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A Friend in Deed




It was standing room only at the Bluebell Crematorium last Friday. Dozens joined for Graham Briggs’ (known universally under the imaginative sobriquet ‘Briggsy’) final innings.

A gathering of family and friends to say a last goodbye to him.


Many of the Askeans there had been at the same venue not that long ago to say farewell to another Graham (Evans).


It is particularly appropriate that this tribute is being written for the ‘Friends of Askeans’ website – Briggsy was a very good friend to the club.


He played rugby and cricket at the school before leaving to find a job.

I suspect that few of his old masters would have had any idea of just how successful his career on the money market would end up. He was head hunted more than once and ended up as CEO of the outfits (obviously his were always smart) who coveted his talents.

Generously he didn’t hesitate to offer positions to a number of Askeans in his companies.

There can’t be many who can retire at 38 without having to worry about the mortgage!


Briggsy used his international contacts and personal charm to help Askeans as they climbed the newly formed National Leagues. He helped to recruit high profile players, including internationals, British Lions and several All Blacks to Kidbrooke. John Gallagher, who had played for Askeans before heading off to New Zealand, came home and turned out for the club again with his World Cup winners medal in his kit bag.


John was also there to say goodbye on Friday and was pleased to learn that the All Blacks Blazer he had given to Briggsy had later been donated by Graham to be displayed at the Rectory Field. Briggsy also gifted several other much sought after rugby memorabilia to the club.


He regularly attended the former players lunches including the most recent one towards the end of last season.


Graham’s other passions included both Cricket and Golf and he was so keen on the former that he formed his own cricket club -Roebucks – like Askeans, there were many members of that club at the Bluebell to say goodbye.


No one can deny Briggsy had a wonderful life and rather fittingly…… a good innings

 

Written by Dave Shute aka ‘Shutey’

 

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