Big Frank celebrates year in charge of Radcliffe Crew.

Early in the evening on Saturday 28 March, just as the sky darkened, several limos slipped into downtown Ruddington, cruised silently past the golf club and disgorged their passengers outside an unmarked building behind the clubhouse. At the top of steep stone steps blocking the entrance to a door partially concealed behind large barrels stood the shadowy figure of Razor Riche – ‘Enforcer’ of the MOB [Members of Bridgford]. Big Frank Noonan and his moll Pauline were making out with the Radcliffe made-men to celebrate Frank’s year at the helm with a night decreed by Frank to be in honour of his and the crews ladies. The location, a so called Speakeasy run by the well connected and former Capo [Captain] John ‘The Crusher’ Pownall, had been ‘gifted’ to Big Frank for the evening. Signs inside and out declared, ‘This establishment complies with the 1920 Prohibition Act’. The venue chosen for its discrete location on the fringe of the city boasts the lushest and most fertile greens in the county and it is rumoured that many have met their downfall at the infamous bunker approaching the 18th green! Male members and guests were body searched at the door by the Razor to see if they were packing and then moved swiftly into the dimly lit reception area where crew members, Smudge Smith, Dave ‘the Pen’ James and Wheels Osborne checked credentials and ‘looked over’ the ladies before passing them through to Bas Woodhead, Consigliere, to be presented to Big Frank and his moll wearing an eye-catching, body hugging dress that caught the attention of every male as he entered. Inside the brightly lit interior the tables were decked with flowers and candles flickered illuminating the diamond studs on the mens shirts and around the necks of the ladies, all were decked out in the finest fashions of the day. Big Frank and his Consigliere sported the largest and whitest spats whilst the John ‘the Neck’ Bassford, Assistant Consigliere, the widest of striped suits. Music was provided by the Teddy Fullick Quintet bussed in for the occasion. Their immutable style of jazz was easy on the ear and pleased all the guests who danced between the courses of the banquet laid on by the Boss. At the end of the meal Pauline addressed all assembled expressing her thanks for their support on this special occasion. She made reference to so called secret organisations and the comparisons that may be made. All found this highly amusing and responded enthusiastically under the watchful eye of Grand ‘Don’ Lawrenson representing the Capo dei capi, Robin ‘the Singer’ Wilson. Richard ‘the Voice’ Potts sang, as is traditional at these gatherings, the Flower Song and was presented by Pauline with a white rose for his efforts. A large contingent from the Bramcote Hill Mob, 8750 on the West Side, was present with a group of young flappers who enthusiastically danced to the Charleston whilst the men looked on! Radcliffe and Bramcote have become close and it is rumoured a natural evolution of this fellowship may be some joint business meetings between the South and West side crews. An incident approaching midnight which may have spoilt the evening was quickly and quietly resolved. Police Officers Hallam and Phillips who had infiltrated the event as members of the Bramcote Hill Mob tried to arrest Big Frank as they, mistakenly as it turned out, thought alcohol was on sale. Fortunately Don Lawrenson stepped in to mediate and made an offer that was not to be refused. The Police Officers shortly afterwards left the club with the Enforcer and were last seen heading in the direction of the exit by the 18th green. All in all the evening was a big success with many commenting how much they had enjoyed it and especially the gift of a silver necklace which was designed and made by Jessica who is ‘connected’ to the Noonan family firm.
Cars assembled and left in the early hours as quietly as they had arrived. Police who swooped on the premises the following day looking for their colleagues found no evidence of a club or any alcohol. It is understood the premises are utilised by the local community for meetings of elderly citizens and the less fortunate of society. A similar event is planned for next year but such is the nature of the organisation there is no guarantee Big Frank will preside. A notable absentee was a senior and former leader of the Fidelis crew who goes by the name of Fletchpetch - he was apparently out of the country for health reasons! However, he was represented by Papa Fletcher a much respected stand-up guy. It is rumoured that Fletchpetch has his eyes on the top job so Big Frank may find out a year is a very short time and he may well in the very near future be overseeing the installation of his successor in his stead. Graham ‘the Razor’ Riche Radcliffe Lodge 5313.