General News
12 May, 2022
Magpies pay tribute to Jan
CAMPERDOWN Football Netball Club (FNC) lost one of its most avid supporters in October 2020 with the passing of Jan Riches.
CAMPERDOWN Football Netball Club (FNC) lost one of its most avid supporters in October 2020 with the passing of Jan Riches.
Sadly, due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time, only limited numbers were able to attend Jan’s funeral.
The Camperdown FNC is now planning a special afternoon tea in Jan’s honour – to be held this weekend.
The event will provide an opportunity for people to share their fondest memories of the club’s number one netball supporter.
Jan’s involvement with the Magpies stemmed over seven decades, and her legacy will continue long into the future.
“Sadly Jan passed away during the height of the pandemic,” committee member and former netball co-ordinator Annette Hickey said.
“Now that restrictions have eased we are able to hold a more formal celebration of her life and recognise the contribution that she made over a long period of time,” Annette said.
“She truly was one of our most ardent supporters. Afternoon teas will never be quite as scrumptious at home games – and the netball court sidelines never quite as loud.”
It was while following the Magpies that Jan met her future husband Len.
They were married in 1959 and went on to have seven children; Michael, Anthony, Kathy, Paul, Chris, Simone and Stephen.
The Hampden League netball competition was born in 1987; fueling Jan’s passion for the game.
“Many people are familiar with how very vocal Jan was on the sidelines; in her eyes the Camperdown girls could do no wrong,”Annette said.
Daughters Kathy and Simone represented Camperdown in the club’s inaugural Hampden league team.
This unleashed what has been described as “the most passionate, adamant, dedicated, committed netball supporter any club could imagine”.
“Jan’s granddaughters and now a great granddaughter have all worn the Magpie dress over the years which made her extremely proud,” Annette said.
Jan regularly cleaned the girls’ changerooms since they were built in the mid-1990s and was always the first to decorate the rooms every time a team made the finals, regardless of age.
But her contributions extended so much further than the netball courts.
Her baking and cooking skills were renowned.
A constant in the kitchen, Jan was famous for her chocolate eclairs and matches, beautiful sponges and many other treats that were well appreciated by players, supporters, sponsors, officials and guests.
“Jan would often cook cakes and slices for the canteen for home games, as well as treats for afternoon teas and she was always the first to provide something delicious whenever the club catered for an event,” Annette said.
In 2014 Jan was humbled to receive life membership of the club, which was a true reflection of her involvement over seven decades.
“Her gentle nature will be greatly missed,” Annette said.
“There will no doubt be a chocolate éclair and cake (or several) adoring the tables at this Saturday’s afternoon tea in Jan’s honour.”
The event will be held during the half-time break of the senior football match, estimated to be at around 3pm.
All are welcome to attend.