Drybrook Rugby Club

On Wednesday evening it was announced that Tom Ward had been recognised for his outstanding service to the club which includes 67 years’ service on the committee. At the county AGM, Tom was awarded the Gloucestershire award for exceptional service to the game of  Rugby Football.

Tom, now 82 years old, has been a member of the Drybrook RFC committee since 1947 – an incredible 67 years.

Tom comes from a well-known Drybrook RFC family and had six brothers who all played for the club.

Unfortunately Tom suffered a freak accident with a cricket ball when a young boy that not only damaged his leg, but a subsequent infection led to permanent mobility problems which meant he was never able to play the game himself.

At the age of 15 he joined the five strong Drybrook RFC committee.

The club who had headquarters at the local pub had very few helpers or resources back then and one of Tom’s first jobs was to carry buckets of hot water from a house across the road to help heat the bath as the pub only had one small stove at the time.

Since those early days Tom has remained loyal to the club and has not only witnessed first-hand the many changes and improvements but has been very active in most of them.

Among his roles at the club Tom has at various times been President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Membership Secretary, Chief Maintenance Man and Trustee.

He is a life member of Drybrook RFC and still turns up every week to empty the gaming machines.

His prowess as a plumber has been invaluable to the club and he has been instrumental in countless maintenance projects over the years, saving the club a great deal of money.

 Tom rarely misses a Drybrook 1st XV game, home or away, and has seen both his son Patrick and grandson Lee become captains of the club.

He has taken less of a hands on role of late but is still a member of the club committee where his extensive knowledge of everything related to the club, grounds and buildings is invaluable.