Littlehampton club honours a true sporting gent in Ron

WHEN keen football fan Ron Barcock arrived at his favourite sports venue in Littlehampton to celebrate his 90th birthday he thought it would be a quiet gathering of family and friends.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Mar 2013, 11:58 BST
Ron Barcock, with wife Vivian, receives his award from Darrin Bird L11052H13Ron Barcock, with wife Vivian, receives his award from Darrin Bird L11052H13
Ron Barcock, with wife Vivian, receives his award from Darrin Bird L11052H13

The Sportsman club, in St Flora’s Road, is, after all, a place that Ron has become hugely attached to during his 35 years as one of its founding members.

But, to the great-grandfather’s surprise as he opened the doors of The Sportsman’s bar, he was greeted by a wave of applause from dozens of friends he has made at the club.

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And that wasn’t all Ron was treated to during Friday’s celebrations (March 8) – he was made an honorary life-member for his years of tireless support and dedication to a club that has been very close to his heart.

As well as being one of the Sportsman’s first members, Ron, of Horsham Road, has also played a key role in helping his beloved Littlehampton Town Football Club – the Marigolds, or Golds – who play on the Sportsfield, just a few steps away from the entrance to the bar.

“I never expected anything like this,” admitted an overjoyed Ron during his birthday bash. “I thought it was just going to be a few family and maybe two or three friends. But never anything like this.”

For the full story, see this week’s Gazette (March 14).