Stalwart's funeral date announced

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Clitheroe have announced that the funeral of former Secretary and club stalwart Colin Wilson is taking place next Monday.

Aged 72, the widower, pictured, passed away last Friday after being admitted to hospital on Tuesday with a chest infection. The First Division North Blues say all are welcome at Shawbridge for refreshments after the funeral which takes place at 1.30pm at the Trinity Methodist Church, Wesleyan Row, Parson Lane, Clitheroe.

Clitheroe held a minute’s silence before Saturday’s home match against Ossett Albion and are planning a second tribute on Saturday week (Jan 25) when members of Mr Wilson’s family are expected to be at the ground as guests of honour for their fixture against Ramsbottom United.

Mr Wilson, who worked as a painter and decorator before retiring, was a familiar face around the North West Non-League scene. Famed for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Non-League game, in 2013 the Lancashire FA presented the popular and respected administrator with a medal to mark his 40 years of service to football.

Prior to his illness the father-of-three had suffered two strokes and a heart attack, forcing the club stalwart to finally stand down from his post at the Blues in October. During more than four decades with the Lancashire club, he served under a number of Chairmen including Cyril Whiteside, Steve Rush, Charles Murphy and most recently, Chairwoman Anne Barker.

Donations to Clitheroe FC, C/O Andrew Jackson, 15 Warwick Drive, Clitheroe, Lancs, BB7 2BG.