You are here
Home > RugbyHeartland News > A Heartland Story : Bob Francis – A Story of My Town

A Heartland Story : Bob Francis – A Story of My Town

A Heartland Story

bobfrancis_

Bob Francis: A Story of My Town provides an insight into the social and political workings of “heartland” New Zealand.

By Gary Caffell RRP$40
ISBN 978-0-473-33803-9
Published 2015 by Lansdowne Books
Distributed by Hedleys Books
sales@hedleysbooks.co.nz

4

It is also a book about leadership and decision making in business, politics and sport.

The book follows the extraordinary career of Bob Francis, in two very different fields . . . local body politics and rugby refereeing. A true champion as Mayor of Masterton for 21 consecutive years, Francis was also arguably one of the best international rugby referees of his era.

The mayoralty was no joyride. Huge issues confronted Masterton, including the firebombing of police homes, family violence and abuse, the horrific Raymond Ratima murders, and the closure of Wairarapa’s biggest employer, the Waingawa freezing works. These were dark times indeed for the Wairarapa area. Candid observations of these issues by Francis and the positive community response makes for a truly compelling read.

For rugby lovers, this book gives an insider’s perspective of one the most memorable Ranfurly Shield matches of all time and a host of enthralling internationals at some of the great rugby grounds of the world.

Bob Francis was on the referees selection panel and he provides new insights into the World Cup referees appointments in two World Cups, including the 2007 World Cup when the All Blacks were controversially eliminated in the quarterfinals.

This is an engaging story written by journalist Gary Caffell in close association with Bob Francis.

It is as much a social history of Masterton and the Wairarapa over the past 50 years as it is a biography of one the region’s leading politicians, businessmen and sports people.

2

5 7

Bob Francis: A Story of My Town
By Gary Caffell RRP$40
ISBN 978-0-473-33803-9
Published 2015 by Lansdowne Books
Distributed by Hedleys Books
sales@hedleysbooks.co.nz
+64 6 3782875

 


fb_follow

rhladrr

Similar Articles

Top
RUGBY HEARTLAND