Ernie Duffett’s grandson visits Belgrave Hall

We are always delighted to hear from relatives and friends of Belgrave doyens, and they don't come much bigger than Ernie Duffett.

Bill Laws writes: The Duffett clan is having a family reunion in the UK this week to pay tribute to the life of Belgrave past President Ernie Duffett, who joined Belgrave in 1927, and became President in 1953 after a stellar career as one of the club’s leading middle distance men in the pre war years.

The get together required careful planning with family members from Florida and California re-uniting with UK family members and Dutch families who had befriended Ernie when he was officiating at the 1948 London Olympics.

Long time Belgrave friends Eric and Mavis Hall will be joining the party.The reunion was championed by Nigel Duffett, Ernie’s grandson who has lived in the USA for the last 21 years.

His first action after arriving at Gatwick was to visit Belgrave Hall which he last visited 30 years ago. He was greeted by President Carl Lawton and other Belgravians who presented him with Belgrave vests and a club tie.

Nigel is a lifelong Crystal Palace fan and planned to watch their [successful] last fixture of the season.

Alan Mead has completed a comprehensive tribute to Ernie which can be found on the website he has created on which he is recording the history of the club.

This classic shot of the '33-4 squad which hangs in the tearoom at the hall sees E.A.D as first name on the teamsheet!