Unfortunately, the start of the New Year has brought some further sad news. Jim Turner, a Club legend sadly passed away on 7 January. Current President Ian Jackson said when breaking the news to the Executive Committee – “Jim was a Giant of Berwick Rugby Club and will be very sadly missed. Our condolences go to Ruth and all of the family members.”

It is difficult to put into words all that Jim has meant to Berwick Rugby Club. But as a start I think it is worth repeating the words used at the function to induct Jim into the Berwick Rugby Club Hall of Fame nearly ten years ago.

“In many ways Jim Turner is Berwick Rugby Club; and it is safe to say this beautiful game is embedded in his very being. Before coming to Berwick, Jim was capped by the British Army, gained a Rugby Blue at Cambridge, and played for two seasons for Leicester Tigers.

Jim became the Northumberland County President in 1993/4 where he performed his duties with his typical enthusiasm and dedication. He has also served two periods as President of the Berwick Club.

A founder member of the club, in 1968 he was elected on to the Executive Committee and has been on it ever since. Jim’s experience and advice have been integral to the development of the club. With his engineering background being instrumental in the building of the clubhouse as we know it today.

His vast reservoir of knowledge of rugby related matters and how to deal with any problem is always there for you. When Jim talks rugby, people listen.
Ever present at home and away games, the coach would always be full of his stories and songs. Going on that coach for your first away trip you would notice the large plastic lemonade bottles full of gin and tonic which seemed to pass between himself and many others with frequent, unbounded generosity.

His recital of the Latin Grace at the start of the Annual Club Dinner, which he organised for so many years, will always be remembered. As probably will his one and only speech at this function which seemed to go on for ever.”

My own personal memories of Jim cover all the time that I have been involved in Berwick Rugby Club, a mere 35 years, because Jim has always been present and just there. He was the very definition of a “supporter.” Always there, always willing to share an opinion, always turning up and always hoping the team would win.

Having got to spend some time with Jim over recent years I can fully endorse his generosity with the gin when I moved to the front of the bus. I had some great mentors in that regard in Jim, Ian Martin, and the late Sandy Reavley & Bruce Dodds. I then got to know him a bit more when I became his “eyes” in the commentary box so that his gravel voice could continue to be heard across the Scremerston pitch, which according to Jim is always “Sunny Scremerston.”

There are many wonderful things that I could say about Jim, but I will limit myself to three.
The first is that I am glad he and Bruce Dodds were able to sit in the Royal Box at Murrayfield when we won the Shield at the beginning of the decade. He watched the game with a heated seat and saw the lads come back to win and cheered as loudly as anyone for the win.

The second thing I will remember about Jim is that he was someone who enjoyed the journey just as much as the destination. He loved the bus trips looking at the world outside, laughing and sharing life with his “bus buddies.” He approached life in a similar fashion. He loved the journey and the memories he made along the way.

Lastly, I will remember Jim as an inspiration on being a volunteer and how a great volunteer like him can make a huge difference to his community. Jim was a fabulous Rotarian and gave as much to them as he did to the Club. The way he got so much from volunteering is an inspiration to many others too.

There are many at the Club who knew Jim better than me and over the coming few weeks there will be opportunities for them to share their memories. I would advise you to listen to those stories because Jim was unique in life and was truly a giant.

All rugby matches involving Berwick Teams this weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.

On behalf of all the Club we send our love and best wishes to Jim’s wife Ruth, and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss him terribly.

I close with the Grace that Jim spoke in Latin for many years at the Player’s Annual Dinner, translated into English, which he gave me many years ago when he passed the baton to me for organising it.

“The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord.
And though givest them their food in due season.
Thou openest thy hand,
And fillest every living thing with thy blessing.
Sanctify us, we beseech thee, O Lord, by thy word and our petition; and bless the gifts which of thy bounty we are about to receive, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.”