As most of you will know, Woody died on 6th March in Cheltenham General Hospital. He had suffered a stroke at home and unfortunately after 7 days in hospital in hospital, where over 30 plus visited his bedside, he did not pull through.
I had been with Woody’s brother, Derek and a few close friends of Woody’s been planning and arranging his funeral. It was a difficult and stressful time, not helped by the restrictions put upon us by the Government during the current crisis.
We had gone from a funeral at Bishops Cleeve church, expecting 200+ mourners, with the crematorium for close friends & family to the rugby club for the wake. Instead, Woody had a small funeral with 5 mourners on 8th April in the entrance to Cheltenham Crematorium. The Reverend Malcom Allen said a few words of comfort and we ensured Woody was not alone on his final journey.
These are drastic & unprecedented times, so when we have beaten this pandemic, we will hold a ‘Celebration of Woody’s Life’ at the rugby club, hopefully in September. The Reverend Malcom Allen will be present and will say a few words and I will say a eulogy before we scatter Woody’s ashes. I am expecting a massive turnout as Woody gave so much to so many.
RIP Woody, our friend – never forgotten.
**Woody has been a huge part of Cheltenham Rugby Club for a long time. He was a big Cheltenham Rugby fan and a big part of the Colts during the 80s & 90s. He was our club historian and many of the collages and pictures you see in the clubhouse are made and from Woody**