BRIAN EAST
1940 – 2022
Belsize Park RFC could be very unhappy to report the loss of life of Brian East, certainly one of its most revered and long-standing Members.
Brian joined the Membership in 1974 and his avowed enjoyment of Administration quickly led to his appointment as Secretary, a publish he continued to carry for over 10 years. He continued to serve on the Committee in varied roles till 2004 when he was promoted to Middlesex County Secretary and, in the end, he turned President of Middlesex RFU in 2010. He stays the one Member of humble Belsize Park RFC to have achieved such prominence in what continues to be the most important and strongest County Rugby aspect within the UK.
A vigorous and high-stepping Second/Again Row participant, he performed for any and all of the Belsize sides through the years together with his “Retirement Match” in 2004 which was popularised as “1000 Years of Belsize Park”, that being the mixed ages of all of the – very senior – gamers on the pitch ! Alongside together with his long-time pal and fellow Quantity 4/5, Keith Worth, the Second Row alone made up 120 years in that recreation and so they each managed to attain exceptional solo long-distance tries! In reality he nonetheless continued to make the occasional prove for the Vets together with a memorable scamper to mark his seventieth Birthday after ankle alternative surgical procedure !
He was a most valued social member of the Membership, tirelessly transporting gamers to each residence and away matches for a few years and remaining an everyday presence on the touchline even when he was Middlesex President and after his transfer out of London to Harpenden. His repertoire of post-match songs was famend for each its breadth and vulgarity !
He and his spouse Sue (who sadly handed away 3 years in the past) have been usually in loco parentis for the youthful Membership Members, washing, ironing and even mending package within the early days. He was additionally accountable for the idea of The Belsize Park Vice-Presidents Affiliation which was loosely modelled on an analogous physique at Uxbridge RFC, certainly one of his earlier Golf equipment. He attended each single VP Lunch over the ten years since its basis, solely lacking the final one earlier this 12 months due to his remaining sickness.
A real Gentleman on and off the sphere, his sage recommendation, good humour and countless help will likely be missed by everybody who had the privilege to have identified him.
From all of us at Belsize Park and the Rugby neighborhood, we ship our condolences to the East household.
There will likely be a service on sixth December at St Johns Church at 12.00 to have a good time and keep in mind Brian. This will likely be adopted by refreshments at Bennett’s Membership, 21 Leyton Rd, Harpenden Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU. No flowers please.
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