Death of Bill Watkins of the HSRFUR

We regret to announce that Bill Watkins of the Hertfordshire Referees Society passed away earlier this month. Bill probably had been the longest surviving member of the Society having joined in the mid-1960s. Alan Gibbs remembers him as a very pleasant person who enjoyed his refereeing in a relaxed manner.

When, in the mid-1980s, Bill retired from refereeing he became an assessor and he continued in that role until 2012. Anyone had the pleasure of Bill’s advice in this role will recall his great good humour and his very obvious love of the game.

However, it was off the field that Bill made his biggest contribution to the Society. He served as Treasurer 1979 – 84, after a short break re-joined the Committee in 1988 and was Grading Secretary from 1990 to 2000.

Bill was elected President of the Society in 1990, serving for two years, and in 2006 he was made a Life Vice-President. In addition, Bill was presented with the John Blanchard Trophy as Society Man of the Season for 2009-10.

Although little had been seen of Bill in recent years as he enjoyed a quiet retirement, he will be remembered with affection by members of the Society and the wider Hertfordshire rugby community.