banner ad

LOCAL CLUBS MOURN DEATH OF MINE HOST ALAN GIBBS

| 10/05/2019

Former players and supporters of both Bridgwater & Albion and North Petherton Rugby Football Clubs are mourning the death of Alan Gibbs who passed away on 1 May.

Alan played for Bridgwater & Albion through the 1950’s. He was a versatile player mainly appearing in the front row but also well capable of producing some good performances in the back row. He was instrumental in rebuilding Bridgwater & Albion’s sides after the Second World War and was a contemporary of other Albion notables such as HR (Bert) Bastable, DL (Dave) Hodge, Bill Raymond, Jack Gregory, Walter Gluck and Alan Date. In the backs at that time then Gordon Barrett, DT Williams, Jim Baker and Leon Guerrero excited the Taunton Road faithful.

Alan remained in contact with both clubs after his playing days and often accompanied Bridgwater & Albion on their annual end of season Cornish tour where his brown battered suitcase was certainly a feature of the luggage compartment. A whole-hearted player and fine man – he contributed well to rugby football fortunes in the area for many years.

Alan will have been delighted that three of his nephews – Ian Vickery, Clive Williams and Keith Williams all played for both Bridgwater & Albion and North Petherton.

After retiring from rugby football, Alan and his wife Evelyn were mine hosts at the Thatchers at Moorland for many years where many former players made frequent visits to enjoy the excellent hospitality.

A great stalwart of the game and life – he will be sadly missed.

Scribe
May 2019

Tags: ,

Category: Club News

Comments are closed.