Northampton Trinity Old Boys RFC RIP

Pete had recently passed away suddenly at home in Quinton and leaves his devastated daughters Maya and Lydie, 4 month old grandson Noah and the wider family. At the funeral his great friend and former Trinity player Robin Gee gave a brilliant eulogy in front of a packed church containing many Trinity Old Boys.

Pete was a wonderful kind gentleman as the many tributes received reflected, and was not just a Trinity stalwart but one who probably contributed as much as anybody to the on-going development of the Club. He will be much missed by us all.

I regret to inform you all that Andy Manning, known to many at the club as “Baggy”, passed away suddenly 3 weeks ago. Andy was in every way a larger than life character, playing as a very solid prop at Trinity from Colts to the Senior sides in the 1980s.

We have been informed that the celebration of his life will be held at 1pm on Friday 4th November at Nene Valley Crematorium, 305 Doddington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2NX.

The family has said the service is to reflect Andy’s love of life so the dress code will be “a splash of colour” or rugby colours for his fellow followers of the sport.

No flowers please but donations may be made to “The Samaritans” c/o the funeral director SE Wilkinson & Son, 30 Grove Road, Northampton NN1 3LQ

The service will be streamed for those unable to attend in person. Friends are invited to join the family after the service at The George in Brixworth

Rose & Ginger Bingham sent these team pictures in of TOB 1st XVs in the 1970s, but can you identify the years & everybody in them, prize for the first correct entry*

* see Hooter for terms and conditions

I am sorry to inform you that Richard “Dick” White, known to all at Trinity as Chalkie, passed away last week after a short illness after a serious heart attack. A fearless full back in his prime, known for covering up his shortage of hair with a bandana, a toothless grin and playing with absoluteley no regard for his (or anybody else’s) personal safety. He loved photography and was a great artist, as demonstated on this picture he did for Terry Pepperell (PS no idea who that is turning up late!).

His son Matt has informed me that his funeral will be held at Wellingborough crematorium at 12PM on Friday the 4th February. “In honour of Dad and his multi colour coat we wish for all attendees to wear an item of colourful clothing to celebrate his life”.

The service will be followed with the wake at Podington Cricket Club. We kindly request that any donations you may wish to give be made to the British Heart foundation”. Matt and family will be delighted if anybody from Chalkie’s old club can attend.

It was great to meet up with old Trinity player Simon Hunt yesterday, unfortunately it was during the “wake” of an Old Scouts player, who had played with and against both of our sons, who had tragically passed away suddenly far too young at only 27.

Simon only joined Trinity when he moved down south in 1989 but we spent a good hour sharing great memories of his time with us and him propping in that last league game vs Dunstablians. Like quite a few he then found a new home with Scouts while I settled at ONs. Coincidentally we both later coached our sons through the age groups, enjoying some great battles against each other (and of course a beer or three after). His son Jack later played for the England Deaf XV while Rory is an ONs 1^st XV regular full back/fly half (funny that!). If you’re ever in need of a big shed, Simon’s your man, see www.winvic.co.uk (not that we need sponsors for this site, but come to think of it!)

Simon sent me the programme below from the league game vs Stoneygate in October 1990, interesting read and good to see all the entrepreneurial club members and supporters as programme sponsors (not that I’m looking for any for this site of course!)

We also met up and chatted with Nick Soloman, who played on the wing in that last game. Simon showed us a blow-up picture of the 2 of them with Dave Maskell in the team shot from that day – then compared it side by side with another of the 3 when they recently met up – they have all obviously enjoyed a good life since 1991 and showed it! With many of us working from home these days Nick is your man for a big desk, see https://www.bluefishoffice.co.uk/ (not that we need sponsors for this site…….!)

Later we bumped into Bob Foster who joined us in the latter years from the Saints, as Bob told me at the behest of Jerry Sharpe. Small town that Northampton is, by coincidence his daughter Bea and my daughter Nicole are the best of friends having played together in the Northampton School for Boys Girls XV (what an oxymoron that is!), that I helped coach back in the Noughties!

Talking of old clubmates later this month, along with Pete Collyer, Chris Murphy and Robin Gee, I’m looking forward to meeting up with Musky. After his sojourn en France he and Sue are now exiled in North Lincolnshire so we’re meeting halfway in Rutland!

All this has starting me wondering if there is an appetite amongst you all for us to have a meet up later this year (when Boris allows) to celebrate the Club’s Diamond Jubilee and 30 years since our demise? It a shame that often we seem to meet up on sad occasions like funerals, wouldn’t it be great to have a more positive reason to share a drink or two?

Please leave a message on here or contact me direct (07540 704936) if you’d be interested in coming along, and perhaps being involved in organising and/or contacting old friends who may not have seen this blog.

If you’ve got this far thanks for reading and hopefully, I’ll see you some time soon.

Bish (the elder)

Hi I’m Bish Seymour, a Trinity rugby player for over 20 years. Nowhere could I find any details of the history of our Club so I decided to create this Blog to record our relatively short, but illustrious past. This Blog will share information, pictures & stories from the good times during the 30 years of the rugby club’s existence.

We prided ourselves that we played hard but attractive rugby, then partied hard afterwards! We were also a club that was open to all to socialise alongside in a safe environment, and that ladies were not only welcomed but played an important part of the club.

Over the years we had many great characters playing for the club, many sadly no longer with us, but they leave behind some legendary tales. Please get in touch with any feedback or to send in your own tales & experiences via the “how to Contact” page.