As a boy Ken lived in Prudhoe, and attended the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Hexham, where he learned to play rugby football. He played scrum-half for the school teams in the mid-1950’s and for Tynedale RFC in school and then University holidays.

After graduating Ken taught mathematics at Northampton Grammar School (now Northampton School for Boys) and played rugby for the Old Northamptonian club. He then moved back to Prudhoe to teach mathematics at his old school in Hexham, and stayed there throughout his working life. During his time there the school moved, in 1965, from South Park in the east of the town to Whetstone Bridge in the west, and in 1976 changed its Grammar School status to become the Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham.

Like most scrum-halfs at that time, Ken had to be tough to withstand the close attention given by marauding wing-forwards and his bustling style was well suited to turning defence into attack. He had a long pass and was also a fine kicker from the hand. Kicks direct to touch were allowed then, from anywhere on the pitch, and teams relied on their scrum-half to gain territory in this way. Ken played many first team matches, and also second team games too, as he had fierce competition then from C.E.‘Kettle’ Thompson, Lawrence Toward and David Barker – all of whom played scrum-half around that time.

Ken was a terrific competitor, and a stalwart club man. After retiring he continued to support the club, and retained links with his many rugby friends. He was a regular attendee at Past Players’ lunches. A jovial companion. A great loss.

Funeral Arrangements

Wednesday 4th April at Prudhoe Methodist Church (opposite the Dr. Syntax)

(Obituary courtesy of Douglas Hamilton)