DAVID JEREMY DARCH 1947 – 2014

Club members and former players from the late 1960/70’s and early 1980’s era will be sad to have learned of the death of David Darch on 4 April.  David had been unwell for some time and passed away peacefully. 

David joined the club in 1965 after completing his schooling at Queens College, Taunton.  He was a back row forward and later surprisingly volunteered for front row duties where, without the usual necessary bulk, he always gave his all.  He was predominantly a member of our United XV and captained that side for two seasons in the early 1970’s but was always available for 1^st XV duty and made 75 appearances in the 1^st XV.  Despite living in Bristol for a while, David always returned to Albion for training and matches.  He was a dedicated player and contributed strongly to Albion’s fortunes in the days when fixtures lists extended to some 45/50 games. 

David undertook a variety of jobs – at one time he was a land/estate agent locally but finally ensconced himself in the family traditional business of chicken farming, operating a successful broiler unit at Fiddington for many years.  His parents Harold and Sheila (who survives) were also Albion’s stalwart supporters and brother Steve also turned out for the club before emigrating to Argentina. 

Albion club President Mike Berry who started playing for the club at the same time as David said “I well remember growing up in Albion teams with David Darch and we also used to journey down from Bristol for mid-week training when both working there in the early 1970’s.  He was a keen player and very adaptable and able to fill in at the club’s behest – a true club man.  After his playing days he also assisted the club in administrative duties and has kept in touch with us throughout, attending various reunions and other special match arrangements.  He will be sadly missed”

Category: Club News