Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club came into being in 1933, and had its
first gymnasium at the Brymer Rooms, a property owned by a Mr Clammer.
These premises were situated where the former Broadwey Motors site was,
and all the action in the gym took place where the petrol pumps were -
today it is a block of flats, the Brymer Rooms being situated just
across the road from the Sydney Hall, now the Asda car park.
The original membership of about 15 people included such names as Dai
Nelmes, Jim Stephens, Len (Donkey) Downton, Gunner Sly, Sam Hewlett, Bob
Dunn and Sid Marsh and the then Mayor Fred Morriss and his brother. They
all paid 1/- (5p) per week, but were regularly in trouble with the rent,
as falling behind with the subs was a regular occurrence. The Club
stumbled along until the War, when everyone went their different ways to
‘do their bit’
.
In 1946 when everyone returned to Weymouth, Dai Nelmes made arrangements
with the landlord of the Military Arms on the Nothe to use their Skittle
Alley as a gym, and the place was soon equipped with punch bags and
punch balls. This time, the club was on a more secure financial footing
as many local businessmen gave their backing to the club. These included
some old Weymouth names such as Wally Schonfield, Bill Docksey, Louis
Basso, George Symes, Harold Spring and Dr. Barnes. Along with the new
gym came new boxers such as Peter Siddons, John Docksey, Bob Kinder,
Michael Dunn and Brian Copp to name a few.
Dai Nelmes spent many hours training the squad, and Weymouth ABC soon
had a good team who boxed regularly against the Army from Bovington Camp
and the Royal Navy from Portland Naval Base. Boxing shows were held all
over town including the Old Bincleaves Hall, the Sydney Hall and the
dinner shows at what is now the Weymouth Pavillion Theatre.
In 1951 the Club moved to the present premises in Hardwick Street and
with the dedicated help of Dai and Beattie Nelmes, along with Wally and
Ethel Schonfield they managed to secure enough donations from local
businessmen to purchase the premises outright. Along with Mr Bollom, a
local solicitor and one of the original trustees, they set up a
charitable trust called the Foundation for Recreation. The trust are
still owners of the property. Over the years most of the original
trustees have passed on to be replaced by others, and although
charitable status does not bring a lot of financial benefits, it does
prevent anyone from selling the property, thus securing a permanent
headquarters for the Boxing Club.
Dai Nelmes remained a Trustee and Life President until he passed away in
2001, but in recent years the club’s continued success has been down to
the efforts of his two sons David and Gordon, who along with a dedicated
band of helpers and continued sponsorship from local businesses, have
put the club on a secure financial footing - a far cry from the 1/- a
week subs !
In 1997 under the leadership of David Nelmes and with the help of
Weymouth & Portland Council, the boxing club applied to the Lottery Fund
for a grant to improve the gymnasium, and were successful in receiving
£27,000. This money was spent on a complete refurbishment of 32a
Hardwick Street including new equipment, a heating system, showers and
toilets for lady members, as well as a medical room.
The Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club is now one of the best equipped in the
South and the envy of many who visit it.
