This is not an easy post to write this week good people. Most of you will have now heard the tragic news about Chris ‘Billy’ Partridge who died suddenly on Saturday 29th September doing something he loved; playing in a veteran’s rugby game at Woodrush RFC. He will be sorely missed by his 3 beloved children, William, Charlotte and Emma and his partner Jackie along with everyone who knew him and was involved in his life.

A private  service will be held for his family at the crematorium which will be followed by a Memorial Service and celebration of his life at Painswick RFC, Broadham Fields, Stroud Road, Painswick, Stroud, GL6 6RS at 12.30 on Tuesday, 15th November 2016.

Donations in his memory will be shared to support the development of youth sport at the clubs he used to play for (Barnt Green, Woodrush, Painswick and Frocester). Please make any contributions via Fred Stevens, further details will follow and will be put on the web site when available.

Much of Billy’s time recently was spent on the new pavilion for which he was a major driving force and he project managed the whole thing. The completion of this will be a fitting and permanent memorial to such a lovely man.

Onto the pavilion and only today (Thursday) the roof was lifted into place and it is hard to believe how much has been completed in a relatively short space of time. It was only 2 months ago we were all at the old Shack stripping out everything for the imminent knockdown a day or so later.  That’s only 2 months ago, it is fantastic.

Once again I am indebted to Ali Bray or ‘Doors’ as Billy always called him for taking the photographs. More will follow over the weekend and I will send out a new post with more pictures on very soon.

Time now to reflect on the good times spent on and around the cricket fields of Gloucestershire and beyond with Billy and how we will all miss him. Rest in peace Bill.