BARFC sadly announce two deaths…………

BRIDGWATER & ALBION SADLY ANNOUNCES THE ALMOST SIMULTANEOUS DEATHS OF TWO STALWARTS OF THE CLUB OVER RECENT YEARS WHO PROVIDED INFLUENCE IN THEIR OWN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS

JOHN IVOR (JACK) SMITH

17 July 1930 – 11 December 2016 – aged 86

Gentleman Jack Smith, who had been unwell for some time but nevertheless was still appearing at the club until recently weeks, sadly passed away at Musgrove Hospital on Sunday 11 December under the watchful eye of several former Dirtrackers – notably Clive Paisey and Jon Frost – he had been admitted last Wednesday.  Jack was a member of Bridgwater & Albion since 1950 when he joined as a player at the age of 20.  He played for the club in all three of our senior sides and later became the mainstay of our then Athletic (now Dirtrackers) XV – the third XV.  Jack’s relationship to that team is legend and he only gave up the role of Team Manager just over a season ago – having run the side since his retirement from playing in and around the late 1960’s.

Full details of Jack’s long-time involvement with the club will be placed on this website shortly.  Funeral arrangements are now being determined and will be announced.

ROY DOUGLAS VEARNCOMBE

DIED THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER AGED 90

Roy had also been a long-time member of the club and served on the club committee for several seasons – being instrumental in the committee which determined the move from the Broadway Ground to College Way in 1994.  He also served as Chairman of the club for a few seasons.  Originally an engineer by trade, Roy then became a newsagent on Bath Road – a business which he held for many years and which was a significant port of call for many British Cellophane employees also connected with the club on their way to and from work every day.  He is survived by his three daughters.

Funeral arrangements are also being made and will be announced.

Bridgwater & Albion offers its sincere condolences to the families and friends of both Jack and Roy.

Category: Club News