The following is the citation for Paul (written by then club captain “Cheese”) and read at the AGM of ORFU on 24th July 2024 – although our Chairman Pete Bramley did embellish it somewhat on the night.
“Paul started reporting on Bicester RFC games back in the early 1990’s when Bicester were on the second year of their “Twickenham” journey and Paul had approached the club captain at the time and asked if he minded if he followed the team and did a match report for the club on the games. Of course the club said yes to him not really knowing that 34 years+ he would still be doing it!
His status as club legend was cemented when Bicester were drawn to Ongar RFC in Essex. We were so busy with sorting the team and coaches etc. we never really had a moment to think about Paul and as he had not been to an away game before he was not really on our radar. But, sure as sure, he turned up on the touchline in his usual raincoat and cap and with his notebook and proceeded to meticulously gather all the information from both teams and when I asked him who gave him a lift he replied that he didn’t want to put anyone out so he made his own way to the game via public transport! (Bus, train, and taxi). Not an easy journey even for a seasoned traveller, the legend was born!
From that moment come rain, snow, frost, and sunshine he has been a permanent fixture at 1st XV games home and away and also at some of the 2nd XV, colts, and Vixens games also. He soon took on the official title of press secretary and to this day he continues to work tirelessly to maintain his own very high standards. During his time Paul has probably missed less than half a dozen games.
Most, if not all of our regular opponents now know Paul and are always ready to welcome him to their club as they know he will always be fair and unbiased with his reports. His polite, and unassuming attitude mixed with a dogged determination to get it right is admired by so many. His reports are read far and wide by ex-players/supporters who have moved away, they always make mention of looking forward to reading them.
Paul also has a love of Port and so much so that Bicester now hold a “Port and Pie” evening where players are asked to provide a bottle of Port in Paul’s honour, which is, of course, mostly consumed by all on the night. He has of course been known to partake in a tipple on the said night, and if you ever call in at his home he will always be ready to share a glass or two and chat about games past, present and future.
To conclude…
Paul is one in a million, a staunch club man, fuelled by his love of the games and of course Bicester RUFC.”