At 1.00pm today, Thursday 10th June 2010, Frank Osborne, the bedrock on which Chippenham Rugby Football Club was developed in the post-war years, passed away peacefully in the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

For many of the modern day members Frank will be just another name in the club history, but for many many more, members old and current, Franks name is synonymous with Chippenham RFC. The honours board in the clubhouse tells a story, Club Captain, President and Life Member. Frank was Chippenham RFC and it was his vision and guidance that set so many of our rugby careers on the straight and narrow. If Frank said “well done” that was the ultimate accolade. If Frank said “oi boy, what are you doing” you knew you had to stop and take notice. How many of us as children or indeed children’s children, were disciplined by the quite Welsh tones of Frank. His high standards were the clubs standards. Honest, integrity, strong, straightforward, loyal , dedicated, all can safely be used to describe Frank.

Frank coached , selected, cut the grass, played, painted, managed and supported for 60 years. Frank never did marry and his family in Chippenham was the club. When we moved to Allington Fields nearly 20 years ago Frank was very nervous that it might be a step too far. But he always said that his proudest moment was on the opening day of the new club when members all were able to assemble together for the first time in the history of the club, Minis, Juniors and Seniors together. He realised it was the right move and was proud to be part of it.

Frank’s passing is very sad moment for us. All good things must come to an end and yet it was such a compliment to the members of this club that Frank only a couple of months ago confided to our President how pleased he was with the with the way the club was developing.

Despite restrictions to his mobility in the last few years Frank, with the help of a couple of our “Grumpy old Men” Dan and Stuart, has continued to enjoy friendship at the club. He managed the last game of last season. A big thank you to Dan and Stuart.

As we strive to encourage more volunteers into the family of CRFC we can do a lot worse than remember Frank and all that he stood for.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

The funeral service will be at the Semmington Crematorium on Thursday 24th June at 2.30pm followed by a reception at the Rugby Club.

Lets make sure he has the send off of all send offs, the one that he deserves.

We know that there will be many that cannot be there on the day and we invite you to send an email of condolence to be incorporated into the book of condolences.

frankcondolences@chippenhamrfc.co.uk