It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Peter Richardson, who died on Friday 6th June while undergoing an operation for a partial leg amputation.

Though not a playing member of the club, Peter was very much a part of its heart and history, notably being mentioned in the club’s records back in the 1970’s. The then Old Sandbachians were based on Middlewich Road and had grown so much that the school were unable to accommodate the number of teams playing. Pete coming to the rescue hiring out a field at his Elm Tree Farm, opposite Elworth Cricket Club, for the princely sum of £5 a time. He then played a vital role as Match Secretary (pretty much equivalent to our modern-day groundsman team) in the early days following the move to Bradwall Road, holding the role from 1986 to 1989. Pete applying the care and precision you’d expect of a man rooted in farming. Not always, it must be said, to the delight of every player—some of whom held rather different views on the ideal length of grass!

Pete then moved on to be a General Committee Member at the club, where he was also one of Colin Drew’s many volunteer bar stewards, always happy to help behind the scenes and contribute to the club’s welcoming atmosphere. Beyond that, he was a key figure in the club’s social life, organising Ceilidh events at the farm and enthusiastically involved in club tours, and the shenanigans and camaraderie they brought. But as we all know, what goes on tour stays on tour!!

Peter and his family have had a long standing and valued association with the club, currently being carried on by his grandson Edwin who promises to be an excellent rugby player starting a scholarship at Sedbergh School in September.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Funeral to be held at St Leonard's Church, Warmingham, CW11 3QP, followed by a private burial at the farm.