Frome Collegians held a tribute last week to their co-founder, John Fuller – who died last year at the age of 90 – with the unveiling of a memorial board for ‘The John Fuller’ End at their pitch at the Old Showfield.
On behalf of the Collegians, Nicki Brook reports, “Chairman, Richard Hounsell, thanked all for attending and said that John Fuller had helped found Frome Collegians in 1975. John had been a great ambassador for the Club, who had up to his 90s, travelled with Frome Collegians First Team to all home and away fixtures. The Club was very sad to have lost their Co-Founder and John was greatly missed by all.
“President, Graham Clarke, who had known John through their footballing days with Somerset and Frome Collegians, regaled the attendees with stories.
“One of which was John being very excited in a low dug-out and needing medical care for head wounds each time he jumped up to celebrate a goal. As the final score was 4-0, John certainly would have had a headache that day.
“As well as co-founder, John was also the club physio and many past players remember how hard they were pummelled to recovery.
“John was well-known in the town for his contribution to sport, not only just at Frome Collegians, but at Frome Cricket Club, the Judo Club and the Boxing Club. In 2017 he was awarded Frome Times’ Person of the Year for his volunteering and contribution to sport in the town. Attendees included past and present committee members, managers and coaches and first team and reserve team players as well as a representative from Bridgwater College, Gary Smart from the Mid-Somerset League and Mells & Vobster FC, Nigel Daymond and Lee Seviour of Frome Town Utd and Nick Larder, chairman of the Cricket Club. Jane Norris who cared for John was also in attendance.
“The memorial board was unveiled by two first team players; Joe Upshall who is also the club’s treasurer and Ollie who is the youngest member of the squad.”
