It is with much sadness that I have to inform you of recent deaths of no less than four of our Vice-Presidents, Brian Girling, Colin Budd, Stewart Duggan-Palmer and Tony Harris. Although many of you will not have known these gentlemen, I thought I would put together some brief notes, especially as they were all Vice-Presidents of the Club.

Brian Girling 25-04-1939 – 16-07-2018

Brian never played Rugby but was a huge fan and had taken his nephew to Twickenham to see England play Australia and, to the delight of all, England won. He was also extremely loyal to East Grinstead RFC, regularly attending pre-match lunches and very often supporting the first team away from home.

He graduated from St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge, with a Maths Degree and was considered a bit of a boffin by those close to him. He worked as a computer programmer and analyst and retired from Aviva in 1999.

This gave Brian a chance to take up golf, another great love in his life and he spent some time training up his nephews. For many years, Brian was treasurer of Holtye Golf Club and for the last three years, he was Chairman.

I know it is often said but Brian was a genuinely nice man, always smiling, always positive, he will be missed, especially by his regular lunch-time friends.
Colin Budd 09-09-1948 – 20-07-2018

Colin went to Nottingham University where he played both Rugby Union and Rugby League, apparently it was allowed in educational establishments.

After graduation he went into IT sales and subsequently worked for IBM for some 18 years. He took voluntary redundancy because, as he said, the deal was too good to turn down.
Colin and his wife Sue were both Francophiles, buying a holiday home in France and enjoying several glasses of his favourite French tipple. He also enjoyed eating out in France but after 22 years, ill health caused him to sell his cottage. He was a real family man and adored his two grandchildren.

Colin joined EGRFC in 2001 and became a Vice-President in 2014. He never played for East Grinstead but had played at Westcliff, Bob Russell’s old Club, although they never knew each other at that time, however, when we were in National 3, Colin and Bob would occasionally attend the games at Westcliff together.

Those of us who knew Colin well were aware of his long term chronic illness. He underwent many blood transfusions during the last decade and often joked that he was well past his sell-by-date. That was Colin, always strong, and positive with a wicked sense of humour. Finally, he succumbed to pneumonia and with failing kidneys, he passed away peacefully, in his sleep. He was 69 and a good friend to us all.

Stewart Duggan-Palmer 06-10-1946 – 03-08-2018

Stewart (Luigi) Duggan-Palmer joined East Grinstead from Streatham and Croydon in the late seventies and was an open-side flanker although he would often fit in at hooker if, and when, the occasion arose. He played first and second team Rugby for 2 or 3 years before hanging up his boots to concentrate on coaching. He became Club coach (Honorary) in 1980 and continued in the role for over 10 years.

He was instrumental in coaching the 1982/83 side that won the Sussex Cup for the first time. That side reached two further finals in the next 3 years, unfortunately, losing both.
It was during one of his team talks at half-time that Stewart acquired the nick-name Luigi. Apparently, during a heated rant, some wag said “hey, you sound like an Italian” and Luigi he became.

I know that many of his contemporaries will have fond memories of Stewart and I should like to quote one from Dave Harrison. Before a training session on a particularly rough night, Pete Wickenden, first team prop said, “short, sharp session tonight then Luigi?” Pete, like most props was not one for training. Stewart smiled, then simply chuckled. That’s how he’ll be remembered by all those who knew him.

Tony Harris

Tony played for EGRFC from mid 1960's until mid 1970's, but sadly suffered a double fracture in a game where he was playing on a pitch opposite Imberhorne School. After some years Tony started playing again and on his first game back fractured his leg. He then joined the administration team and held several positions on the Club committee.

Match Secretary 1979 - 1980
Fixture Secretary 1980 – 1987
Chairman 1987 – 1989

Tony was a good Chairman and one of whom I was privileged to serve under and it was through achieving this high office within the Club, that Tony was elected to the position of Honorary Vice-President.

During his time at East Grinstead Tony had many friends and he was Best Man at Bob and Rita Russell’s wedding.

After moving away from East Grinstead, Tony spent some time on the Sussex RFU committee but still retained his contact with EGRFC.

Tony had been suffering with Parkinson’s disease for a few years and passed away on 24th August 2018. Our thoughts are with Lou and his family.

His funeral is to take place at Worthing crematorium on Monday 17th September at 2.20pm.

Peter Reed
EGRFC Secretary