of considerable note. Lewis Madley took to sports early in his school days and was active in boxing, soccer, rugby, baseball, and cricket until being injured in a rugby game, playing for a Royal Air Force representative rugby team against the South African Army Engineers in 1945.
His affiliation with JBAA:
Transferred to Victoria in 1967, Lew rekindled his interest in sport as a spectator of rugby and soccer games at MacDonald Park in James Bay, and became actively involved with JBAA in the early 1970’s. Serving as secretary of the club in the late 1970’s he became President in 1980. Since that time he was elected Director, and is currently (sic) also serving as a member of the Executive Committee of the club.
We can’t wait for this pandemic to be over so that we can celebrate in person.
Happy Birthday Lou!