Bundy, Mike – Teacher who lived for sport

Mike Bundy (1928-2008)

MICHAEL Davies Bundy who was born at Trelewis, Glamorgan, became a major influence on many a Grantham youngster’s sporting ambitions.
He attended Trelewis Junior School, followed by Lewis School, Pengam.

Mr Bundy started his involvement in sport at the age of eight, playing football for his school team. He went on to play for Birmingham City A team and reserves and Wolverhampton Wanderers A team and reserves. He turned down the opportunity to become a professional footballer with Wolverhampton, because he would earn more as a teacher. He did his teacher training at Saltley College, Birmingham, followed by National Service in the Army, mainly in Egypt and Palestine.

During this time he played for the Army XI and then for Merthyr Town, Grantham Town and later teams in the Grantham League, finishing with Ropsley.
He began his teaching career at Grantham County Secondary School in 1950 as head of boys’ PE. In 1957 he became head of boys’ PE at St Wulfram’s Secondary School, a position he held until his retirement in July 1988. From 1972 until 1988 he was also a head of year.
He became involved in the Grantham and District Schools’ Sports Association in 1951, where he held various positions including football secretary and Town boys’ team manager. He was general secretary for 22 years and was made a life member.

He represented Grantham Schools on the Lincolnshire Schools’ Sports Federation from 1951 to 1988 where he held various positions including football secretary, athletics team manager and chairman. He was made a life member in 1980 and continued his work with the federation until his death.
After injuries put an end to his football playing career he became more involved in athletics, becoming a qualified coach and field event official. He had coached in club and school athletics for over 50 years and was still active until his illness.
From 1966 to 2000 he officiated at all levels of competition, judging at many national and international events, including World Student Games, European Junior Championships, European Cup Finals and World Cup Finals.

In 1965 he became a member of the Lincolnshire Athletic Association committee of which he was chairman for 20 years.
He represented Lincolnshire on North of England AA committees from 1974 and from 1976 to 1991 represented the North of England on the Women’s Amateur Athletic Association national committee.
In 1998 he received the North of England AA Merit Award for services to athletics. In the same year he was presented with the Lincolnshire County Council Award of Merit for outstanding contribution to the community in the field of sport.
On retiring from teaching he was able to spend more time helping Grantham Athletic Club and was instrumental in its reformation in 1974. He has been the club president and chairman since 1988.

He was a member of Grantham Indoor Bowling Club and Probus 88. He was president of Probus 88 in 1991.

He was supported throughout by his wife Joyce.