Fred was a passionate rugby man who loved the game and was a steadfast supporter of the Saints. A well-respected referee he exuded the true values and traditions of the game of rugby. When he hung up his whistle, Fred took on the role of assessor and coach to encourage others to officiate. Fred's knowledge of the game was second to none and his insightful views, always shared with quiet authority and a warm smile, gave a fresh perspective and often changed opinions.

Fred served in the RAF and travelled widely amd was stationed in Kenya and Scotland. He always played whenever he could, usually playing at lock but sometimes at Numer Eight because, using his own ever modest assessment, he could "run a bit"!

Fred took up whistle when he moved to Cornwall and was still refereeing well into his 70s. He still went to the gym three times a week to maintain his fitness.

Fred officially retired from officiating after the Ginge memorial game, the photo above shows Fred being applauded from the field after the game.

It will come as no surprise that Sid, Windy and Kellow all had the privilege of being sent off by Fred. He told me he always went and found the player after the game to explain his decision. It is a mark of how much he was loved and respetced that all three of them still speak very highly of Fred and what they learnt from him.

Whatever game Fred was assessing in the County, he always returned to his adopted second home at Tregorrick eager for news on how the Saints performed and what we thought of the referee!

Our sincere condolences to go Fred’s family and close friends, he will be greatly missed by everyone at St Austell RFC.

Fred's Funeral will be on Monday 11th March at 3.30 pm at Bodmin Crematorium then back to The Britannia Inn, Par to raise a glass to a great Gentleman of the game!