It’s with great sadness that Watton Rugby Club must announce the passing of one of their most treasured members, Carol Bayley who passed this week after a short illness.

Carol, who first came to the club to watch her son Mike play for the first team while her late husband Ed was out working on the local shoot, she soon became hooked and fell in love with The Red and Black Army.

In her time at the club she has held many roles on the committee including 11 years as Chairperson between 1998 and 2009 followed by another long stint as Secretary of the club which she only relinquished in June this year. She was always involved with the Sunday morning mini and junior rugby sessions where she got much pleasure from watching the future of Watton RFC run around in the mud and enjoy a bacon roll or hotdog afterwards.

Carol was a stickler for tradition and always insisted that we provide cut oranges for both teams and the ref for half time even though had been told that no other club did this anymore!

Carol loved to cook and along with her trusty team of Sue and Scott, she fed our team and opposition for so many years. The strong person that she was, saw her not only cook for the two teams playing but also for 36 people who attended a wonderful Pre-match meal only 6 days before her passing. This being a week after celebrating her 85th birthday at the club after the game with balloons, cupcakes and a glass of her favorite tipple, Red wine.

A member of the Red and Black Army who was loved by all the players, players partners and players children who have ever been at the club, Carol will be missed by so many people and will leave a massive void within the club.

Carol, we know you will be forever watching over your Beloved Red and Black Army and we can guarantee that your legacy will never be forgotten by those people who ever play for Watton RFC.

We all Love you and Miss you!!

At this time our heart and prayers go out to her children Mike, Simon, Emma and Caroline along with her wonderful Grandchildren and brother John.