Bill Berridge (1947 – 2023)

Club Legend at both Linlithgow and Kesteven Rugby Clubs

Many of you will have already heard the sad news that Bill Berridge, one of the founder members of Linlithgow Rugby Club and Club member and supporter for nearly 53 years, passed away on Tuesday. Our thoughts go out to his wife Sheena and wider family at this sad time. His brother John will advise us of funeral arrangements in due course.

Bill was the Club’s first ever Honorary Secretary and was instrumental in setting up the Club’s constitution, which was based on that of Hawick RFC. Bill’s roots were from Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders and his love of rugby was nurtured in that cradle of the game.

The family had moved to Linlithgow and with his father, Tom, at the helm as the Club’s first President, Bill laid down the foundations of the Club and established the early fixtures – the first ever being against another newly formed Club, Currie RFC, on Saturday 21 November 1970. Bill played in that game, but he was to go on to be better known as a referee, both in his time in Linlithgow and later at Kesteven RFC in Grantham.

When business took him and his wife Sheena south to Lincolnshire in 1990, he continued his passion for the game at Kesteven RFC, where he was Honorary Secretary for over 25 years.

Here are some of the tributes to Bill:

My beloved big brother Bill Berridge passed away this afternoon (Tuesday) after a few weeks of ill health. I will let people know about funeral arrangements once I have found out what his and Sheena’s wishes are.

Dr John Berridge

As many of you know – our club lost one of its greatest legends yesterday – Bill Berridge. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Sheena and his family – our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. 

Everyone that met Bill will have felt his love and passion for Kesteven RFC. There aren’t enough words to describe what Bill has done for our club. He is part of its very foundations. He dedicated his life to rugby (and trains!) and since moving to the area has been the Black Army’s greatest volunteer and supporter, championing the games core values at every opportunity and truly living and breathing them on and off the pitch.

Although his values will continue to thrive in those he instilled them in, our rugby club has a very large Bill sized hole in it, one which will never be filled. 

RIP Bill. We will miss you enormously.

Kesteven Rugby Club

Good Afternoon,

You may have already heard the sad news, but I am writing to advise that unfortunately Bill Berridge passed away yesterday afternoon.

Bill always spoke very highly of your rugby club and was very proud to be part of it, as he was our own club. He will be a big loss to Kesteven RFC as I am sure he will be to you. I will write to let you know of funeral arrangements when this is confirmed so you can pass on to any of your members that may wish to attend his funeral.

Thanks,

Gavin Purvis
Secretary, Kesteven Rugby

Linlithgow Rugby Club reply:

Good afternoon Gavin,

Sad news – Bill was a founder member of our Club back in 1970 and was instrumental in shaping the Club, our constitution and driving us forward in the early years. 

I only came to the Club in 1991, after Bill had moved south, and only met him on a few occasions. It was great to see him at our delayed 50th dinner celebration event in 2022.

My last contact with Bill was to congratulate him and all at Kesteven when Ollie Chessum was capped for England. 

Bill was a key member and supporter of both our Clubs and will be a sad loss to us all. However his work lives on in both Clubs and in their on-going successes.

Thanks for your email and best wishes to all at Kesteven RFC.

Ken Richardson
Secretary, Linlithgow Rugby Club

Bill was simply one of the good guys.

Amongst so much other great work he did at Linlithgow was to regularly referee down the teams which meant that teams such as the Thirds and Peelers would be able to have a game with a proper ref.

Bill will be much missed. 

Best

Mike Wheatley