LOCAL CLUBS AND SOCIETIES LAMENT DEATH OF STALWART AND ESTEEMED MEMBER

Emma Kemmish | 10/10/2023

Bridgwater & Albion RFC joins other local clubs and Societies in mourning the death of Anthony (Tony) Pomeroy last Friday.

Tony was born in Treorchy, South Wales on 1 March 1942. Since coming to Bridgwater in the early 1960’s after teachers training at St Luke’s College, Exeter, Tony has played a full part in assisting the various clubs and organisations with whom he has been involved. He wholeheartedly threw himself into the local sporting and cultural community in the town and will be well-remembered throughout.

Tony taught at two Bridgwater secondary schools and particularly at Chilton Trinity for a considerable time up to his retirement – he taught music. Being a Welshman then rugby football was never far from his thoughts and he accordingly joined the then Old Morganians, playing variously at stand-off, centre or full-back (current Albion President Mike Berry recalls partnering Tony at half-back for the Old Boys during the 1964-65 season). When he retired from playing, Tony took up the whistle and joined the Somerset County Rugby Referees Society where he was prominent in establishing a very competent level of officiating, appearing at all the major rugby football outposts in the county and also on exchange. He became General Secretary of the Society between 1975/80; subsequently became an assessor and was conferred as an Honorary Life Member.

Tony then concentrated on his long-time Bridgwater & Albion attachment where he served as Secretary, Fixtures Secretary, Reporter and gave considerable guidance to the club with his long knowledge of the game and the Laws. He was also made a life member of the club following his retirement from his post.

Most sportsmen have a winter and summer game and in Tony’s case the latter was cricket where he initially assisted Wembdon CC but was very prominent in the Chilton Crickets XI – based upon teachers from the school and who appeared on the local circuit for many years, particularly in the Sully Cup. This game is also indebted to Tony’s longevity as he moved on to umpiring following retirement and actually appeared as such in the 2023 season for the Somerset leagues.

Enmore Park Golf Club was also the beneficiary of Tony’s sporting endeavours and support. He played there for many years and in recent seasons, was captain of the Seniors and was a very active and supportive member of the club.

Tony adapted his musical training and teaching to pursue a long association with Bridgwater Operative Society (BOS) whom he joined in 1965 to perform in Brigadoon. His late wife Sue also joined the Society and they often performed together and were involved in directing and producing many of the Society’s productions. The Society has grown in stature and quality over the years and both Tony and Sue were instrumental in the Society being recognised with many awards. Following Sue’s death in 2021, Tony took over as President of the Society.

Tony and Sue’s son David has also had a long association with Bridgwater & Albion particularly through the mini, junior and youth section where Tony’s grandson Ben developed his interest in the game. Tony was delighted when Ben decided to take up refereeing and he is progressing well through the whistling ranks. He is also a notable cricket performer with Middlezoy – again following in the footsteps.

Bridgwater & Albion and all other local organisations are indebted to the time, effort and skills which Tony Pomeroy has brought to our clubs and we all join in sending our sincere condolences to David and his family on this sad occasion.

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