On the 31st December we sadly said farewell to another outstanding Brodleian; Jack Horner. Our former Club President, from 1979 to 83, but much more than that, someone who was synonymous with the Brods for decades.

A former Hipperholme Grammar pupil, Jack left school in December 1943 to join war effort. On his return, he recalled marking out the rugby pitch (using wood shavings back then) as one of his earliest contributions.

Jack and Barbara were married in 1953 and formed quite the 'Brodleian marriage' as the duo both provided so much for the club. Barbara, for forty years, was a key member of the Ladies Committee.

Jack went on to hold the positions of Club President, Secretary and Treasurer at different times and many tributes have been paid, in particular, for his management of the club’s finances during the difficult years prior to the building of the first clubhouse. He was also a member of the Selection Committee for thirty years, from the mid-fifties, becoming Chairman in succession to one of his older brothers Arnold (aka “Snip”).

Sons Roger, Chris and Richard have extend the Horner legacy further by leaving their mark through their time in the 1st XV and through their long-term support off the pitch.

From the “Bunch of Brodleians” book published to mark the club’s 75 anniversary, Jack said of the Brods; “We’ve had a wonderful time up there; not just the two of us, the whole family”.

The funeral will take place on Monday 22nd January and the family invites everyone who would like to attend, to Park Wood Crematorium from 10.15am or afterwards at the Brods from 12 noon.

RIP Jack and thank you for everything

Photo caption: President Jack Horner (far right) at the Brods Jubilee Dinner in 1980 alongside Tony Robertshaw (Brods Chair), Cliff Morgan (Ex-British Lion) and Oliver Grievson (YRFU President).