Colin may not have been well known by most rugby club members, but his efforts over many years had a dramatic and critical impact on Tynedale RFC’s finances, as he was one of the two founders of the Tynedale Park Beer Festival.

Colin was a Past President of Tynedale Lions Club and a member of Tyneside and Northumberland CAMRA. He was also a neighbour in Hexham of Andrew Deacon our late President, and they came up with the idea of organising a Beer Festival to raise funds for Lions club charities and Tynedale RFC. Colin knew about beers; Andrew was a marketing expert.

The first Festival, in 2002, was of modest size, and was held in the rugby clubhouse. The net profit was £3,000. Since then £1m has been raised, hugely benefitting numerous local charities and the rugby club, and giving enormous pleasure to the thousands who have attended the Festivals over the years.

Colin’s funeral service was held at Tynemouth Crematorium on Tuesday 9th January 2024. At this year’s Festival he will be remembered by a beer bearing his name and a banner displayed in the marquee. He will not then be another unseen hero.

D.F. HAMILTON