Hundreds of members, players, supporters and other connections of Wellington Football Club turned out to remember the life of club stalwart, Selwyn Aspin. Defying the rain, around 600 people were present at the club. They came to take part, to watch and to support.
Youngsters from the club’s thriving youth section competed in penalty shoot-outs, followed by matches involving the ladies’ section and a team of ‘Legends’ – former players and managers – versus Sampford Blues Legends. In recognition of his long service to the club, a plaque naming the stand ‘The Selwyn Aspin Stand’ was unveiled by his widow, Amy.
Selwyn Aspin died suddenly in September aged 80. He was an active and committed member of the club for more than 30 years from 1969, as manager and later as Chairman until he retired from active club involvement in 2002. He was instrumental in the foundation of the youth section which played such a significant role in the evening’s commemoration. The long Aspin family history of involvement has included his sons, Graham and Stuart who both played for the club, as did his grandson, Craig. The family tradition is being maintained by Brooke, Selwyn’s great granddaughter, who plays for the Under 8’s.
The Aspin family – Graham and Stuart and their sister Jill Pearson, grandsons Craig and Daniel and great grandchildren Brooke and Evan and other members of the family – were all present. Graham presented medals to the winners of the penalty shoot-outs and captained the Wellington Legends’ team.
Proceeds from the evening, which included gate receipts and profits from the sale of food and drinks, will go, in part, to charities, one of which is Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity chosen by the Aspin family.
Graham spoke for the family when he expressed gratitude to more than 600 people who turned out to play and to support. Whilst it was not the easiest of nights for Selwyn’s widow, Amy, the expression of recognition and acknowledgement of his long commitment and valuable service from all those present was genuinely appreciated by her and the rest of the family. Selwyn Aspin’s name will not be forgotten.
Gill Paltridge
