These days with the club shut and training suspended, few people meeting up and little news percolating, members may have missed the sad news of the death of Carrol Ker, wife of Mr President.

A supporter of Billingham teams since 1986 when sons, Martin and Christopher started playing, she has done her bit to represent the club over many years.

Well known as a local PE and history teacher she fought our corner in the gym block, sports halls and staff room of the Billingham Campus School. Many an argument ensued with the late John Still when it was suggested that Stockton rugby club were taking too many of our junior members. That argument was however, always settled amicably.

Although not as regular a supporter, Carrol still attended many of the home games over the last few seasons and in particular she enjoyed entertaining the RFU representatives at the England versus Scotland under 18 international held at Greenwood Road in 2019.

Despite not particularly enjoying the hurly-burly of post match celebrations, mainly because Mr President abandoned her to hobnob with the opposition, Carrol still managed to travel the length and breadth of Durham and Northumberland and even further afield to show her support for the club.

Unfortunately Carrol died shortly after Christmas having been ill for several months. The funeral will take place on Tuesday 19th of January with restricted numbers due to Covid.

The cortege will drive slowly along Greenwood Road past the rugby club from about 12:30pm approximately.

#OSIOS