A SHORT HISTORY OF WEYMOUTH AMATEUR BOXING CLUB

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.