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Brian Fishwick Remembered
Stuart Bainbridge11 Feb 2014 - 21:25
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Blyth's match versus Darlington on the 8th. February provided an appropriate platform to remember a much missed club stalwart, Brian Fishwick.
Blyth's home game on Saturday was sponsored by Irene Fishwick in memory of her husband Brian who died last July. Brian had been a club member for over 30 years and was well known and respected not only within the club but throughout the Northumberland rugby community.He finished his playing days with Blyth in the 1980's and immediately took up refereeing. His enthusiasm and humour meant that he became a popular figure in the Referees' Society and all of the clubs he travelled to.
Brian did not allow his refereeing to stand in the way of working for the club and he joined the Executive Committee. His training and work as an accountant meant that he was soon 'volunteered' for the vital position of treasurer, a post in which he continued right up to his untimely death with a brain tumour last year. Brian's on-pitch commitment continued right up to his final illness as well, as he took up running the touch for the 1st.XV after hanging up his refereeing whistle.He continued in this role until his illness made it impossible.
Apart from being a natural 'gentleman' Brian did everything with great humour and enthusiasm which is the reason he was so highly regarded in the club. He has been sorely missed this season and I feel it will be a long time before he is forgotten.
As a lasting reminder of Brian Irene was asked to unveil a memorial seat outside the clubhouse before the match. The seat was designed and built by another great club member, Jimmy Norris. The seat is in the New England Adironack style, very fitting as this was the location of Brian's last holiday before his illness was confirmed. Irene was very touched by this and we must thank Jimmy for producing this great memento.
Finally, although Irene had virtually never watched a rugby match she braved the elements to watch a sterling performance by Blyth produce a first ever win over Darlington. She was delighted and so would Brian have been. Our thanks to Irene for her kind sponsorship, we hope she comes along more often if she can inspire performances like Saturday!
Brian did not allow his refereeing to stand in the way of working for the club and he joined the Executive Committee. His training and work as an accountant meant that he was soon 'volunteered' for the vital position of treasurer, a post in which he continued right up to his untimely death with a brain tumour last year. Brian's on-pitch commitment continued right up to his final illness as well, as he took up running the touch for the 1st.XV after hanging up his refereeing whistle.He continued in this role until his illness made it impossible.
Apart from being a natural 'gentleman' Brian did everything with great humour and enthusiasm which is the reason he was so highly regarded in the club. He has been sorely missed this season and I feel it will be a long time before he is forgotten.
As a lasting reminder of Brian Irene was asked to unveil a memorial seat outside the clubhouse before the match. The seat was designed and built by another great club member, Jimmy Norris. The seat is in the New England Adironack style, very fitting as this was the location of Brian's last holiday before his illness was confirmed. Irene was very touched by this and we must thank Jimmy for producing this great memento.
Finally, although Irene had virtually never watched a rugby match she braved the elements to watch a sterling performance by Blyth produce a first ever win over Darlington. She was delighted and so would Brian have been. Our thanks to Irene for her kind sponsorship, we hope she comes along more often if she can inspire performances like Saturday!
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