This year’s Former DK Penzer Street Players Reunion took place at Swindon Road last Wednesday afternoon 15th April 2026.
Attendees totalled 19 in number inclusive of club President Ken Crane and club Photographer Ian Jackson. As per previous get-togethers, Ken delivered an overview of this season’s performance on and off the field of play including matters concerning management appointments and related issues in readiness for next year’s season, all was informative and much appreciated. Ian once again circulated with his camara and has provided us with memorable photographs which can be viewed by clicking on the following Link:
Dudley Kingswinford RFC (Penzer Street Reunion photos)
The afternoons buffet was provided by Emma Baker Catering and as with previous reunions the selection on offer was plentiful, fresh and very tasteful, a big thank you to Emma and her staff.
Tony Vernon inviting former team-mates and friends to join him at the bar to celebrate his 90th birthday
Tony Vernon, DK's nonagenarian 2026
Also, many thanks to club Administration and Events staff Nicki Moore and Abby Croyden for their support and assistance ensuring that the reunion ran smoothly and efficiently.
The afternoons event was enhanced by a certain Tony Vernon. It just so happened that Tony’s 90th birthday coincided with Wednesday’s reunion and by way of celebrating his birthday with his old DK team-mates and friends, drinks and beverages across the bar were provided courtesy of Tony; Tony’s generous gesture was gratefully received and much appreciated by all.
Tony, seeking employment in the teaching profession, moved from the city of Chester to Kingswinford in the late 1950s having accepted an appointment at Penzer Street Secondary School working alongside an old stalwart of the club namely Cliff Davey and it was Cliff who introduced Tony to the oval ball game of rugby. Tony joined DK in 1960 playing for the 1st XV as a Wing-threequarter, he was speedy and tenacious with a safe pair of hands. In 1962 he represented the club at the Oxford and Loughborough Sevens and in later seasons played for the 3rd XV. Out-of-season Tony played for DK Cricket Club (established in 1962) and was subsequently elected to serve on the management committee for a number of seasons prior to his retirement from the game.
A staunch and loyal supporter of the club Tony maintains contact with his former teammates and friends as well as attending the annual Penzer Street Re-union at Swindon Road, long may it continue.
Bob McMaster
