Parting gift from sporting ex-soldier

Former soldier and sports enthusiast Ray Bibby is pictured with Banbury United chairman Ronnie Johnson after handing over the funds before moving home back to Exeter.

A staff sergeant major by the time he left the army in 1976 after joining up as a 16-year-old boy soldier, the 80-year-old played in goal for the Army Far East (Hong Kong) side and the Army Middle East (Aden) team as well as Taunton Town in the Western League.

Before moving to Banbury in 1973, he also trialled with Bristol Rovers and Exeter City and in recent years has been a regular face at The Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium enjoying the club's resurgence on the pitch.

The sporting stalwart, who also managed CAD Kineton FC before leaving the army and is well known in table tennis circles having played for many years in the Banbury & District Table Tennis League, is still looking forward to seeing the Puritans in action again and being reunited with the many friends he has made at the club despite leaving Oxfordshire.

Pictured with Johnson before last Saturday's clash with Frome Town in the EVO-STIK League Southern's top flight, he said: “I've been really impressed by the progress of the club since the fan takeover and creation of the Community Benefit Society and as a sports enthusiast I decided to make a financial gesture as a parting gift as I return to my home town.

"I do though hope to see the team if any away games are near to home or if I make a return visit in the future. I wish Banbury United all the best in the coming years.”

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