Page 24 - Brecon v Pontypridd

RFC BRE
RECON R
C BRECO
CON RFC
BRECON
ON RFC B
ECON RF
C BRE
PHIL HOGGARTH
It is with great sadness that we, at Brecon RFC, must record the passing of one
our longest serving members.
Phil’s direct involvement with the Club goes back to January 1953, when as a
seventeen-year-old he first played for the senior team. The Club had been re-formed
after the war in 1948 with W H Clement, later WRU Secretary, as the Club Captain.
In those days, apart from a few Officers and small committee, the Club was run by the
players. Playing for the Club meant that you were also committed to doing a lot of the
background work, including arranging pitches, changing facilities and hosting visiting
teams. Phil quickly established himself as a player and valued organiser. He was twice
elected Captain during the Seasons 1959/60 and 1962/63.
Following his retirement in 1965, I believe, right up to the present day, he continued
to work for the Club as a volunteer, a committee member, sponsorship secretary, and
in recent times an avid supporter. In that role he attended as many matches, including
those away from home, as his mobility would allow.
He may no longer have worn a Brecon playing shirt but underneath he was Brecon
RFC through and through. He enjoyed the matches, camaraderie and the banter,
particularly with his group of friends whom he shared Breakfast at the Rich Way Café
and occupied the window table in the bar after each match.
Phil, you will be sorely missed, by your family, your friends and everyone involved
with Brecon RFC. To Sarah, Jane and families, those who are with us today and those
who couldn’t join us, we offer our deepest sympathy.
To Phil, a final goodbye and a huge thank you – your legacy lives on at the heart
of the club.
BRECON RFC.