As well as two excellent home wins over Staines on the pitch for the 1XV and Club XV, Saturday also saw one of the most cherished dates in the Warlingham calendar return in style; our annual Golden Oldies lunch, writes organiser Mark Coughlan.

This year’s event welcomed an incredible 128 members of the Warlingham family, with past and present players, partners and long-standing supporters coming together to celebrate everything that makes the club what it is. Ages in the room ranged from those in their twenties right through to an impressive 87, a fitting reflection of the longevity and spirit of the club.

The hall was full of laughter, stories and the familiar sound of old teammates picking up exactly where they left off, whether that was last season or several decades ago. One table reunited former schoolmates from St Joseph’s, while another guest returned to the club for the first time in nearly 50 years - a powerful reminder that once you’ve been part of Warlingham, you’re always part of it.

Golden Oldies is more than just a reunion; it’s a celebration of the club’s heritage and community. Friends were remembered, stories retold (and no doubt embellished), and the shared pride in the club was clear throughout the day.

Off the pitch, that same community spirit translated into an outstanding fundraising effort. Thanks to the generosity of players, ex-players and our ever-supportive Friends of Warlingham, the event raised over £4,500 for the club. The auction proved a highlight once again, with a range of items including signed shirts, rugby memorabilia, books and a golf package going under the hammer. The now-famous Cardiff Arms Park bench drew particular attention, eventually selling for a remarkable £705 to Paul Price.

There was also a £10 note draw, won by Brenda Coghlan, who generously donated her £540 winnings to Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charity, a gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.

Adding an extra layer of nostalgia (and mischief) to proceedings was the return of former player Henri (affectionately known as Henri le Frog) who travelled over from Lyon to join the celebrations. A Warlingham player in the early 1990s, Henri threw himself back into club life with typical enthusiasm, even leading a spirited rendition of Sunshine Mountain. As Club President Derek Child, quoting previous Club President John Reeve, said: “The club will need at least another 30 years to recover before Henri returns again!”

Left: Henri (circled) in his heyday, Right: Henri in his second heyday warming up the night before Golden Oldies

Events like Golden Oldies don’t happen without a huge amount of work behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Lisa Coghlan, Sarah Cave, Gina Mattison, Bob and Darrell Yates, Treasurer Ruan Eilerd, and the bar and kitchen teams, whose efforts ensured the day ran seamlessly.

Above all, Golden Oldies stands as a reminder of what makes Warlingham RFC special - a club built on community, connection and lifelong friendships. And nowhere is that more evident than in the continued support of our Friends of Warlingham, whose contribution both on days like this and throughout the year plays a vital role in sustaining and growing the club.

Roll on next year.

Editor’s note: On behalf of everyone at Warlingham RFC, we extend our sincere thanks to Mark Coughlan for his outstanding work in organising this year’s Golden Oldies. Events of this scale and significance are a serious undertaking, and Mark’s dedication, along with the team around him, ensured a truly memorable day for the entire club community. The time, care and effort that goes into bringing generations of Warlingham together, while raising vital funds for the club, is hugely appreciated. Thank you, Mark, for continuing to uphold and strengthen one of the club’s most cherished traditions.

Golden Oldies photos: Matt Talboys