IAN joined the committee as Team Secretary in the 1974/75 season when I was chairman and Chris Champion was captain.

His was a busy job with the club fielding four regular sides, an occasional fifth side and playing 127 games.

It was also the club’s 50th anniversary year. How extraordinary it was 50 years later, with enthusiasm undiminished, he remained a key figure when the club celebrated its centenary year.

Every now and again life throws up a man or woman who is both much-loved and highly respected.

Ian was one such man and what a perfect ambassador he was.

Persistent illness in later years never seemed to rob him of his commitment – no-one could have been better suited to be a club president than Ian.

His warmth, wisdom and energy have been an inspiration to us all. What a man he was.