It is with immense sadness that I have to report to our members of the passing of one of our past Presidents and long term supporter of the club, Mr T.N. Sharp. "TOM" as he was known to all his friends had been associated with North Ribblesdale for some seventy two years since making his debut in the 1952 season.
He was an abrasive uncompromising hooker who vied for the first XV number two shirt for many years with Danny Simpson. The two being firm friends but always wanting to be in the first XV.I fondly remember playing at Heath for the 3rdXV in 1977 as a sixteen year old with another seven colts in the team, when the referee stopped the game so he could light up a cigarette. Tom was playing as our "Mentor" he approached the referee and said "I thought I had seen it all, but I have learnt something today, now I know why you cant keep up with play" a couple of expletives were thrown in but its not appropriate to put those in now. Tom lived and Farmed in Stainforth most of his working life and his eldest son Martin starred for Ribb from 1977 until his retirement in the late 90s. Tom was president of our club from 1980 - 1991 during which time he saw many changes to the game he loved, not least the introduction of leagues, which ended many annual meetings of old adversaries from all over the north of England. However a new era was begining for rugby, it was not one that Tom totally embraced with him prophesising that it would "All end in tears". With the demise of clubs like Bradford, Roundhay, Wakefield and the once mighty Headingley and more recently Worcester, Wasps, and London Irish. It appears that his prophecy was indeed correct.
He was one of only a handful of local people to fill the roles of President at both North Ribblesdale and Settle Cricket club which shows how much sport in our community meant to him.
Tom will be sorely missed by all his family, along with many in the local community. Our sincere thoughts are with them all at this very sad time.
Gavin Davidson
Chair
North Ribblesdale RUFC
