Extracts from Kathleen Kennedy's converstions with Basil Nesbit at the the Richmond Lions Banquet,Feb 2009

The True and Amazing Saga of Basil's Boot While most of us are vaguely aware that the Basil's Boot Award is not some ready-made trinket, mass produced in China and sold in cheesy strip mall trophy shops, many have no idea about the true illustrious history of...the Boot. Basil's Boot has been around longer than most of the members of the Club. It was purchased by Basil Nesbit in 1954 in Livingston in Northern Rhodesia. Basil's Boot, along with it's mate, is the battle scarred veteran of 60 to 70 matches played in Rhodesia and the United States. It has also logged infinite yardage carrying Basil up and down the pitch as he officiated countless matches. Basil's Boot is a shoe manufactured by Patrick over 55 years ago and was something of an innovation in it's day because it was a "low cut". Prior to this time most rugby boots were cut higher lacing up above the ankle to enhance support. The "cutting edge fashion" of Basil's boots created a little stir at one of his matches in Livingston. The coach of the South African Rugby National Team, Donny Craven, was on a lecture tour in Rhodesia and attended a match between Livingston and Broken Hill. Basil was playing for Livingston and sporting his new low cut boots. Craven spotted the unconventional footwear and went over to Basil and struck up a conversation about the comfort, safety and performance of his boots. Basil's team members noticed the great man so specializing on their teammate and were impressed. When Basil rejoined his team the players wanted to know what he and Craven had discussed for so long. Basil told them that he had been invited to play for South Africa and all because Craven was so impressed with his boots. He had them going for awhile. When Basil came to the U.S., his rugby gear, including the boots of course, made the trip with him (oh, yes...he also brought Elsie and Michelle). The boots saw much action as Basil wore them while officiating at many games. Rugby mate Fred Fagin is the one who thought up the idea of immortalizing Basil's boots - now timeworn venerable relics of service to the game. With Elsie's assistance Basil's boots were.sneaked out of the house and into the hands of Fred Fagin. Soon the boots were cooking in molten bronze, every crease, ding and rip frozen in time forever. Basil's Boot was initially awarded in 1967 at the First Annual Club Banquet at the Richmond Raquet Club organized by Bob Porter of Porter Cup fame. The other bronzed boot was presented to Basil. There is no record about HOW Basil initially responded to the unauthorized "decommissioning" of his well broken in boots. Then, as now however, Basil's Boot represents unusual dedication and service to the Club both on and off the field - a fitting tribute to all into whose possession the Boot comes.

A Less Noble Bit of History - The Goof Pot Award - As Told by Basil Nesbit Prior to the beautifully mounted heavy guage stainless steel bedpan that is bestowed now as the Goof Pot Award, the annual recipient was handed a garden variety chamber pot. The bed pan used now for the current award was acquired (stolen) from MCV Hospital by Tom Rose, mounted and presented for the first time as the Goof Pot Award in 1983. As Basil pointed out, unlike OUR award, bed pans are no longer semi-objets d'art crafted from fine stainless steel, but cheap plastic disposables. The recipient of this award should display it with pride as a rare example of bygone craftsmanship - no matter WHAT his wife says.