Ilkley Rugby Club mourns the passing of Pauline Brook.

Pauline Brook

1946-2024

Pauline became part of the fabric of ILKLEY Rugby Club, following her beloved husband Tony as he pursued an illustrious playing career with the club which started in the early sixties and ran through several decades either as a player or latterly as a Life Member, spectator/touchline critic, until he was taken from us too soon 12 years ago.

Whilst Tony was playing, Pauline and other players’ wives were cooking teas, washing kit, organising socials or generally being a part of the wonderful social scene at the club. 

Neither Tony nor Pauline were without an opinion especially about sport and neither were afraid of expressing those opinions. 

After Tony’s passing, Pauline also became a Life Member of the club.

Sport is what the Brook family most love and the two senior family members have passed on their considerable skills at cricket (their first love), rugby, tennis, badminton, golf and skiing (and away from sport, craftsmanship). Both were good at them all and either Tony or Pauline excelled at many.

They watched with pride as sons Richard, David and Nicholas all made their way into ILKLEY’s senior rugby teams and Tony managed at least a couple of games with all three boys.

However the family’s first sport was always cricket. Their home butts onto Burley in Wharfedale’s cricket field and was the go to venue for the family for everyday knock abouts, midweek practice, junior cricket and eventually the senior teams. Cricket was, and is, in the Brook family genes. It was here that Pauline was happiest during Tony’s life and, particularly after his passing, she became a volunteer extraordinaire and a generous host to her many friends who wiled away a Saturday afternoon at Burley in Wharfedale CC.

Pauline and Tony were grandparents to seven Grandchildren and Pauline derived much pleasure and pride chauffeuring them to and from practice and matches, be it cricket or tennis or indeed any other activity in which they were involved. Latterly Nicholas’ two girls, Alice and Georgia, have become representative standard players in netball and tennis. 

Who, in this area especially, will not have taken great pride in the achievements of David’s son Harry at Sedbergh school, in Club, County and now England cricket? 

Pauline became an honorary singing member of the Barmy Army!

Richard’s son Edward is a budding spin bowler and has already played in the senior club team at a very young age.

Once the tragedy of losing her husband so soon in life had been dealt with, Pauline was determined to maintain her social life with her many friends locally and afar.

She was a regular visitor to the rugby on match days and shared many a libation with her friends at Stacks Field. More recently she became a member of ILKLEY Bowling Club and was a frequent visitor along with her many mates. She was a regular and accomplished tennis player at ILKLEY Lawn Tennis Club. She enjoyed several ski trips each year, either with her family or with a varied and close group of friends.

One thing is for sure, Pauline will have nothing to come back for, though her passing at such an early age (76) will deny her witnessing the many more achievements and honours that are sure to be bestowed on her family. 

We’ll report back Pauline. 

Both you and Tony, stay out of any controversy! 

Take comfort in lives well lived.

Rest in Peace.