As reported in the March edition of Watford News, the Watford Netball League (WNL) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this June.
This month, Watford News spoke to Jennie Bevan, formerly known as Jennie Knight, who played in the league’s inaugural year in 1975. As captain of the Borehamwood Bees, a netball team made up of local mums, Jennie held a crucial role in one of the eight teams that formed the league’s first year.
She attributed her love of netball to Kath Worrell, who founded the league with her husband Brian and whose “enthusiasm could have got anyone believing in anything”. Kath sadly passed away in 2014.
Jennie said: “If it wasn’t for Kath, I don’t think my love of netball would have continued. I never played netball at school – I hated it. I would hide in the changing rooms. I can’t pinpoint what made Kath so effective; her smile was just contagious.
“Throughout my life, whenever I came back to Herts after being away, I would still go and see Kath. What a wonderful woman.”
Jennie turns 74 this year and remains a member of a netball club, though she thinks it’s unlikely she will play competitively again.
She added: “I’m glad I started playing. It was my life. Having coached competitively and worked with nine year olds too, it’s been a big part of my life.”
Jennie will be attending the WNL 50th Anniversary Tournament at Parmiter’s School on Saturday, June 7. She hopes any former teammates or friends who might recognise her name will get in touch with her on 07843 167128.
To find out more, head to www.watfordnl.co.uk
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