WELLINGTON Rugby Club is mourning the loss of stalwart member and committee man Chris ‘Bodmin’ Bullock.

Chris, 76, affectionately known to all as Bodmin, died on New Year’s Eve after a short illness.

A club statement issued by coach Allyn Chetland said: “He had been a hard-working member of WRFC for many years and was also an enthusiastic bowler at the next door bowling club.

“Chris was initially tempted to the ‘glamour of committee life’ by Keith Colman, who he assisted with the sponsorship and advertising for many years. Chris then took this role on wholly, a few years ago, just before Keith’s death, and was well known to the many businesses around town which support WRFC.

“Chris also enjoyed the lighter side of committee work by way of the banter gained from gate duty at his favoured clubhouse door entrance and revelled in running the after-match raffle, especially as it offered the opportunity to crack a few jokes on the mic.

“Chris was renowned for his humour and repertoire of jokes and one liners, and would usually draw at least the slightest of smiles from most. He very rarely missed a Chiefs’ away game and if he was on the team bus on the way home was always willing to provide a 20-minute comedy act to augment the levity of the homeward journey!

“It was therefore fitting that, just before Christmas, members and friends, led by the players, paid their respects and bid their farewells by singing carols outside Chris’s house. He thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and tribute.

“Rest In Peace Bodmin, you’ll be sorely missed. A life well lived.

“Wellington RFC extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to Chris’s family and friends.”

In their tribute the bowling club said: “Bodmin, as he was known to all at the club, was an active member on the ground in the outdoor season, playing in friendlies and during the winter played in league matches on the indoor rink.

“During the first lockdown he came up with a joke a day which the membership secretary circulated to members. This helped to keep up everyone’s spirits during a difficult time. He would also help with building work at the club.

“When at the club he always had a joke and handed out sweets. He will be sadly missed by members at Wellington Bowling Club.”