Roy Churchill

Prior to leaving Penarth and the O.P.'s on my travels to Australia in the early seventies, I was lucky enough to come to know Roy (and comtemporaries) at the old Penarthians for only some 4 to 5 years; I was, I suppose, somewhat naive and vulnerable as I had only recently left school and embarked on my chosen career. On joining any organisation I have found there to be usually one or two individuals to whom we look for advice and guidance and Roy turned out to be one of these shining lights. Roy's proven experience at the club both on and off the field along with his contemporaries made club life exciting and enjoyable and certainly for me very memorable. My time at the Old Boys turned out to be rather short but memories of Roy are still strong; I valued his honesty, availability, humour and dignity and have tried to replicate these tenets through my life. In Australia, you can't give a man a higher accolade than to say Roy! - "He was a bloody good bloke".
Ave Roy Churchill.

Among the most important constants in my over half a century as an exile from Penarth returning 'home' , has been the Old Penarthians’ club the chance to periodically renew acquaintances with many great people and lifelong friends, but above all, the presence of Roy Churchill in the left hand corner of the bar.
The notion that someone well known has become an institution is an idea that is often proposed. In the case of Roy Churchill that considerably understates his influence and impact. Yes, he was an institution and became recognised as a very significant contributor to the town, the club and Welsh rugby. But he was more than that, he was the original great bloke! He was everything a decent man, who wanted to make a contribution to his world, could and should aspire to be. To sum up Roy’s positive characteristics in a formal tribute would represent a daunting and futile task and one which he, of all people, would quickly reduce to a pompous and slightly ridiculous exercise, with his well -timed wit and natural humility. The years that follow will see many Churchill stories told and retold, as his legend will live on and that is exactly how it should be. However, for those of us of my era he functioned as a sort of kindly older brother and a role model for what it meant to be a club man, a rugby man, an Old Penarthian – but above all a decent honourable human being.
Indeed, from my own and personal perspective, he gave me a grounding in basic values at a time I was growing up to be a man and preparing to launch myself into the big wide world. I would recognise Roy Churchill as one of the major influences in my life. I am sure it was a role he would have filled for many and I hope he realised how much he was valued by those around him. To Joyce and the family there are many who will share your sorrow at this time but also many who will give thanks for sharing him with us and allowing us the privilege of knowing him.
John Saunders, Brisbane, Australia.

I was in the Old grammar school with Roy 70 years ago, the we played for the old Boys, then Roy as Presedent and me as councillor, worked together on many
issues of the Old Pen s Club. It was a privilage to have known and worked with Roy, for so many years, and listening to his distinctive voice at the Sevens Tournement, he was a true Pen s "Old boy" respected by all who knew him.
My thoughts and love are with Joyce and the family at this time.
Cllr A. Clive Williams MBE Plymouth Ward Penarth