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Tributes paid to St Neots RUFC founder Club Captain

Tributes paid to St Neots RUFC founder Club Captain

Paul Warmington5 Dec 2018 - 22:33
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https://www.stneotsrugbyclub.c

Peter Ellis's Memorial Service information

There was a Rugby Club formed in St. Neots in 1938 but when war broke out in 1939 it folded.

It was 1964 before interest was revived. In April a meeting of people interested was held at the New Inn [now the Coach House] under the chairmanship of Tom Curry the landlord. Peter Ellis a research chemist at W.R.Grace was one of the keenest. He was elected Captain.

I first saw Peter in September/October that year. I had dragged my wife to Shortsands to see a game. Peter made an impression straightaway. The next week I was playing for the Club.

The following year Peter stepped down as Captain and became Chairman. I became Team Secretary and rapidly discovered to tell Peter to meet for away games half an hour earlier than the other players! Rugby was deep in Peter's psyche. He was an excellent 2nd. Row forward who never took a backward step. Fierce but fair. Lifting in the lineout was not then allowed but you couldn't lift Peter anyway. His arms, elbows and knees were everywhere when he jumped.

Peter was a great Clubman. As Social Secretary he organised Club Dinners and Balls. He was also an excellent cook. As Club President he personally prepared the team meals after games. The standard rose.

One last story. We hosted Paris University Club. They arrived complete with their own Photographer, Guilbert. We all had doubts about him. He was billeted with Peter. That night at the function Peter arrived and loudly called out "Its all right, SHE's a fellow"

Peter will be missed.

David Christy

Peter's memorial service will be held on Tuesday 18th December 11:30 at St Marys Church, St Neots. The family have requested no flowers but people are invited to make a donation to cancer research. People are then invited to join the family at St Neots Rugby Club.

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