It’s a measure of longevity when there are few who remember you. What yardstick might
you apply? Did you play in the annual over 30’s matches? Perhaps in your day the regular
Boxing Day game was Old Mannerians v Old Baileans: an era of team selection by second
class postcard which arrived on Thursday morning; a time before lifting was allowed in the
lineout, and long before substitutes were allowed. Who’s on the bench today: an old chap
with a dog?

Dark haired and debonair, Harry Thompson was of that era. He learned his rugby at LMS
and later joined the Old Mannerians, playing alongside Garry Smith, Johnny Hart, Peter
Bennett and Andrew Twelves. He was a real stalwart of the club, becoming 1 st XV captain
in 1962-63 when he took over from Gerald Tracey. The following season Harry was posted
to India through his work with ICI, for four years, and played only occasionally thereafter,
but he remained an avid supporter. He was our longest standing vice president, having paid his first VP sub in 1975 and he remained a paid up member until he died.

A picture of the Old Mannerians 1st XV in 1958, which includes Harry ( back row, fourth from the right ). The the four players together bottom right were all LMS 6th formers at the time; all county players - flanker, scrum half, fly half ( England schoolboy trialist / head boy ) and centre.

Harry's last visit to the club was at the 90th anniversary celebrations at the Lathkil , with his wife Diana whom he relied upon for support. Harry died on 21st November 2023 just three days short of his 60th wedding anniversary. Our sympathy goes to Diana, and Thank you Harry.