Three new life members: Dedication to Blue Boars celebrated at long lunch

Years of dedication to the Narrabri Rugby Club was celebrated with the surprise announcement of three life memberships at 60th anniversary celebrations on Sunday.

The Blue Boars faithful gathered at Dangar Park to commemorate the milestone in tremendous style with a long lunch while celebrating 60 years of success.

James Kahl, Amanda Fowler and Wayne Nott have all played a critical role in various aspects of the club across many years.

Each was individually announced as a life member recipient to rapturous applause by the large crowd seated at long tables on the playing field.

Kahl was celebrated as a major contributor to the Blue Boars both on and off the field.

“When you get a Kahl, you generally get the whole shebang,” Terry ‘Doc’ Orman said when announcing Kahl’s honour.

When Kahl started playing, his parents the late Paul and Jean Kahl became great supporters of the Blue Boars.

What started was a long association with the Kahl family which now spans multiple generations.

“He’s renowned for his contribution to his industry, his community plus he’s a fellow victim of the rugby disease. He’s got it worse than I have … I was never tempted to referee,” Orman said. “James, above all, is a contributor.”

Kahl was heavily involved at a committee level and continues to maintain a key interest in the club.

Responding to the presentation, Kahl said he had played with the Blue Boars in what was a wonderful era for the club.

Across 10 playing years, Kahl played in seven grand finals of which the Blue Boars won five.

“I just have a passion for rugby. And it’s true, I have a passion for Narrabri rugby,” Kahl said.

“I appreciate this. It’s an honour and I’m stunned.

Kahl encouraged the other Blue Boars faithful to get involved with the club.

“You’ll look back 50 years on and appreciate what you did.”

Well-known Blue Boars identity Robin Findley was next with the introductions, welcoming Amanda Fowler as a life member.

“She has helped me so much. Through my coaching era. She was secretary of the club when I was president,” Findley said.

Fowler has been involved with the Blue Boars through thick and thin and served a long tenure as secretary.

“What most people don’t understand about it, it’s not just the stuff you see,” Findley said.

“Time and time again there’s all that background stuff that you don’t understand.

“I couldn’t have done what I’ve done without her.”

Fowler described it as a special honour and said she was shocked.

“Because of the rugby club, I’ve always had a wonderful passion for rugby.

“It’s truly special. Thank you for making me part of it.”

Club president Mick Coffey made the final life member announcement for Wayne Nott, or ‘Notty’ as he is affectionately known to so many in the Blue Boars fraternity.

“While everyone likes to do the easy things, not many do the tasks that are arduous things which are non-negotiable to keep the club ticking,” Coffey said.

“Mowing the lawns, maintenance around the club, spraying weeds, marking fields, fixing water leaks, cleaning on Sundays, cooking the barbecue.

“As our club strapper and trainer, he’s put enough strapping tape on players over the years to go around the world.

“Bush rugby simply doesn’t survive without people giving up themselves selflessly.”

The announcement was met with instant applause and a standing ovation.

Nott responded with tears welling in his eyes and said it was humbling to join the club’s honour board.

“No past or present president or committee has once questioned what I do. Everyone’s has been very supportive.”

Nott also praised his family’s continued support.

“I couldn’t do it without my family.”