It is with great sadness that I record the recent passing of Wyn Jeffreys who was one of our longest-serving Vice Presidents. Wyn’s association with the club goes back over 60 years. He was one of many Welsh schoolmasters who made the journey across the Severn Bridge to Essex during the 1950’s – one of the “pilgrims to this foreign land” – and one who had an influential role in promoting the sport of rugby in the local area.

During his playing career, Wyn was a talented and formidable centre, who also played for the notable London Welsh club during his early days in Essex. After his playing days, he retained his close association with the club, along with his relationship with the Phyllosans.

Wyn had an infectious enthusiasm for the game along with all that it entailed. Many of the senior members will have memorable recollections of Wyn – tales of various away trips to internationals, along with post-match activities in the clubhouse where he became the designated choir-master. The musical reference to his “little pick and shovel” from the Welsh mining communities, along with the demise of that “chariot” back in 1993, will be fondly remembered.

He will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time.

Dai Davies.