BRIDGWATER & ALBION MOURNS LOSS OF LONG TIME SUPPORTER – ROBERT “BOB” ANTHON
Long-time Bridgwater & Albion supporters are mourning the sad loss of Robert “Bob” Anthony, who passed away on 12 May aged 79. Bob had been a supporter of the club over the last 60 years and, fortunately, was still able to enjoy some of our matches in the 2024/25 season. His lack of mobility meant that he missed the closing stages, but he would have been proud of Albion’s recovery this season.
Whilst Bob played rugby football at school, he did not continue afterwards. Instead, he became a supporter of the club and enjoyed his outings following the club both home and away with the likes of Roy Chidgey, Pout Newton, Jack Gilbert, Ray Sharman, Dave Tucker and Reg Sant. Bob enjoyed many away trips and particularly tours to Guernsey and Jersey.
When the club’s Veteran XV was founded, then Bob became the regular touch-judge but little did he know at the time that when the team was short, that he might be called upon to play, and that happened on several occasions. In accordance with his duties, he became known as “Flagging Anthony”. On a famous tour to St Helens and Wigan in 1984, Albion’s Veterans had been thrashed by St Helens on Saturday and spent a very enjoyable Saturday evening. On the Sunday at Wigan, the team were surprisingly 23-0 ahead at half-time and the instruction was to look after the game. This meant kicking the ball into touch with extreme regularity and unfortunately for Bob, on his side of the field was a deep ravine to an old brickyard into which he had to go to retrieve the ball on many occasions. He was certainly more tired than most of the players after the game. However, he still managed to display his cheery disposition and was ready for his next outing.
Bob’s late wife Jan was also a stalwart in the club’s Ladies Section and a regular attendee at the club.
Bob’s son Rob played in our Colts XV and also some games in our Athletic XV where he showed some promise. Rob often accompanied Bob to Albion’s home matches. Bob could always be found at the bottom end of the Albion clubhouse enjoying a few pints after the game with his long-term friends, including Frank Taylor, our long-serving centre.
The club will miss Bob’s enthusiasm and presence, and we send sincere condolences to Rob and his family on their sad loss.
Bob’s funeral will take place on Friday, 13 June, at Sedgemoor Crematorium at 11 am.
Scribe
Category: Club News
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