It must be 10 years now since as an unsuspecting Dad I agreed to hold a tackle-bag. Apart from the roles listed above Peter Bailey ‘volunteered’ me to represent the Club at County SERCDP meetings. I would have made a fine ambassador apart from having a complete blank about what ‘SERDCDP’ actually stood for.

2. Besides Rugby which is clearly a passion, do you have any other Hobbies or interest?

You don’t really want to hear about the matchbox collection.

3. If you could change anything about the Club, what would it be and why?

It would have to be the ownership of our own ground. While the Club continues to occupy council land under a licence it affects practically every piece of planning.

4. What is your favourite Book and why does that stand out from others?

A difficult one but it would probably be ‘Lord of the Rings’. It wasn’t just the story and characters which were excellent in its own right but it was the whole universe that gave Middle-Earth its depth and believability. I don’t know of another work of fiction that created a whole system of languages, races, folklore and culture just to be a back-drop to a story.

5. Who is your favourite Rugby Player past or present and what makes the player so special?

I started playing rugby at the time of the successful ’71 and ’74 Lions tours so every member of those touring parties is special. If I had to pick out a single player it would have to the late Mervyn Davies who I had the privilege to see playing at Swansea in the mid 70s. Not only a great athlete he showed fantastic anticipation on the pitch that marked him apart.

6. Having been a coach and Junior Chairman for a number of years, what makes you continue and what do you enjoy regards to Coaching?

I have a great fondness for the Club and its members and have had many great times here which makes me want to give something back. In addition no-one else seems to put their hand up at AGM time!

As to the coaching, the biggest thrill is helping players who maybe are not natural athletes or ball-players (rather like myself) who realise the role they have in the team and how they can contribute to its success. It’s that ‘lightbulb’ moment.

7. Name your favourite place in Eastbourne and why?

Any place that commands a view of the town. The combination of sea and Downs makes Eastbourne a unique and special place.

8. If you won the lottery what would be your first purchase?

Mrs C and I would probably stumble down to the Lamb Inn where the second thing I would buy would be a contemplative pint of the finest substance created by man – Harveys Best Bitter. Of course the first purchase would be Mrs C’s drink!

9. What is your most memorable moment at Eastbourne RFC

There have been a host of memorable moments but I was lucky enough to be involved in the organisation of a number of tours for my son’s age group. I got a real buzz when the whole thing came together and the team bonded through shared experience.

10. What is your favourite animal and why?

In my playing days I was known as ‘Rhino’. My career as a tax accountant continues the resemblance as I’m grey, thick-skinned and charge a lot!