Brian was involved in a car accident on July 3rd and sadly he didn’t survive. As I understand it, it was no fault of Brian’s.
Whilst working for GPO in their underground cables division Brian started his rugby life playing for LTR (London Telecoms Region). He was also their chairman. On leaving GPO he moved into car sales before setting up his own very successful sand blasting business, Mobile Sand Blasting (MSB).
As he always had plenty work for them MSB proved beneficial to many an aspiring young rugby player who crossed Brian’s path. It was a great model that worked well for both parties.
Brian joined his beloved club, Tabard RFC, around 10 years after it was formed in 1951 and played at their original ground at Whitehorse Lane in London Colney.
However, it was when Tabard moved to their present home at Cobden Hill, Radlett, in 1962 that Brian started to truly embrace the club, both on and off the field, paving the way for the club’s future successes in the 1980’s & 1990’s.
Until a clubhouse was built in 1966 players would change in the local Radlett primary school nearby and I am sure Brian would have had a hand, somewhere along the line, in the new build, albeit he would only be in his mid-twenties.
He was club captain during season 1972-73 and took on the role of Chairman in 1973. He stood down in 1995, some 22 years later, leaving behind an outstanding legacy. However, Brian wasn’t done yet and he made a brief return as Chairman during season 1997-98.
He was legendary for his unique recruitment campaigning style in local pubs and other areas of the community. He introduced many an aspiring young footballer to rugby, many of whom now maintain it is the best thing that ever happened to them.
Brian was instrumental in the club maintaining National League status for nigh on 13 seasons having built strength and depth in a group of players within whom he imbued an absolute passion for Tabard Rugby Football Club.
His contribution to maintaining a welcoming, comfortable clubhouse and associated facilities was second to none and the same was true of how he cared for the club’s fine pitches, some of the best in the county.
He had a good run as an after-dinner speaker and was invited to address many a Hertfordshire club’s annual bash. Brian was a fine storyteller, but you didn’t really want to be the subject of his mirth.
Some may remember his services to Herts RFU when he carried out the role of Team Secretary from 1988 to 1991. His tenure was a great success, and he put his arms around the team in his usual passionate manner.
Brian’s funeral is on Wednesday, August 13th at 12:00 in Luton Vale Crematorium and afterwards at United Services, High Street, South Dunstable, Bedfordshire. See LINK below for further details.
