Maurice passed away last Wednesday aged 81 at Whiston Hospital following an illness which has restricted his appearances at the club for the past few years. Prior to that, he was omnipresent at the corner of the bar now occupied by the coffee machine.

He first came down to Heath Road in the mid-50s when the field was just a rough patch of over-grown soil and stone with the emphasis on stone. In our jubilee interviews, he recalled that his abilities were recognised and rewarded with a spade. He was never trusted with technical equipment such as screwdrivers or hammers.

In between to-ing and fro-ing to Cardiff on behalf of the Government, he assisted in the transportation of the old POW hut which became our original clubhouse and was present at the official opening in September 1959.

During the 60s, he captained the 3rd XV. Legend is difficult to separate from fact so let's just say that it's understood his approach to this role was unorthodox but successful. I'm sure that his players will fill in the gaps.

Maurice became a Liverpool Society Referee of some renown then really made his name at the Wids with phenomenally successful fundraising. In the 70s and 80s, he built up the town's largest collection of cigarette packets which were converted into pound coins, kit bags and Christmas trees.

It would be impossible for anyone to assess the amount of money Maurice raised for the Wids but I suspect that he would have a record of every single penny.
Anyone who applied to him for international tickets or has been associated in any other of his club welfare schemes would be aware of an attention to detail disguised by his casual façade.

A great supporter of Vets, Colts and Junior Rugby, he could always be relied on to provide raffle prizes, good advice and more than a few surprises. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

As promised, the details of the funeral are below:

Wednesday 6th January

12 noon requiem mass at St Mary's Church, Church Road, Woolton (L25 5JS), then at Springwood Crematorium, Springwood Avenue (L25 7UN). Afterwards at Allerton Hall (Fayre and Square pub), Springwood Avenue (L25 7UN).

And to quote the man himself, "No flowers, thanks."