John’s school days were spent at Goole Grammar School where his presence as a sportsman was first recognised. To this day he held the school record for the Plunge, a task performed by diving into the swimming pool and holding his breath without a stroke-surface or die - the record distance he held being 59 ft 11 inches.

Whilst at school he had a Yorkshire trial as a no 8. He went on to play most of his rugby for Goole Grammar School Old Boys and actually scored one of his rare tries for Goole against Otley at Cross Green. Otley got its own back by misspelling his name as Anch rather than Finch in the programme.

He was club captain for Goole when they won the Yorkshire Cup in 1956, although he managed to miss the final through injury.

During his national service he played both rugby and cricket for his regiment in between his duties as a sniper.

He made his debut for Otley in 1962 against Kendal and scored another famous try with a charge down behind the opposition line (not as he told it a swerving run from the 25 as it was then). Sadly, injury cut his career short and he was sent off in his last game and having been given a one week ban he informed the authorities that he would not be serving it as he had retired. The ban probably still stands until this day!

He spent many years on the Otley Committee as both Sponsorship Convenor and Press man holding both offices at the same time. He travelled the length and breadth of the country, reporting on every game and his familiar flat hat and briefcase will be remembered at many rugby grounds. He also perfected the skill of directing the team bus to park next to the pitch on some grounds so that he could write his reports in the dry.

He was also a member of two choirs and honed his singing skills by travelling on the team bus and loved nothing better than to accompany the singing with his harmonica.

He was elected as an Honorary Life Member of Otley Rugby and was also an Honorary Life Member at Otley Golf Club where his name can be seen on the honours list.

His quiet wisdom and humour will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts go out to John’s two daughters Elizabeth and Jane, together with son James also to the rest of John’s family and friends.

Appreciation by Paul Jacques