Rugby club's "towering figure" recognised for lifetime of service

Durham County Council Chair, Cllr Joan Nicholson, presents the Chairman's Medal to Roy Tyerman, joined by her consort Mr Robert Nicholson and Roy's wife Margaret.

Roy Tyerman, a life member of Consett Rugby Club, has been awarded the Chairman's Medal by our Chair, Cllr Joan Nicholson.

More than seven decades serving Consett Rugby Club

A lifelong resident of the Consett area, Roy, 90, has been involved with the club for more than 70 years.

During that time, the former Number 8 has enjoyed spells as captain, chairman and president, and formed the club's first colts teams for youth players.

He also taught geography at Consett Grammar School, where he introduced rugby in 1964/65, and was later deputy head at Blackfyne Comprehensive School.

He was chairman of Consett YMCA for many years and is currently on the board of Delta North, which works with young people.

The award nomination describes Roy as a "towering figure" in Consett Rugby Club who "has inspired generations of players with his hard work and faultless wisdom".

It goes on to describe him as "a calm, unassuming man", adding that his "phenomenal memory" has been invaluable as the club is currently celebrating its centenary season.

"Roy is universally loved, respected and admired by all those who know him," it adds.

'We used to get changed then catch the bus to the pitch'

Speaking after being presented with his medal, Roy said: "It came as a total surprise. I couldn't believe it. It's a very prestigious thing and I feel greatly honoured and privileged to receive this award.

"When I first joined the club in 1951 they were very nomadic - they didn't have their own playing field and they didn't train. Both teams and the referee used to get changed in the YMCA hut on Sherburn Terrace then we'd get the bus to the pitch at Delves Lane. Whoever was first on had to buy the tickets! We'd then get the bus back afterwards, often covered in mud.

"What gives me great pleasure these days is to see how far the club has come. It's thriving. We've got our own clubhouse and field and we've got about 300 local children involved in the mini rugby as well as women's and girls' teams. The club is bustling now and attracts lots of families and everybody gets a warm welcome."

He added: "When I look back it was me going to Royal Grammar School that got me into rugby. I was football daft when I joined that school but they didn't play football there, only rugby. So, if I hadn't gone to school there I would never have played rugby."

'People like Roy are absolutely priceless to their local communities'

The Chairman's Medal is the highest honour that we can award to individuals and organisations for their outstanding voluntary contribution to the county.

Cllr Joan Nicholson, our Chair, said: "People like Roy are absolutely priceless to their local communities and the contribution they make is so great it is impossible to quantify.

"The story of the rugby club's growth and success is one that spans several decades and Roy has been there every step of the way. He has been a driving force throughout and his love for the club is clear to anyone who meets him.

"Roy has also been a pillar of the Consett community for many decades, during which he has positively influenced the lives of thousands of young people. He has dedicated his life to serving others, and it was my great pleasure to present him with the Chairman's Medal."