Members of the Past Players Association (PPA) presented Rod Crocker with a Bristol Blue Glass engraved rugby ball to mark his 25 years as the Association’s Chairman & Treasurer.

George Papworth, Chris Millard, Ian Thomas and Gerry Williams, representing the over 170 PPA members, visited Rod and his wife Sandra to make the presentation.

George Papworth, the Association’s Secretary, thanked Rod for his unstinting commitment to the Association for the 25 years since it was formed in 1994. The presentation was originally planned for the 25th Anniversary Luncheon in March 2020, which has been postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

In thanking Rod for his work on behalf of the PPA members, George Papworth said that the PPA would undoubtedly not be the successful Association that it is, had it not been for his tireless work. The PPA has kept contact with many past players, some of whom are overseas and delighted to receive news of what’s happening at the Club.

George summarised some of the events that Rod has organised, including pre match lunches, evening meals with partners, skittle matches, bowls matches, 10 & 20 year celebration luncheons, 45 newsletters, as well as visits to Taunton races and Somerset Cricket. These have all be well supported and enjoyed by the members. He has also produced a booklet of the history of the PPA to mark its 25th Anniversary.

Responding, Rod said that it has been a pleasure to serve as the Chairman. He thanked all the members for their support and for the presentation of the glass rugby ball and the bouquet of flowers for Sandra. Rod will be standing down at the next AGM to make way for younger members to take the Association forward.