THE sporting community in the Wellington area and beyond is mourning the loss of Rivers Barry, who died suddenly at home on October 19 at the age of 65, writes Richard Walsh.

Rivers, who lived at Blockhouse Farm in Nynehead, was a well known figure around Wellington who through his kindness and generosity reached out and touched many people in the local community.

He left school early and went to work as a farm labourer, during which time he was pleased to tell people he learnt to milk cows!

Rivers then worked in the construction industry and was involved in helping to build some of the bridges which crossed the M5 motorway.

He returned to education and obtained a degree in English Literature – and subsequently lectured on the subject at Bridgwater College and Richard Huish. Rivers also owned and ran the bookshop in Wellington.

He was a keen sportsman and enjoyed his cricket for Nynehead CC, where he was chairman for several years during which he played a major part in helping the club acquire its ground and build a new pavilion.

Keith Haslam, a former chairman of Nynehead CC and founder member of the club when it started up again in 1988, said: “I got to know Rivers very well. He was famous for his contributions on and off the field. He was an all-rounder and captained the side for a number of years during which time he was always keen to involve everyone in the game. Off the field he was infamous for his after-match fining sessions!

“He was a great leader and had a fantastic way with words – he was always the life and soul of the party. He was always so kind and generous by nature, and when it came to working on the ground and the new pavilion he was always there.”

In the winter Rivers played rugby for Cullompton as a second row forward and helped the side to gain a number of promotions, the most recent being into South West One (West).

As well as his on-field presence, in the clubhouse afterwards Rivers was a larger than life character, always very much to the fore when it came to post-match entertainment and hospitality.

When he gave up playing regularly Rivers became president of Cullompton RFC, a post he still held at his death.

In a tribute to its former president a message on the Cullompton RFC website said: “Rivers was a humorous, erudite and well respected man who mixed with and was known by all playing and supporting members alike. A former player who during his tenure as president and during the years preceding it has done so much to engender and preserve the spirit and ethos of our club.”

As well as his involvement with Cullompton RFC, Rivers was involved with Wellington RFC and was still a keen tennis player.

He was involved with all aspects of village life and for the last few years Rivers Barry also served on Nynehead Parish Council.

Away from his local community Rivers was a trustee of the Somerset Cricket Museum in Taunton for a number of years as well as being a syndicate member of a box at the County Ground from where he would enjoy following the fortunes of Somerset CCC.

Dave Jewell, who played rugby and cricket alongside Rivers, said: “He was a really genuine guy, friendly and generous – he always had time to stop and chat with you whatever he was doing. He loved playing skittles at the village club and whatever was going on in the village Rivers would go along, join in wholeheartedly and support it. He will be very sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”

Rivers Barry is survived by his wife Danielle and their children Helena and Patrick.