It is with profound sadness we report the passing of former President Colin Silcock.

Colin joined the Club in the early 1980s and was quickly seconded onto the committee, if only to stop him wanting to play again! He took on the Secretary role and then swiftly assumed the Treasurer’s mantle. He was then the natural successor as President when, in 1984, he succeeded Douglas Gordon into the top job.

The Club went through a very difficult period and without Colin’s steadfast commercial astuteness and negotiating skills, the Club had been in real danger of disappearing. Colin guided as he always did so well, keeping a tight rein on spending; there was never any waste behind the bar when he was serving, as everything was recycled into the opposition ‘jug’.

Under his tenure, the Club soon began to flourish and as well as being an active figurehead of the club as President, it was all his selfless time spent behind the scenes, influencing on the club’s behalf where he was most effective, none more so than in the construction of our new Clubhouse in the early 2000s. We cannot overstate how instrumental Colin was in the transformation of the Club - through steering us from our drafty, leaky portacabins, to the superb facility so many in the club, and the community it serves, enjoy today.

Gregarious and immensely popular, he took his Presidential duties seriously, especially at the Annual Dinner where his after-dinner speeches were legendary. Such was his dedication to Clitheroe Rugby Club over nearly 40 years, making such a positive impact on so many people that, as he stepped down from being President, the club bestowed upon him the role of Honorary Life President.

Colin was a friend and confidant to countless players and members, a guiding hand for many a new Captain, a straight-talker and a genuine rugby man. As a strong family man Colin would talk with pride of his children’s achievements and our thoughts and prayers go out to Julia and the Silcock family at this difficult time.

Funeral details will be shared in due course