It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of two much loved members of our club. Please also accept my apologies for the delay in this announcement, which has been due to a particularly busy period at the club with recent events and commitments.
Over the past month, we have lost Giles Cook and Chris Bennett - two very different characters, but both united by their love of Letchworth Rugby and the friendships that come with it.
Giles Cook - or “Cooky” as he was known to everyone, joined the club during the captaincy of Ian Christensen and went on to play in the first team for over eight seasons. A powerful back row forward, he relished carrying the ball and putting in big hits, and he played the game with real commitment and presence. Just as importantly, he was a natural leader, and many feel it was a great pity he never wore the skipper's armband, as he undoubtedly had the respect and qualities to do so.
Off the pitch, Cooky embraced everything the club stands for. He loved the social side (especially Ladies Day!) and was simply a great person to have around. His sudden passing at just 49 has come as a huge shock to us all. The incredible turnout at his funeral earlier this month showed just how many lives he touched and how highly he was regarded.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Debi and daughter Ava at this incredibly difficult time. The club will be planning a memorial for Giles over the coming year so that we can honour him properly.
We were then saddened further to hear of the passing of Chris Bennett, only a week after Giles. Chris first played for Letchworth back in 1974 and was a fine all-round sportsman. Later moving north, he became a hugely valued member of Sandbach RFC, where he spent nearly thirty years.
Despite the distance, Chris never forgot his roots. His motorhome was a familiar and very welcome sight back at the club, and many will remember his pre-lunch bottles of champagne and the warmth and generosity he brought with him. He remained part of the Letchworth family throughout.
We send our sincere condolences to his wife Kirsteen and to Teah and Rai. There will be a celebration of Chris’s life at our Folk Festival on Sunday 26th July, where friends old and new will have the opportunity to come together and remember him.
These moments remind us just how strong and far-reaching our rugby community is. Giles and Chris will both be greatly missed, but their stories, their friendships and their impact on the club will not be forgotten.
Brian Burke
Club President
Giles Cook “Cooky”
Chris Bennett
