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Albion Herald Election of Two New Life Members

| 01/08/2016

At the Annual General Meeting of Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club Limited held on 28 July members approved the election of Richard Francis Bell and Robert John Payne as life members. A brief profile of their history of connections with the Club and worthiness is now set out below:-

 

Richard Francis Bell

Richard joined the Colts from school in 1960 at the age of 15 but in the following year he made his 1st XV debut age 16 and continued to be a pillar and mainstay of the side until his retirement in 1981. He went on to compile 559 1st XV appearances – second in the all time Bridgwater and Albion list. He also played in the United, Athletic and Veterans XV’s as selected.

Richard first became Club Captain in 1970/71 and was reappointed again in 1974/75 and for the important centenary season of the Club in 1975/76.

Richard started his career as a leaping second row – well before the days of organised lifting – relying upon his own momentum to secure the ball for his side. For a big man he showed considerable athleticism but was always first to claim that any deflection from any part of his body on his teams side meant that he had won the ball no matter about the quality which sometimes left his half backs somewhat perplexed. Later in his career Richard turned to the front row and became a very competent prop. Unbeknown to most people he was also an occasional goal kicker and in one match against Penarth scored 5 penalties to give Albion the victory.

After his retirement from playing Richard served on the Committee in various positions and became President of the Club between 1997 and 1999. Since then he has continued to support the Club and will always be found taking up his familiar position undercover beneath the stand and immediately adjacent to the tunnel.

Richard has been a well respected player, opponent, Club man and has always conducted himself with considerable dignity and long may that continue in his life membership.

 

Robert John Payne

Robert (Bob) joined the Club in 1964 from Morganians and immediately made his 1st XV debut. In those days he was a fleeting wing and later also appeared at fullback and in the centre. He continued his 1st XV career up until 1975 but also appeared in our United and Athletic XV’s. In 1977 he also founded the Veterans XV.

Soon after joining Albion Bob went to Durham University seeking a mature degree and there he played in the University’s UAU Championship winning side and brought that side down to Albion for a match. He adopted a rather peculiar kicking style which meant some unco-ordination between foot and ball but seemed to get away with it. Perhaps there was one blot on Bob’s career in that he defected to Taunton but only for 1 ½ seasons and he saw sense and came back. Bob became Club Coach in the late 1970’s at a time when fun was the essence of the game and he contributed wholeheartedly to this both on and off the field. He still maintains a sense of enjoyment which is infectious and creates a great spirit.
In later years he has been instrumental in “The Friends” of B&ARFC – all great supporters of the Club. In particular Bob’s organisation of the twice yearly lunch before one of our 1st XV matches is very popular to all concerned. He has also taken up the role as occasional announcer when our teams are at home.

Another long serving member who has contributed considerable to the Club’s wellbeing over many years and who will no doubt make sure that he is to the forefront of activities in the future.

Albion’s President Mike Berry in making the awards referred to the fact that he was largely a contemporary of both Richard and Bob and that in his early days he had been well looked after and guided by them both on and off the field – he did not state whether that was a good thing or otherwise! However he paid tribute to their longevity in Club terms not only from the playing point of view but in their continued support and in particular interest in Bridgwater & Albion. Their life memberships were well earned and he hoped that both would continue to support Albion’s on and off field efforts for many years to come.

Category: Club News

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