Ilkley Rugby Club flag flies at half mast to signal the passing of two of our Patrons

David Holroyd was a regular attendee at ILKLEY’s home matches and one our longest standing Patrons. Having been a rugby player in his school days and early life, he retired to become a big supporter of the England rugby team along with many of his good pals. 

Like many of our Patrons, David attended a number of our pre-match lunches, and, like many, always gave generously to the raffles, bought his Christmas draw tickets and coughed up whenever one of our fundraising initiatives was seeking contributions. 

He also helped out on the gate and elsewhere when help was needed.

David was, until last year, a long time member of ILKLEY Golf Club and will be remembered affectionately by all his many friends at both the Rugby and the Golf club.

We send our sincere condolences to his wife Susan and all his family and friends.

RIP David.

Kelvin Newberry was a long time Patron of ILKLEY Rugby Club having arrived at the club when his son Matthew took up our great game in the ILKLEY Rugby Club Junior section.

Like father, like son, Matthew is a big lad and quickly became a key component of every age group through which he progressed until becoming a fixture in the second row of our 1st XV.

It was on the touchline on match days that most of us got to know Kelvin as we witnessed the ups and downs of ILKLEY’s league campaigns. He cheered with us and suffered with us, but we had a great time and some amazing successes.

Kelvin was proud as punch to see the equally successful progress of his grandsons; Finn as he now graduates into senior rugby and Will who becomes an ILKLEY colt next season and, of course, that Matthew is Chairman of the Age Grade (= Junior) section. 

Kelvin was a loyal and generous Patron and was great company and a calming influence on those of us who took the outcome of ILKLEY’s matches rather too seriously!

We send our sincere condolences to all Kelvin’s family and friends.

RIP Kelvin.