With regret and thanks in equal measure, we have to announce the retirement of one of Rosslyn Park’s longest-serving stalwarts, Club Secretary David Booth. “Boothy” has been an immense part of Rosslyn Park Football Club for many years but has quite understandably now decided to spend more time with his family.
We are immensely grateful to Boothy for his years of unwavering dedication and the profound impact he has had on both the club and its members. His commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping the club into what it is today, and we cannot thank him enough for his invaluable contributions.
We reached out to those who know Boothy well to tell his Rosslyn Park story and give thanks in their own words but on behalf of Rosslyn Park Football Club , quite simply….
Thank you Boothy, you have been outstanding.
Charlie Addiman
David Booth, like many others, came to the club as a parent in the mini-youth section. When his son outgrew the juniors Boothy offered his services to the senior club, becoming Hon Fixture Secretary for the senior teams. Few realise what an onerous job this can be: dealing with Coaches who all demand testing fixtures – but only ones they will probably win. He took to the it like a duck to water, helped by his natural diplomacy and a canny ability to get on with almost anyone.
When it became increasingly difficult to find competitive fixtures for the 2nd XV, he realised that other clubs around our level faced the same problem. He got together with other similar clubs’ Fixture Secretaries as a leading light in the formation of the The Raging Bull Shield to solve the problem. The competition would be run and its rules set by the clubs themselves. The RFU was initially unhappy at the league’s creation, but later came to hold it up as a positive example of how a competition should run.
At the start of the 2016 season the Club was seeking a replacement for the retiring Club Secretary and turned to the dependable and popular Boothy. He soon made the job his own, in his own inimitable style.
David Booth has been the epitome of the unsung, hard-working, loyal person that every club needs but is difficult to find. By nature, gregarious, he was always good company to share a social drink with. Sadly, of recent times his health has made it difficult for him to get to the club and has worked mainly from home. We very much hope that he will be able to return more regularly in future to the club where he will always be welcome among his many friends. Thanks, Boothy
Adam Tyrer
Boothy is one of those people who seem to have always been at Rosslyn Park. I’m not sure anyone could say exactly when he arrived, but he quickly became part of the furniture and indispensable to the running of the club, whether it be sorting out fixtures, organising the 2nd Team League or keeping on top of the book-keeping. And who can resist his tales of traversing the wilds behind the iron curtain during the cold war for the Moscow Narodny Bank – surely most of John Le Carré’s books were based on Boothy’s exploits! The highlight of my calendar in recent years has been sharing several margarita’s with Boothy over lunch at his favourite restaurant, Hudson’ and the glint in Boothy’s eye as he tells you some dark secret.
Robert Evans
David Booth- known to all as ‘Boothy’ is stepping away from his involvement with Rosslyn Park. It all started nearly 30 years ago when his son played for Dave Starling’s all conquering U18 side. David had played rugby at Tiffin School and when his father moved to East Grinstead to take over in charge of the nuclear bunker there at East Grinstead Grammar School. After school though a full and distinguished financial career in the city allowed little time to carry on playing.
Trying to sum up Boothy’s contribution to Park is difficult but best put by Geoff Bayles who said that Boothy did all the unseen jobs that no one really noticed but which are vital for the smooth running. Fixture Secretary, Organiser of 2nd XV and other ‘social’ sides, Former players’ lunches, Club Secretary, liaison with other clubs prior to matches, Finance Officer etc, etc, etc. in the wider rugby world he helped to set up ‘The Shield’ a multi division league for 2nd and lower XVs and still is involved in its administration up to the current season. Persuading his big mate, ex All black Shaun Fitzpatrick to be involved and present awards etc. certainly raised its profile.
David is a fanatical Arsenal supporter- he claims because his great grandfather played for the Army side that was the precursor to the current Gunners! – and a long-time member of Surrey cricket. On the social side he is a member of East India Club to which he has introduced many Park players and coaches. Boothy has been a key man in the history of Park with his good humour, hard work and critical intelligence which he inherits from his mother who worked at Bletchley Park during the war. We will miss him at the centre of things at the club but look forward to his continuing support and advice when needed.
Boothy’s Roles at the club include:
- 2ndXV and Slingbacks liaison and travel
- Deputy to RPFC Managing Directors
- Social Secretary
- Vice President of RPFC
- Assistant with fixtures when Premier Clubs were involved
- Founder of Les Dejeuners
- Involved with Andy Ripley in various businesses and Cannons membership
- Involved with the fundraising campaign for the artificial pitch
- Involved with overseas travel on behalf of the Club
- Liaison with Richmond Park officials
- Originated Former Players liaison
- Brought Micky Steele-Bodger into the Club
- Introduced Sean Fitzpatrick as the patron of the Social Sides SHIELD competition
- Liaison on catering, parking, programmes and all businesses associated within RPFC
- Official at NS7s
- Long term involvement with all financial matters
- Rosslyn Park Football Club Secretary
