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JOHN LESLIE GILL : 9th SEPTEMBER 1934- 18TH OCTOBER 2020.
Stuart Vernon5 Nov 2020 - 11:26
A rare photograph of John showing him dealing with a half pint.
John was born in Ingleton, the youngest of four boys and when he was five the family moved to Lancaster and eventually all four brothers went to Lancaster Royal Grammar School. While at school John, in addition to showing a natural aptitude for rugby union also made his mark at athletics and set a record for the javelin which stood for many years.
He married Margaret in 1956, their son Stephen was born in 1959 and daughter Maria in 1962. John worked at Storey Bros., Lancaster for most of his working life and when Storeys’ closed he moved to Barnoldswick to work for Wardle Storeys where pursued his interest in golf to become a member of the appropriately named Ghyll Golf Club, where he became Secretary for 20 years.
John enjoyed the sporting life whether as a participant or spectator and in addition to being an enthusiastic golfer, a studious cricketer, a hustler at pool or snooker, in particular when a wager was involved, he became hooked on fishing and with Margaret formed a formidable tennis doubles partnership.
John made his first team debut as an 17 year old when still at LRGS, over at Blackburn but it did not last long because he was called up for National Service and was subsequently posted to Korea as part of the United Nations forces. Following his demobilisation he pulled on the cherry and white jersey at Harrogate in 1954.
It did not take John too long to make his presence felt on the rugby field and without being disparaging he could be described as a forward of the “old school,” and being a well built forward of the wardrobe variety he was well versed, from a young age, in the “dark arts.” As a rumbustious forward there were few nods in his playing days in the direction subetly although there were the odd exceptions who can be seen on the “Sons of Gentlemen” photograph in the County Bar. See if you can spot them!
However, he had an extra weapon in his arsenal, namely the ability to kick goals. We are back in the era of heavy leather balls with the favoured technique to propel it between the uprights being the toe end, John’s favourite. He used this to good effect over many years of thumping and in March 1957 he set a first team record, which still stands today, kicking 17 conversions in Vale’s 97-3 victory at Powderhouse Lane against Lancashire Constabulary, he also scored a try in the days when a try was worth three points.
When the time came to hang up his trusty boots John poured all his energies into the administration of the club he cherished. As Chairman he became heavily involved with organising events to celebrate the 75th Anniversary and in the brochure to mark this historic milestone he reminded everyone that the club was “a full time business,” but there was an obligation “to provide the best facilities possible for the players of Rugby Union and to do everything in our power for the benefit of the game.”
Working away from the area loosened John’s ties but he was back firing on all cylinders when he returned to the area and threw himself wholeheartedly in planning for the Centenary Season in 2000. As President he was a superb ambassador for the club as was only to be expected, so much so that the Centenary Ties, real treasured items, were to become something of a rarity.
As an Honorary Life Member he represented the membership by being an ever present at Management meetings always keeping abreast of the day to day running of the club but helping to guide the decision making through an expansive knowledge of the club’s constitution, rules and amendments. His advice helped to circumvent any possible legal or internal conflicts that could turn round and bite the club.
In later years from the touchline, he could be urging the goal kicker to aim for the far post, not always successful by the way. John could also be heard extolling the players to “tackle low, tackle low Vale! For goodness sake tackle low!
When John did hang up his boots the whiff of embrocation was never far away and in 1968 he joined the Manchester District Referees Society as an assessor and was later made an Hon. Assessor.
John will be remembered as a hard working Chairman helping to guide the club through its 75th anniversary events and as President in 2000 he played an important role in the Centenary celebrations and proved to be the perfect ambassador and able distributor of the much sought after Centenary ties. John had also been granted Hon Life Membership.
He was a splendid tourist, either for long weekend fixtures or for an extended time scale. Of course John was very dependent on having sensible roommates which was not always the case and I am thinking in particular of his apartment in Blanes, Spain, which contained Fred Swarbrick, Jim Cowper and Peter Atkinson. What went on has become the story of legend but what was factual was that John was spotted, every morning scuttling to the local ironmongers to have a new key cut!
John was a great friend to countless people and on the North West circuit many of his former opponents sought him out to recall the tussles they had, their bonds of friendship had became even tighter over the passing of the seasons. Occasionally there was a queue of his former adversaries to recall their many tousles, with John usually reminding his opponent that he had been forced “to twat him,” but in the nicest possible way!
Another example of John’s concern for others was recently remembered by Kieron Ryan who had accompanied the late Norman Hailes, who was then President, to a fixture at Fylde. When Norman was whisked away into the committee room John spotted Kieron standing alone, put his arm around his shoulder and invited him to join the Alies.
When Doctor Foster arrived in the area from Gloucester he went down to The Lane to watch a second team game, the firsts were away, and he fell in conversation with Brian Armstrong on the East Terrace. After the game Brian introduced Doctor Foster to John, Brian did warn Doctor Foster what he was letting himself in for, because John was a formidable Vale character who enjoyed the odd pint, in an a handled glass of course! Being a man of the world Doctor Foster brushed aside any concerns and from that moment on another lasting friendship was formed.
John was a larger than life character and always up for a challenge which included taking on Geoff Marsden in a sumo wrestling match in “The Roebuck” at Bilsborrow. The landlord stood in awe as these two semi naked gentlemen pawed the ground and grappled with each other. For the locals the sight of so much flesh wobbling about was a nightmarish experience and for many they had to sleep with the bedroom light on for a few days before the images disappeared.
John was also something of a technical whizz kid. To see him number crunching on his mobile phone would have given Bill Gates a fit of the vapours. As we all know John was hard of hearing and following a chorus of “You are buzzing Gilly,” he would whip out the offending aid and with a handy toothpick would quickly clear the blockage causing debris to go flying in all directions.
John’s copperplate handwriting drew many admirers as did his skill as a Bar Stool Diver. One high tariff performance occurred in “Crows” Lancaster, but a jug of Margarita might have played its part. Another launch occurred on the tour of First World War battles on a quiet Sunday afternoon in the Best Western Hotel in Peronne, France, when John sent tables and chairs flying in all directions. The young bar staff rushed to his assistance but were rather taken aback by the roars of laughter from the tour party, led of course by his friend Jim Cowper.
One of John’s finest occurred away from too many prying eyes when he was sitting on the wall at Rochdale Cemetery awaiting the arrival of the coach. Earlier he had decided to leave the historic “Cemetery Hotel” ahead of the rest of the party to make his leisurely way back to the coach after he and Titanium had won the pool challenge.
While sitting on the wall he opted for a reverse dive with half a somersault whilst in the tuck position; perfect when performed from the high board at Morecambe’s’ Super Swimming Stadium of yesteryear on a hot August afternoon, but not to be recommended on a stone wall on a cold November night.
Clambering back he received welcome assistance not from a couple of “Bold Gendarmes” but two WPC’s who were lassies from Lancashire. They asked John if they could take a grip of him, dusted him down and helped him onto the coach. The driver, Sergio, could hardly believe his eyes and somehow, when everyone was on board, he nervously made his way back to the M60.
Later in the week John sent around an email to explain the events that had taken place. As the WPC’s were offering their services Gilly thanked them for their kindness with an observation that could have only tumbled from his lips. “I always assumed that any women, now that I had lost any vestige of allure about 40 years ago, who showed any interest in me were either pickpockets or prostitutes!” The two ladies in blue put his mind at rest by confirming that they were neither, but wished his friends had parked the coach much nearer the pub.
John could be considered something of a polymath, he was a fountain of accumulated knowledge but occasional there would be a drought, usually followed by his famous phrase in a quiz, the answer being on the “tip of his tongue!” On away trips John wrestled with “The Telegraph” crossword before flinging it to the Accountant to complete. This usually spelt trouble for the Press Secretary because a few slaps were issued in his direction following some terrible punning that had gone on while he pondered “one across.”
However, John’s singing voice will live long in the memory, not only could he hit the right note but he was always in tune, his voice soaring to the rafters. He had a vast repertoire of songs; rugby, folk, popular and classical, all were given the same John Gill treatment. John however, had to be restrained at John Willman’s funeral when he was not only belting out the words to “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” but was caught doing the hand gestures!
John took little persuading to open up the vocal chords and how we are going to miss his harmonies tones, in particular on the away coach when after a chorus of “Give us a song Gilly!” he would duly oblige. Some of the songs were familiar to the oldies but for the younger players it was a whole new experience and hopefully they will carry on the tradition.
On the day of John’s funeral a group of friends, socially distanced, assembled on Vale’s car park, to await the arrival of the cortege. In the meantime Fred distributed song sheets containing John’s favourites and as the cortege eased silently through the gates on John’s final journey the PA system began play the melodies. Unfortunately when the singing began the majority struggled to give the lyrics full justice and to match John’s delivery and artistry.
At the conclusion of this emotional interlude and a few tears were wiped away everyone respectfully lined up to form a guard of honour and loudly applauded the cortege as it made its solemn journey away from a venue that had played such a huge part in his life.
One of John’s favourites was “Stand up and Fight,” this is a fitting musical metaphor for a warrior who battled bravely until he heard the final bell, but would we have expected anything different from John?
AVE ATQUE VALE-JOHN
He married Margaret in 1956, their son Stephen was born in 1959 and daughter Maria in 1962. John worked at Storey Bros., Lancaster for most of his working life and when Storeys’ closed he moved to Barnoldswick to work for Wardle Storeys where pursued his interest in golf to become a member of the appropriately named Ghyll Golf Club, where he became Secretary for 20 years.
John enjoyed the sporting life whether as a participant or spectator and in addition to being an enthusiastic golfer, a studious cricketer, a hustler at pool or snooker, in particular when a wager was involved, he became hooked on fishing and with Margaret formed a formidable tennis doubles partnership.
John made his first team debut as an 17 year old when still at LRGS, over at Blackburn but it did not last long because he was called up for National Service and was subsequently posted to Korea as part of the United Nations forces. Following his demobilisation he pulled on the cherry and white jersey at Harrogate in 1954.
It did not take John too long to make his presence felt on the rugby field and without being disparaging he could be described as a forward of the “old school,” and being a well built forward of the wardrobe variety he was well versed, from a young age, in the “dark arts.” As a rumbustious forward there were few nods in his playing days in the direction subetly although there were the odd exceptions who can be seen on the “Sons of Gentlemen” photograph in the County Bar. See if you can spot them!
However, he had an extra weapon in his arsenal, namely the ability to kick goals. We are back in the era of heavy leather balls with the favoured technique to propel it between the uprights being the toe end, John’s favourite. He used this to good effect over many years of thumping and in March 1957 he set a first team record, which still stands today, kicking 17 conversions in Vale’s 97-3 victory at Powderhouse Lane against Lancashire Constabulary, he also scored a try in the days when a try was worth three points.
When the time came to hang up his trusty boots John poured all his energies into the administration of the club he cherished. As Chairman he became heavily involved with organising events to celebrate the 75th Anniversary and in the brochure to mark this historic milestone he reminded everyone that the club was “a full time business,” but there was an obligation “to provide the best facilities possible for the players of Rugby Union and to do everything in our power for the benefit of the game.”
Working away from the area loosened John’s ties but he was back firing on all cylinders when he returned to the area and threw himself wholeheartedly in planning for the Centenary Season in 2000. As President he was a superb ambassador for the club as was only to be expected, so much so that the Centenary Ties, real treasured items, were to become something of a rarity.
As an Honorary Life Member he represented the membership by being an ever present at Management meetings always keeping abreast of the day to day running of the club but helping to guide the decision making through an expansive knowledge of the club’s constitution, rules and amendments. His advice helped to circumvent any possible legal or internal conflicts that could turn round and bite the club.
In later years from the touchline, he could be urging the goal kicker to aim for the far post, not always successful by the way. John could also be heard extolling the players to “tackle low, tackle low Vale! For goodness sake tackle low!
When John did hang up his boots the whiff of embrocation was never far away and in 1968 he joined the Manchester District Referees Society as an assessor and was later made an Hon. Assessor.
John will be remembered as a hard working Chairman helping to guide the club through its 75th anniversary events and as President in 2000 he played an important role in the Centenary celebrations and proved to be the perfect ambassador and able distributor of the much sought after Centenary ties. John had also been granted Hon Life Membership.
He was a splendid tourist, either for long weekend fixtures or for an extended time scale. Of course John was very dependent on having sensible roommates which was not always the case and I am thinking in particular of his apartment in Blanes, Spain, which contained Fred Swarbrick, Jim Cowper and Peter Atkinson. What went on has become the story of legend but what was factual was that John was spotted, every morning scuttling to the local ironmongers to have a new key cut!
John was a great friend to countless people and on the North West circuit many of his former opponents sought him out to recall the tussles they had, their bonds of friendship had became even tighter over the passing of the seasons. Occasionally there was a queue of his former adversaries to recall their many tousles, with John usually reminding his opponent that he had been forced “to twat him,” but in the nicest possible way!
Another example of John’s concern for others was recently remembered by Kieron Ryan who had accompanied the late Norman Hailes, who was then President, to a fixture at Fylde. When Norman was whisked away into the committee room John spotted Kieron standing alone, put his arm around his shoulder and invited him to join the Alies.
When Doctor Foster arrived in the area from Gloucester he went down to The Lane to watch a second team game, the firsts were away, and he fell in conversation with Brian Armstrong on the East Terrace. After the game Brian introduced Doctor Foster to John, Brian did warn Doctor Foster what he was letting himself in for, because John was a formidable Vale character who enjoyed the odd pint, in an a handled glass of course! Being a man of the world Doctor Foster brushed aside any concerns and from that moment on another lasting friendship was formed.
John was a larger than life character and always up for a challenge which included taking on Geoff Marsden in a sumo wrestling match in “The Roebuck” at Bilsborrow. The landlord stood in awe as these two semi naked gentlemen pawed the ground and grappled with each other. For the locals the sight of so much flesh wobbling about was a nightmarish experience and for many they had to sleep with the bedroom light on for a few days before the images disappeared.
John was also something of a technical whizz kid. To see him number crunching on his mobile phone would have given Bill Gates a fit of the vapours. As we all know John was hard of hearing and following a chorus of “You are buzzing Gilly,” he would whip out the offending aid and with a handy toothpick would quickly clear the blockage causing debris to go flying in all directions.
John’s copperplate handwriting drew many admirers as did his skill as a Bar Stool Diver. One high tariff performance occurred in “Crows” Lancaster, but a jug of Margarita might have played its part. Another launch occurred on the tour of First World War battles on a quiet Sunday afternoon in the Best Western Hotel in Peronne, France, when John sent tables and chairs flying in all directions. The young bar staff rushed to his assistance but were rather taken aback by the roars of laughter from the tour party, led of course by his friend Jim Cowper.
One of John’s finest occurred away from too many prying eyes when he was sitting on the wall at Rochdale Cemetery awaiting the arrival of the coach. Earlier he had decided to leave the historic “Cemetery Hotel” ahead of the rest of the party to make his leisurely way back to the coach after he and Titanium had won the pool challenge.
While sitting on the wall he opted for a reverse dive with half a somersault whilst in the tuck position; perfect when performed from the high board at Morecambe’s’ Super Swimming Stadium of yesteryear on a hot August afternoon, but not to be recommended on a stone wall on a cold November night.
Clambering back he received welcome assistance not from a couple of “Bold Gendarmes” but two WPC’s who were lassies from Lancashire. They asked John if they could take a grip of him, dusted him down and helped him onto the coach. The driver, Sergio, could hardly believe his eyes and somehow, when everyone was on board, he nervously made his way back to the M60.
Later in the week John sent around an email to explain the events that had taken place. As the WPC’s were offering their services Gilly thanked them for their kindness with an observation that could have only tumbled from his lips. “I always assumed that any women, now that I had lost any vestige of allure about 40 years ago, who showed any interest in me were either pickpockets or prostitutes!” The two ladies in blue put his mind at rest by confirming that they were neither, but wished his friends had parked the coach much nearer the pub.
John could be considered something of a polymath, he was a fountain of accumulated knowledge but occasional there would be a drought, usually followed by his famous phrase in a quiz, the answer being on the “tip of his tongue!” On away trips John wrestled with “The Telegraph” crossword before flinging it to the Accountant to complete. This usually spelt trouble for the Press Secretary because a few slaps were issued in his direction following some terrible punning that had gone on while he pondered “one across.”
However, John’s singing voice will live long in the memory, not only could he hit the right note but he was always in tune, his voice soaring to the rafters. He had a vast repertoire of songs; rugby, folk, popular and classical, all were given the same John Gill treatment. John however, had to be restrained at John Willman’s funeral when he was not only belting out the words to “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” but was caught doing the hand gestures!
John took little persuading to open up the vocal chords and how we are going to miss his harmonies tones, in particular on the away coach when after a chorus of “Give us a song Gilly!” he would duly oblige. Some of the songs were familiar to the oldies but for the younger players it was a whole new experience and hopefully they will carry on the tradition.
On the day of John’s funeral a group of friends, socially distanced, assembled on Vale’s car park, to await the arrival of the cortege. In the meantime Fred distributed song sheets containing John’s favourites and as the cortege eased silently through the gates on John’s final journey the PA system began play the melodies. Unfortunately when the singing began the majority struggled to give the lyrics full justice and to match John’s delivery and artistry.
At the conclusion of this emotional interlude and a few tears were wiped away everyone respectfully lined up to form a guard of honour and loudly applauded the cortege as it made its solemn journey away from a venue that had played such a huge part in his life.
One of John’s favourites was “Stand up and Fight,” this is a fitting musical metaphor for a warrior who battled bravely until he heard the final bell, but would we have expected anything different from John?
AVE ATQUE VALE-JOHN
Further reading