Harry was a long term stalwart of the club. Having been at Purley School during the war he went from school to serve in his majesty's navy on minesweepers at the tail end of the war.
He started playing rugby at Old Purleians RFC on leaving the navy in 1946. He was 1st XV hooker for some years.
Harry was very involved in the acquisition of Parsons Pightle which was part of Admiral Goodenough's estate. Sadly, the freehold, which the club wanted to purchase was grabbed by the local council ( Coulsdon & Purley ) despite the Admiral's will clearly stating the ground should be used for sport. The building as we now know it was the old stable block and was converted by the hard work club members including Harry.
Harry was elected as president of the club and remained so for many years.
The Flower Pot Sevens was a memorable feature of this period when his side always had at least three international players.
After several years in the 1st XV Harry continued to play down the sides (five or six sides in those days) for a number years right up to his fifties. He remained a staunch supporter right up to his last days.
Harry had a very successful business career. After several years with the Norwich Union, during which time he recruited many from the club to work and play rugby he founded his own brokerage in South Croydon providing jobs for OPs. Following his retirement Doug Flower continued the family business until it was sold a couple of years ago.
He will be sadly missed and our thoughts will be for Denise, Doug and family.
The funeral will be on Wednesday 23rd November at Tunbridge Wells crematorium at 10.45 am. This will be followed by an after funeral get together at the Middle House Hotel, High Street, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6AB which serves Harry's favourite pint of Harvey's.