OBITUARIES
Bernie ’ s forte was always arts and , belatedly , sport . At school he shone at art , played in the CCF band , was on the committee of the school ’ s Young Farmers Club , and in drama productions was active both on stage and backstage . He was an average 2nd XV rugby player and 3rd XI cricketer at Pocklington School , before becoming a second-row legend at Pocklington RUFC .
Big men don ’ t grow on trees and Bernie was a seriously big man with long arms and large hands . He ruled the lineout at Percy Road for years and was widely regarded as one of Yorkshire ’ s best jumpers ; played representative rugby for East Yorkshire and would likely have gone on to county honours if he had accepted the several approaches asking him to go to a bigger club .
He remained the cornerstone of Pocklington ’ s pack for some 15 seasons , apart from a brief spell in the Potteries where he learnt the potters trade and became a Stoke City FC supporter . On the pitch , he was the archetypal gentle giant ; and if Pock needed a big performance from him , his prop and teammate , Lenny Jarvis OP , had a habit of rolling his sleeves up , hitting Bernie when he wasn ’ t looking , then telling him the opposition had done it – always with the desired effects .
Bernie was short-sighted and never very fit – his training regime consisted of a packet of Park Drive a day . But his playing career came to a sudden end when he was badly injured in a road traffic accident .
His career began as a commercial potter , before he took over the pottery studio at Broadgate Hospital ’ s rehabilitation unit near Walkington , where his patience and laconic sense of humour developed the artistic talents of others . But he never took to mental health services moving into the community , and he ended up with a long and enjoyed second career as a Beverley taxi driver .
Despite the irregular hours , he always kept up to date with the fortunes of Pocklington RUFC , and spent many years sat in his car proudly supporting the sporting exploits of his children , Richard and Helen , and grandchildren .
( Phil Gilbank , 67-74 )
Allan Wardle ( 47-53 ) died at his home in Pickering in January 2023 at the age of 86 . A keen sportsman throughout his life , Allan discovered a love of rugby whilst at the School and , in his fifth and final school year , was proud to be selected for the Yorkshire Schoolboys team that played against Wales Schoolboys .
After a number of years as a free-scoring winger at Pocklington Rugby Club , his job caused him to move to Norton , where he played for Malton & Norton Rugby Club . At the end of his playing
days with them , he took on the role of coach and , through his hard work during a difficult period for the Club , made a major contribution to the Club ’ s ultimate survival , not least in his efforts to recruit and encourage new players . He later spent two years as Chairman .
Allan spent his career working in insurance , initially joining the Yorkshire Insurance Company , after completing his national service in the Army . He later became the joint founder of insurance brokers Seekings & Wardle Ltd , in Malton , where he worked until his retirement , though the family had moved the short distance to Pickering in 1978 .
Aside from rugby , Allan was also a keen cricketer . A wicketkeeper / batsman , he played for Woodhouse Grange before his move to Norton , where he played for Malton Cricket Club . He also captained neighbouring Old Malton ’ s evening team , leading them to numerous trophy successes . At the end of his playing days , he spent a number of years as Secretary of the local cricket league , Ryedale Beckett League .
Allan ’ s interest in golf increased after he hung up his cricket bat , and he became a member , and regular player , at Malton & Norton Golf Club , notably recording his first and only hole-in-one on a golfing holiday to Arizona , with friends from the Club .
A long-standing member of Pickering Conservative Club , Allan showed his usual willingness to help out behind the scenes , becoming a member of the Club ’ s Committee , and later serving as its chairman .
Allan was married to much-loved Barbara , who died just nine months before him , and who he had met and married in Pocklington 66 years before . He is survived by children John , Julie , and Vicky .
( John Wardle )
Simon Weeden ( 67-73 ) died on 12 October 2022 aged 66 , after a hard-fought battle against cancer .
Simon always said how much he had loved his time at Pocklington , in particular the formative years in Dolman House , inspired by his House Master Nigel Billington and House Tutor Terry Hardaker . His late father Brian ( 42-46 ) and his uncles Gerald ( Gus , 42-49 ) and Mike ( 54-59 ) also attended Pocklington .
He did well academically and , having read law for a year , moved to the University of York to complete a degree in history . He then fast-tracked into the Ministry of Defence .
In 1987 , a different ministry called and he took theological training in Oxford . He followed his vocation across a number of parishes , latterly as Team Rector in Wiltshire and a Canon of Salisbury Cathedral ; a very popular and compassionate priest , with a deep and genuine faith , fully involved in the community , with a gift for inspiring and mentoring others .
He was a dedicated family man and is survived by Judith , his wife of 42 years , sons Andrew and Jonathan , and Harry his first grandchild .
A lively , energetic man of great fun , wide interests , keen intellect , and a warm , gentle humour , Simon will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to have known him .
Steve Candler ( 66-74 ) & Stuart Welch ( 67-74 )
35