A man who was a Swindon boys’ club leader and ‘father figure’ to many has turned 90.
Messages to Brian Bennett have flooded two Facebook groups from men who were supported and guided as young boys.
Brian was leader of the Walcot Boys’ Club from 1961 to 1974, and the Bristol 5 Boys’ Club from 1974 until retiring in 1995.
The clubs were part of the National Association of Boys Clubs for boys aged 11 to 18 to channel their energies into sports and constructive activities.
Malcolm King, who was a member of the Walcot club, says, “We used to have all sorts going on - football, table tennis, badminton, trips to the Lake District.
“He was a father-like figure. He put us on the straight and narrow and made us think things in a different way. We listened and respected him.”
Nephew Simon Bennett says he was offered an OBE or MBE for his services but refused it: “My uncle is a no-fuss person and refused it because he didn’t do it for self-gain. He said he did it for the kids.
“He was a military man. He came out of the RAF and then moved to Swindon to take on Walcott Boys’ Club.
“He was very good at guiding people into what they were good at.
“Some of the kids were in dire times and he was was a tower of strength and support, always there to help.
“I can remember a story that somebody needed to get to a job interview and they didn’t have the money to get there and he drove them there.
“He’s a brilliant man, a legend really. He’s still as sharp as a knife at 90 years old.
“Seeing all the memories on Facebook is mind blowing. They thank him for giving them guidance and for making them the people they are today.
“He had a massive influence on everybody and would give up all his time for the kids. He got enjoyment from seeing kids succeed.”
It was a newspaper article from the club’s 2009 reunion that put Simon in touch with some of the old members: “I came across Malcolm King in a newspaper clipping and sent a message to him thinking I wouldn’t get a reply and I did, and it blew up from there.
“My idea was to get as many birthday wishes as I could and put it all together for him to see.
“Brian’s wife printed out all the messages for him and he has read through them all.”
He also says everyone remembers Brian for his typewriter and always wearing a tweed suit: “He was famous for his typewriter. At the moment, he’s trying to get around to typing out a thank you letter to everyone.”
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