BRIDGWATER & ALBION SAYS SAD FAREWELL TO WELSHMAN TERRY SELF
BRIDGWATER & ALBION SAYS SAD FAREWELL TO WELSHMAN WHO THREW IN HIS LOT WITH THE CLUB ON ARRIVAL SOME 50 YEARS AGO
Those who have played for, supported and been officials of Bridgwater & Albion over the last 50 years will be sad to learn of the death between Christmas and New Year of Terry (TJW) Self.
Terry was born in Cardiff and like most Welshmen, was an avid follower of the game of rugby football. His own playing credentials beyond his school days were somewhat unknown but he was clearly well connected and went to school with Ian Robinson – a second-row from Cardiff who also played for Wales. Terry also professed some connection with Leicester Rugby where he had lived before progressing to Somerset. On arrival in Bridgwater, he did the honourable thing and joined the local club and my word – he threw himself into the life and soul of the club activity, serving the club in many different posts over the next 25 years. He first joined the general committee in 1974/5 and became a junior coach in 1975/6, moving on to be Mini Rugby Manager in 1978/9 when the club was fostering its Mini, Junior and Youth intentions. He advanced to Club Senior Coach in 1979/80 where he perhaps surprised himself and others with his training skills engendering an enthusiastic following and in particular, providing a lot of fun for the players involved. In the seasons that followed, he stepped down to assistant coach. Later, he became 1st Team Manager in 1988/9 and then became involved in the administration of the club as Assistant Secretary between 1989 and 1994. He was appointed Chairman of the club in 1991/2 and remained in that post until 1993/4 as well as being on the Finance sub-committee and Financial Advisor. He and his wife Christine were joint Hon Treasurers of the club in 1994/5 with Chris keeping the post until 1997/8. Terry became President of the club for the 1996/7 season, at the end of which Albion were promoted to the National Leagues for the first time.
Terry had an immense feel for the game and was extremely knowledgeable about it and its participants and his enthusiasm was second to none. Perhaps the most significant work he carried out for the club was his substantial involvement in preparing and paving the way for the club’s sale of the Broadway (Taunton Road) Ground and move to the present College Way premises – such negotiations taking place from the early 1990’s culminating in the club’s move to the current ground in early May 1994. He masterminded and chaired the special committee commissioned to determine the move and was highly commended for his work in producing facilities which at the time were second to none in West Country rugby football and indeed other sporting circles. That the club had money left over after resiting was also a significant feather in his and his committee’s caps. That stood the club in good stead for at least a few seasons.
After being involved in so many aspects and roles over a 25 year period, Terry stepped back from his various roles and sadly we have not seen much of him in recent years but no doubt he has kept an eye on progress through local press and other media. This club will certainly acknowledge his substantial contribution to the club’s fortunes, both on and off the field and in literal financial and status terms. Bridgwater & Albion sends its sincere condolences to Christine and Jamie and their family with thanks for Terry’s many years of significant involvement with many players indebted to his guidance in their younger years and for his ability in making playing the game and club life fun.
Terry’s funeral is to be held on Tuesday 28 January at St George’s Church, Wembdon at 1300 and thereafter at the Blake Hall. This will be an opportunity for the many players and officials who have been influenced by Terry’s beneficial actions for the club to pay their last respects.
Scribe
Terry Self’s funeral will be on Tuesday 28th January 1 pm at Wembdon church. The family would like a guard of honour from ex players Terry coached so if anyone is willing can you please let duncan.wardle@sky.com Duncan Wardle know please. Also they would like people to wear a red pocket handkerchief. Please pass this on to anyone else who knew Terry. Thanks
Category: Club News
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