MRS, GERTRUDE HOWARD, NEE MYLON

Date of birth: 14th September, 1919.

Place of birth: Grenada.

Marital Status: Married (3 boys, 3 girls).

Education:  St. Theresa's, Grenada; An­glican School, Point Fortin

(night classes); Sincia College, Canada.

Hobbies: Netball, cricket, shooting and swimming.

Favorite food : Vegetarian.

Position played on court: Goal shoot and goal attack.

   The fourth of nine children (4 boys, 5 girls) born to parents Catherine and John Mylon, Gertrude began to play netball in Grenada in 1930 for St Theresa's. She went on to play for the Girl Guides and eventually for the Physical Culture Club that played netball against teams comprising boys.

In 1941 she married Elvin Howard and together they left their native land to reside in Trinidad. On arrival Elvin Howard began to work at the American Base situated in Chaguaramas while Gertrude Howard wojrked as a Sales Clerk at J. T. Johnson Store in Port of Spain.

They eventually went to Point Fortin where Elvin joined the Shell Oil Company. He later pur­chased property at No. 18 Street, Thesea Village, Point Fortin where they built their home.

In 1948 Gertrude started a sports group in the area. The Club held its meetings at the Thesea Village Community Centre. The group played both cricket and netball at the Seventh Day Adventist Church Ground. Out of this grew the Ebony Netball Team. Comprising such players as: Marjorie Patterson, Theodora Graham, Jean Me Dowel, Rose Clarke,DianaClarke,AnaticeaByron, Ruby George, Marjorie Melville. Helena George, Ivol Roberts and Agnes Charles, There were so many players at­tracted to the team that soon Ebony had to be divided into A, B and C teams.

In this sporting venture Gertrude Howard was ably assisted by Ivol Roberts, Charles Clarke, Michie Pierre, Mr. Coombs, Nurse King, Medford Collie and the late Mayor of Port of Spain, Edward Taylor.

Gertrude sought and obtained affiliation to the National Netball Association and from there she entered the team in the Port of Spain League. They also played against the Belrnont and Tacarigua Or­phanages, the Blue Dhalia team of Siparia and teams from Vessigny.

The years 1968/69 saw Gertrude Howard leav- Gertrude 'Tena' Howard, the founder and vet-ing Trinidad to pursue a Nursing Course at Sincia eran of Point Fortin netball has spent eighteen years College in Canada. She graduated as a Nursing ensuring its continuity. Today she says she would assistant in 1970. like to see netballers conduct themselves with

lady-like discipline.

In 1991 she left the profession to take care ofher husband who eventually passed away.