A MINUTE’S silence will be held before Chard Town FC’s Saturday match in memory of long serving club stalwart Colin Dunford, who passed away on Sunday, November 17.

Colin Dunford, the former club chairman, and, now president, Brian Beer together hold the record for the longest serving duo of club officials in the league.

Mr. Dunford was a keen sportsman at school playing for Somerset in both football and cricket while at Ilminster Secondary Modern School.

As he got older and more established in his chosen sports, he soon gained an interest in off the field matters too.

He became the youngest treasurer and trainer in a dual post, serving for ten years, and was then secretary and treasurer for 21 years - all that time serving alongside chairman Brian Beer.

Mr. Colin Dunford also started and managed a successful Chard Ladies team as ladies football emerged in the 1970s. 

Brian Beer has come forward to pay tribute to the hours of hard work put in by Colin, praising all his experience and calm approach even at difficult times - plus his wealth of knowledge about football and sports in general.

Mr. Dunford, who was 79, passed away after two years with pancreatic cancer and just a month after his wife Liz Dunford had also died from cancer.

His funeral will be held on Monday, December 9 at 11.20am at Yeovil Crematorium.

There will be no flowers by personal request but donations can be made via the undertakers Forsey and Son, Pound Pool, Somerton TA1 1 6LZ in aid of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice in Taunton.

The Chard Town FC team all wish to pay their respects to Colin Dunford on Saturday, November 30 and hope he rests in peace.