25. Dave Walker (Subscriptions Secretary)

MEET A MEMBER MONDAY

Woody plays a big part behind the scenes at Penrith RUFC. He has looked at the subscriptions for many years and continues to keep our club website up to date and in order!

To show that its not just all rugby, here's a brief run down of Woody's life to date!

Dave, born in 1952, lived briefly at Threlked before moving to Penruddock where he stayed until boarding at what was then Newton Rigg Farm school.

After finishing school at Ullswater Community College and then Newton Rigg, Woody then attended Harper Adams College and intended moving onto Nottingham University. Half way through second year, he contracted a virulent type of Glandular fever for two months. Hence, the reason why he completed a BSc in later life.

He said, "I didn't have to but I needed to prove to myself that I could."

Woody found employment with British Telecom and worked his way through the ranks, eventually becoming a network designer before retiring in 2015 after 40 years' service.

During his rugby career, he also played cricket, originally for Threlkeld then latterly at Stainton.

Name: Dave 'Woody' Walker

Position: "Every forward position except Hooker."

How many years at Penrith RUFC: "I began playing rugby in 1975, aged 23, in Penrith RUFC's 3rd team. It was captained by Geoff Matthews at the time. In 1976, I moved to play for the 1st team and continued to do so for 11 years. I retired from 1st team rugby in 1988 due to persistent injury problems."

In the early 1980s, Woody became Subscriptions Secretary for the club and remains in that position to this day. In the late 80s and early 90s, Woody was an Organiser and Coach for youth rugby and enjoy seeing his son Kevin and daughter Emma start playing.

In the early 1990s, Woody became Assistant 1st XV Team Coach alongside Head Coach, Mike Arragon.

Woody lead the club from 2000-2003 as Club President and in this time he was also Fundraising Committee Chairman.

In 2004, Woody retired from Vets rugby aged 52 after snapping his Achilles tendon.

In 2010, Woody was made a Life Member of Penrith RUFC.

We've created a timeline for Woody's rugby career and involvement with the club - something slightly different to the usual posts! Share your best memories of Woody with us! We'd love to hear them..