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Meet the President
Richard Noden9 Nov 2017 - 10:32
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Chris George takes up his new role
I was born in Rochdale in 1956 – a proud Lancastrian, and then moved to Bramhall aged 8 starting school the same day as Murray MacCallum (Captain Bob’s Dad!!) who had moved down from Glasgow. We became lifelong friends and I was best man at Murray and Rosie’s wedding many years later.
I started rugby at Bramhall Grammar School as a hooker and then openside flanker but played for Davenport RUFC 2nd team at the age of 15 and the 1st team at 17 in the centre. I played for 3 or 4 years at centre and full back for Davenport before moving to Wilmslow with another lifelong friend, Richard Beaton, at a time when they were 2nd to Sale in the Northern Merit Table.
I had some fantastic times playing for Wilmslow playing against Gosforth (when they had 12 internationals), Sale and several teams in South Wales.
A torn cruciate ligament playing against Otley put an end to rugby playing days at the age of 24. Notably the person who picked me up from Wythenshawe hospital all those years ago was Past President Nigel Day aka “Sniffer”. The three operations and enforced rest meant that I could concentrate on my studying, subsequently qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
Not being able to play rugby I found myself taking an interest in Powerboat Racing, and as a member of Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club I became British and European Mod VP Powerboat Champion in 1990 and 1991.
Other than a Vets tour to Prague and a few Vets games at the age of 45, rugby was limited to coaching mini and junior rugby from U7’s through to U18’s. I was fortunate to have some great players in my team, many of whom have gone on to play for Wilmslow senior sides (objective achieved) and some well beyond. The guys still come down to the club when they return home. Some notable names who played for my team – Ollie Wilkinson, Ollie Longmore, Mark Toole, Jamie Thomas, Nick Marsh, Hamish Watson, Max Crawford, Jordan Kennedy, Matthew Barltrop, Sam George, Alan Irwin, Harry Valentine, Arthur Goodfellow, Frazer Atkinson, Rory Stewart, George Hill, Rob Thompson and Robbie Boyle. We had several memorable tours to Ireland x3, France, Wales, culminating in a tour to South Africa at U16, making many friends along the way.
My youngest son, Zak played for the club at U6,U7 and captaining the U8’s before turning to the wrong shaped ball game last year. He still loves watching rugby at Wilmslow and comes down to the club most weeks.
I am very proud to be asked to be President of our fantastic club with a history and facilities that are the envy of most clubs. We play rugby here from the Mini’s through to the first team with a passion to win, which is not borne out of being paid to play but more about working hard for each other, winning or losing together and then having the craic together.
I will make every effort to continue the traditions of the club during my period of office with a particular focus on “One Club” from the Under 6’s through to the Vets, no matter which team you play for, coach or support. This will hopefully embrace the “family” aspect of the club, encouraging families to play, watch and socialise down at Pownall Park.
I started rugby at Bramhall Grammar School as a hooker and then openside flanker but played for Davenport RUFC 2nd team at the age of 15 and the 1st team at 17 in the centre. I played for 3 or 4 years at centre and full back for Davenport before moving to Wilmslow with another lifelong friend, Richard Beaton, at a time when they were 2nd to Sale in the Northern Merit Table.
I had some fantastic times playing for Wilmslow playing against Gosforth (when they had 12 internationals), Sale and several teams in South Wales.
A torn cruciate ligament playing against Otley put an end to rugby playing days at the age of 24. Notably the person who picked me up from Wythenshawe hospital all those years ago was Past President Nigel Day aka “Sniffer”. The three operations and enforced rest meant that I could concentrate on my studying, subsequently qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
Not being able to play rugby I found myself taking an interest in Powerboat Racing, and as a member of Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club I became British and European Mod VP Powerboat Champion in 1990 and 1991.
Other than a Vets tour to Prague and a few Vets games at the age of 45, rugby was limited to coaching mini and junior rugby from U7’s through to U18’s. I was fortunate to have some great players in my team, many of whom have gone on to play for Wilmslow senior sides (objective achieved) and some well beyond. The guys still come down to the club when they return home. Some notable names who played for my team – Ollie Wilkinson, Ollie Longmore, Mark Toole, Jamie Thomas, Nick Marsh, Hamish Watson, Max Crawford, Jordan Kennedy, Matthew Barltrop, Sam George, Alan Irwin, Harry Valentine, Arthur Goodfellow, Frazer Atkinson, Rory Stewart, George Hill, Rob Thompson and Robbie Boyle. We had several memorable tours to Ireland x3, France, Wales, culminating in a tour to South Africa at U16, making many friends along the way.
My youngest son, Zak played for the club at U6,U7 and captaining the U8’s before turning to the wrong shaped ball game last year. He still loves watching rugby at Wilmslow and comes down to the club most weeks.
I am very proud to be asked to be President of our fantastic club with a history and facilities that are the envy of most clubs. We play rugby here from the Mini’s through to the first team with a passion to win, which is not borne out of being paid to play but more about working hard for each other, winning or losing together and then having the craic together.
I will make every effort to continue the traditions of the club during my period of office with a particular focus on “One Club” from the Under 6’s through to the Vets, no matter which team you play for, coach or support. This will hopefully embrace the “family” aspect of the club, encouraging families to play, watch and socialise down at Pownall Park.
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