Words by Ron Pringle, Beau Nash Antiques
Rugby has always played a central role in my professional and personal life. Having lived and worked in places like Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and Japan, one of the first things I’ve always done is join the local rugby club. These clubs have welcomed us as a family, helped us integrate, and provided a sense of strong community. Some of my best colleagues over the years have been ex-rugby players — people who understand leadership, resilience, and camaraderie, with a winning “can do” attitude. These traits translate seamlessly into the world of business, whether that’s silver and antiques or the local butchers – rugby unites us all!
As a Bath Rugby season-ticket holder for several decades, I sensed that this season was going to be a special one. So much so, we decided to close both our shops on Saturdays to follow the team, home and away. That super-fan commitment was rewarded in the most extraordinary way — with Bath winning the Gallagher Premiership title, but not before the European Challenge Cup and the Premiership Rugby Cup. As a patriotic Scot, I have to suggest that my fellow countryman Finn Russell singlehandedly set the heather on fire to clinch the cups; but, we all know our success was a true team effort by every member of the squad.
The victory itself was a huge achievement, but for me, the real magic happened afterwards. Tens of thousands of happy faces flooded the streets of Bath for the victory parade — I suspect more than any other event in the city’s history perhaps. The overwhelming turnout showed the rugby world just how deeply Bath Rugby is woven into the heart, soul and fabric of the city, covering every demographic, young and old, and providing exciting hope for even more future success.
Bath is rightly proud of its historic architecture, the Roman Baths, the connection to Jane Austen, and its majestic Bath Abbey; but for those of us who live here, rugby gives Bath something more: a unifying force, a purpose and a shared identity. Many cities boast historic attractions, but I can’t think of one that has a ground like The Rec at its heart. A ground that fills to capacity week in, week out, with like-minded supporters who eagerly await the next 80 minute instalment of excitement; all sandwiched between the crowded crescendo of a walk to get there and the inevitable pub stops on the way home. In these rather unsettling times, we all need a bit of cheer, fun and excitement in our lives; our boys in Blue, Black and White delivered that in huge portions last week. Congratulations to the whole team at Bath Rugby; you have done yourselves and the city proud.
PS…As any Scot will confirm, the Calcutta Cup is the true holy Grail of silverware (and I’m clearly well-versed in all things silver), but unfortunately we was robbed at the last outing.
Beau Nash Antiques – Antique Shop in Bath, 28 and 31 Brock St, BA1 2LN
beaunashbath.com; info@beaunashbath.com; www.antiquesilver.shop
07535137808 @beaunashbath