MARION CHIDGEY-Life Member & Stalwart Ladies Committee Member

Emma Kemmish | 06/03/2026

Long-term members of Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Football Club will be saddened upon hearing that Marion Chidgey (nee Mounckton) passed away on 25 February at the age of 93. Marion has been connected with the club for over 65 years, since she joined the Ladies Committee whose initial role was to provide a post-match meal for the players- a sit-down version for the 1st XV & sandwiches for the United XV- later changed to a sit-down meal for all of our teams, including the Athletic &Colts XVs.Indeed, when I first joined the Colts in 1965, there was Marion & her happy band of helpers always supplying us with much-needed sustenance after our exertions on the field. Current players will be amused to learn that not only after match meals were the norm, but for our longer away trips, the ladies prepared sandwiches to be eaten en route- back in the 1960s that was a real treat. Marion took over the Chair of the Committee from Mary Bastable in 1964 & she & her loyal band continued their excellent service up until the club moved from the Taunton Road (Broadway) ground to its present location off Bath Road. Prior to this, Marion was honoured as a Life Member of the club in 1985.

As a young player, I was not aware of any behind-the-scenes romantic pursuit, but in the late 1960s the engagement & subsequent marriage between Marion & Roy Chidgey- a long-term player in all of our senior sides -was announced & took place. Roy ultimately took over the bar managership of the club, transforming between the old & new grounds & he was also elected a life member in 1991. He continued in that role until shortly before his death in the late 1990s.
Marion & Roy were a typical partnership which forms a strong backbone to sporting clubs – going about their particular business both individually & together for the benefit of several generations
of players, members & other supporters. We will never forget her(them).
Bridgwater & Albion sends its sincere condolences to members of Marion’s family with its gratitude for the sterling work she voluntarily gave to the club over so many years.
Marion’s funeral takes place at Sedgemoor Crematorium on Thursday 19 March at 1100- followed by a reception at Bar 27.
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