Edwardian F.C. Rugby Union Club

The Memorial Ground, Streetsbrook Road, Solihull, West Midlands, 0121 744 6831

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Brians Eulogy...

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As a member of the club and friend of Malcolm's I personally want to express my sorrow at losing such a valuable contributor to the game of Rugby . Malcolm was such a great club member in its broadest sense, and will be sorely missed.

Malcolm always had his own view on things, and many a night has passed enjoyably discussing the pros and cons of each others viewpoint.

My memory of Malcolm is his devotion to his children, Danielle and James, allied with his inexhaustible energy in encouraging youngsters to enjoy the game.

I for one feel that a great talent has been lost.

My thoughts and wishes are with his family and friends, and I hope that his spirit of enjoyment will inspire others to promote sport and involvement at all ages.

Huw Lloyd
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I was a friend of Malcolm's during the time he worked at Textron, I had not
spoken to Mal for a while as you never think there is a rush and you will
catch up one day, but sadly time ran out. I attended his funeral and heard
there would be events to mark his memory and to raise cash for his
children. I am keen to offer any help and support I can if required.

Jim Clarke
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Brian

It was a very sad and emotional day last Friday at the Robin Hood Crematorium.

Those of us from St Albans RFC that attended the funeral and the "wake" at your club afterwards were impressed (and gratified) by the obvious esteem and affection for Malcolm shown by you and your members.

Although a native of Hertfordshire and a newcomer, he was very proud of the good friends made and the way that he was accepted into your club and was made to feel very much at home. The numbers that turned out to honour him were a tribute to him and a great credit to Edwardian RFC.

On a personal note, Malcolm was a particular friend to me and all of the members of my family. We had maintained contact over the years since he moved to Solihull and had entertained him with James and Danni over the recent August bank holiday. We were planning to do the same over the Christmas period.

I wish to thank you for your personal tribute to Malcolm and your club members, in particular Steve Johnson, for the close support that has been given to Malcolm's family during this period.

I have attached my personal tribute to Malcolm which I would like to have attached to your website. Could you e-mail me a copy of yours? How we got through them both without losing too much focus was a miracle. I think I was luckier because I had more time to recover my composure as you were between me and Danni's tribute - which was heart rending but delightful at the same time.

I hope to come over and watch James play some Sundays soon and so hope to be better acqainted with your club in the future.

Best regards

John Gregory (st Albans)

 

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Dear Malcolm,

So off you slipped into a deep dark slumber,
Playing the game with 9 as your number,
Doing the one thing you enjoyed best,
Though we’d never have thought it, never have guessed,
That the day was the day , the fourth of November,
That would cause us to stand here and recall and remember,
That your precious life would be taken away,
The life of man who we want back to stay,
Born in St Albans, spoke the Queens English
Loved a pint and the odd curry dish,
Oh what a guy, oh what a larf,
Don’t you know its not bath, it is barth,

So here is a message I really must tell,
Your kids they are super, you’ve taught them so well,
They’ll make you so proud and I know you know that,
Because Malcolm you shone as the best of all Dads!
And if ever in doubt, or you need reminding,
That the bond that you had, will it stay binding,
Then let me tell you, yes its stronger than ever,
Because a fairytale Dad has just entered heaven,
And though its not fair that Heaven holds all those rights,
To turn on the darkness and switch out the lights,
They truly don’t know how lucky they are,
Because we had to lose you for Heaven to gain a star.

With all our Love
Rachel, Craig, Jade, Jessica and your Godson Jay
Xx

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Hi Guys,

Well I wished I was writing for a better reason! I heard about Malcolm via Jon Parkes and also my parents sent me out the newspaper cutting. I played in the same team as Malcolm on many occassions and still have strong memories of all the games I played with most of you guys.

Starting from the days of the colts with good old George up untill the time I left to live in N.Z, the Old Ed's was a special time in my rugby years! I have passed the sad news on to Des ( Dereck Bloomfeild) Dumper (Richard Denhardt) Chris Burgess and Steve Cookson, our thoughts and memories are with all of you on this sad day.

Regards to all

Stuart Cookson (Cookie)

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I would like to thank all who attended Malcolms funeral, the club, its members staff and players, its nice to know that he had so many good friends, both on and off the field, special thanks to the two players who tried in vain to save Malc, it would have been a super human effort to continue CPR until paramedics arrived. I am still lost for words by the way you have helped the rest of our family in their moment of need and the way you are looking out for Dannie and James

Once again thanks and best wishes to you all, 

Keith (malcs brov)

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As a fairly new visitor to the Ed's in recent months I feel compelled to express my sincere condolences to his family and all at the club today who will remember Malcolm today as you say your farewells.

His passing, although he was not personally known to me, will leave me with an everlasting memory. I arrived at the club, albeit late and whilst on route with my family, passing a responder and ambulance only to discover that this was indeed as a result of the loss of a much loved Ed's member.  On arrival on that fated day we were met with concerned and very sombre faces, the feeling within the club was entirely different but not completely.  What I witnessed was exactly what has been extended to myself and family alike.  Friendship, support, encouragement and a true feeling of 'a community'.  This was an environment where all were able to feel free to express and show emotion, feel support or just be. This is a testament to what is a fabulous club!  

Over the years I have been involved through my eldest son (now 16) playing Rugby for a number of clubs and  within school.  My now youngest son (7) has now begun to play at Ed's this season,  never in all the years have I felt that a club was more friendly or welcoming.  My lasting memory of his first day being introduced to Rugby will be his first exposure to "a warm up", never have I seen children having so much fun, a truly uplifting and refreshing experience. Coaches were being chased, tackled to the ground and but most importantly reaching the children at their level, showing them by leadership  that adults and children alike can have real fun and laughter whilst leaders such as Malcom pass on and share their expertise. Well done to all involved with this - it really matters!

Malcolm as one of those valued coaches for the youngsters you will truly be missed - what a great job you and those around you have done to build such a wonderful environment for youngsters to learn!

Thank you from a grateful mother and friend of the club!

Rest in peace!

Ruth Whittall

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Letter from the RFU...

Click to view...

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On 4^th November our dear friend Malcolm died. That evening, we had to pull ourselves together to run the Club’s bonfire night – our biggest fundraising activity of the year.

It was felt appropriate to announce the tragic event of the day to the thousands of people who were there. The majority did not know Malcolm, but the Club will never forget the silence with which they listened to and respected the following words:

“Ladies and gentlemen,

We hope you are all enjoying yourselves this evening and that you continue to do so.

However, it is my sad duty tonight to announce the death of one of our Club members – a very popular man.

Whilst playing the game he loved, Malcolm Weller collapsed and died this afternoon, during a 3^rd Team game against our local rivals Old Saltleians.

We suspect a heart attack. Malcolm was 40 years old.

He was a Club man through and through and this year he was 3^rd Team captain for the 2^nd time.  He was one of the coaches for the many boys and girls who turned up to learn this great game of Rugby Football every Sunday morning.

An ex 1^st Team player, a Committee member, Malcolm was always happy to help the Club. Indeed, he should’ve been collecting money from you all at the gate tonight.

Malcolm will be sorely missed by Edwardian Rugby Football Club and more importantly by his family. I ask you all to respect a moments silence for Edwardian, Malcolm Weller.

(silence)

Thank you. We dedicate tonight’s display to his memory.”

Brian Chappelhow

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My best and fondest memory of Malcolm is when we played together in the 2^nd XV many years ago away to Telford.

We turned up late and had to get changed and go straight on to the pitch. 14 of us were still in the car as the game started and those 14 remained there for most of the game, apart from Malcolm. He was well up for the game. Unsurprisingly we found ourselves 8 - 0 down very shortly after the start. Malcolm kicked us back into the game with a finely struck penalty. He tackled liked a tiger around the pitch, broke up many of their attacks and made many breaks and led by example and inspired some of us to start playing.

He was a step above us all that day. He really wanted it and kept us in the game. With about 5 minutes to go and still 8-3 down we had a scrum just inside their half.

Malcolm fed the ball into the scrum and it rather than pass to the fly half as planned, he picked the ball up and went blind straight into their scrum half. At this stage everyone is going “What the hell is Weller doing”, but he got past his opposite number. Some stood in disbelief as he continued up the blind side and watched scratching their heads and a few of our players ran after him in an attempt to support the now marauding Malcolm Weller.

No one managed to catch up with him. Malcolm managed to evade their entire back row and to get past the covering centres. He now had only the winger and full back to beat. At this stage the rest of his team mates are now shouting words of support and encouragement “Go on Malcolm” clapping and cheering, however many of them still stood watching on the halfway line.

Malcolm chipped the winger collected the ball and managed to score in the corner as their full back tried to tackle him into touch.  Malcolm slotted over the conversion from the left hand touch line to put Eds into a 10 – 8 lead which was never surrendered.  Malcolm won that game all on his own that day and embodied every characteristic you could wish for in a rugby player.  He loved his rugby and lived for his game on a Saturday and always played with determination and spirit and a will to win.

Rest in Peace Malcolm you will be missed

Derek O'Reilly

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As club captain I feel it appropriate to say a few words about Malcolm. Malc has been a permanent fixture at our club for as long as I can remember. He echoed all that is good about our game. Not only did he love his rugby as a player on the field but he loved the social side of amateur rugby - the after game drinks, the laughs, the day trips away. This year I have realised just how much effort goes on behind the scenes by volunteers to allow an amateur club to operate. Malcolm was 3rd team captain, heavily involved with our thriving junior section and I often saw him pushing a lawn mower over the pitches or marking out the lines.

Yesterday the 1st team showed amazing character to secure our second win of the season. Away at Ledbury we clawed our way back from 31-12 down to win 33-31 with the winning conversion going through the posts on the final whistle. It was one of those special games that sticks in the memory for a long time. We held a minutes silence before kick off in honour of Malcolm. I would like to dedicate yesterdays win to our old friend and club member. He will be missed by all of us. 

Knighty

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For Malcolm

 A great friend and a very proud man who loved playing and watching Rugby. He was the sort of player you always want on your side. Committed and determined to win were always on Malcolm’s agenda. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious.  His humour in the dressing room and in the bar will be remembered for a long time. He gave “stick” to people, but new how to receive the return banter too. I had the pleasure of playing with Malcolm over the last 17 years, playing in all our teams together; the 1^st, 2^nd 3^rd and Vets XV. We probably played occasionally in the 4^th team too. His loss is immeasurable to me, but the memory bank is rich and full of happy times spent playing for Edwardian FC. I am richer for knowing him, thank you for being a great friend, you will always be remembered.

Richard Yates

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I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear that Malcolm had passed away.  I only played with him for a few years, but he was a great guy.  Gutsy on the rugby field, and very warm and friendly off it.  It was no surprise that since the last time I played at the club he went on to take a leading role in the youth set up.  I'm sure he will be fondly remembered by everyone associated with the club.

On behalf of my wife and I, I'd like to offer our condolences to Malcom's family.

 

Mat Watson

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A true clubman, we were very fortunate to have Malcolm as an Edwardian for almost 2 decades. I was lucky enough to play for Eds with Malcolm as captain just 3 weeks ago, when he persuaded me to dig out my boots. It was an honour and a pleasure to play with someone who loves the game and the club as he did. At the end of the game he pulled out a bottle of Port and passed it around the changing room. Whenever I have a glass in the future I will think of him.

Mike Pearce (1st Team Captain 1991-93)

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Camp Hill RFC send their sincere condolences for the sad loss of Malcolm Weller to his family and Edwardians RFC. 

Malcom was an U7s coach at Camp Hill a while back and has been remembered by those who coached our Minis and Juniors at the same time he did.

Regards

Karen Gibbons
Honorary Secretary
Camp Hill RFC

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He Will Be Missed

Malcolm was a great character at the club, always smiling and ready to talk you through his try several times over a couple of beers. A great club man in every sense of the phrase, who had time for everyone be you new to the club or seasoned vet, he is someone i always expected to see when at the club.  Good company at the annual dinners, be a source of ridicule over "being a cockney" jellied eels and his beloved watford, i had ten great years there before moving to NZ and played with malcolm in the 2nd XV and 3rd XV for most of them.

I am sorry to hear of his passing                                                                                           I would hope the club does its best to remember and honour him with a trophy in some form for the 3rd XV at the annual dinner for years to come

Colin Little.

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It seems only a short while ago that a young buck turned up at The Eds, having played a great deal of rugby at St. Albans and told me it was time to step aside as scrum half. 

For many years we vied for position at one level or another, but Malcolm always had the edge in every department. We became rivals for a position, but good friends. “How many tries did you score Gilly” is always the first sentence when we met in the bar after a match.

My lasting memory is off the pitch when Malcolm was selling fish. He regularly turned up at our house in Monkspath, knowing we are fairly partial to the product. One evening we were at friends (Lee Holton) in Sutton Coldfield when the bell rang. I recognised the voice and went to see who was negotiating with Lee at 9.00pm on a Saturday evening only to meet Malcolm. The look on his face was unbelievable. 

I do not attend The Eds very often, but I was always confronted with a warm welcome from all, particularly Malcolm and his family. My shock and upset upon reading the Birmingham Post on Monday is echoed by all my family. 

Our deepest sympathy goes to Malcolm’s family, particularly Mandy, Danielle and James.  We will all miss you mate. God bless you Malcolm. ‘Go get ‘em’.

Kind Regards. 

Yours sincerely

 

S. P. GILMORE

Alias “Gilly”

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Malcolm was our coach at the junior Rugby and we are very sad and sorry about what happened to him on Satuday afternoon. He will be greatly missed by all on the junior section and by his team mates.

We can't imagine the club without him. May he rest in peace.

From Stephen + Rachel Muckley

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To all at Ed's from all at the Exiles

The thing about the rugby community is that we are close knit especially when tragedies like this occur. On behalf of everyone at Birmingham Exiles RFC our thoughts to you all especially close friends and family of Malcolm Weller.

As the news came through on Sunday afternoon, several of the Exiles players expressed their thoughts and wishes, especially those who thought they have played against Malcolm in the past.

It is a sad loss, and I know you will be trying to take it all in over the next few days and weeks. If there is anything we can do as a local club, who between us have had great battles in the past at all levels, then please get in touch. It is always difficult to know what to say at these times, but remember him in style and as a rugby club and as friends you will become stronger and more determined.

As you may remember, we experienced this same tragedy 7 years ago with the loss of Tony Llewellyn, so we understand the grief both as friends and collectively as a rugby club.

From a personal point of view, I was on the level 1 coaching course with a lot of the Ed's last year at Solihull College, and could see the closeness of all involved and the way that the club was going forward.

Thoughts and Regards

Andy Root - aka Scooter
Birmingham Exiles RFC

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Dear all at Edwardians

On Behalf of all the members at Solihull RUFC we are very sorry to hear of your recent loss.

Please pass on our condolences to Malcolm’s family and your members.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and a great loss to the game of rugby.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do and we should be grateful if you could let us know about the funeral arrangements so that we can pay our respects.

Kindest Regards

Phil Watson

Solihull RUFC (Hon Secretary )

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Malcolm always showed great support to me and always would stop and see how i was getting on. Only two weeks ago, he phoned me up to see how I was, knowing i was ill and he told me "to get up the club again where all my mates are". Malc was the genuine article and was never shy to say what he thought and had true values.  He will be sorely missed at the club, a true Edwardian, who wore his heart on his sleeve and made time for everyone. All the best Weller, you wont be forgotten.

Will Martin

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Malc

Having spoken to you the morning before the game, I know that you were looking forward to the Club's Bonfire Night and then a few beers afterwards.  This kind of speaks volumes about your commitment to the club and your love of the social side.

Always a competitor I had the pleasure of playing a great game with you this year at Kings Norton.  We won comfortably, but you kept us going forward for the whole of the game - never easing up.  As ever though you seemed to be the one receiving all of the stick in the changing room!!!  But you always gave as good as you got.  Your golf game was getting better all the time and I am sure that it wouldn't have taken too long before you started to take the money in those 'friendly' games...

You will be missed on and off the pitch, but your memory will live as long as there is beer in the taps at the Memorial Ground.

R.I.P.

Glick