We are sad to inform you of the death of Geoffrey Escott (Geoffo) on 15 November 2021. Geoff was 88 and living in Hatt, Cornwall with wife Anne following their move from Camberley in 2016.

Geoff was a lifelong supporter of Arsenal and keen cricketer and in the late 70’s his work colleague Neil Walker suggested a visit to Watchetts Park to watch a rugby match and have a Guinness or two on the touchline! And therein start a lifelong love of rugby and Camberley Rugby Club.

Geoffo helped out at the club’s 50th Anniversary celebrations and was soon drawn into the community spirit of the place. Within a couple of year Anne and Geoff took on the running of the bar, for match days, training nights and popular social times on Friday night and Sunday lunchtimes. Anne took on the rugby club teas and in later years set up Predict-a-Score match day competition, raising hundreds of ££ for club funds.

In 1983 the family moved to 73 Watchetts Drive………..The garden backed on the rugby club and it became the heart of the family’s social life. Many memorable parties were held there and at the club, as well as Sundays at home round the table where Anne made a Sunday roast stretch to 9 people or more after a lunch time sess!

Through the 90s Geoff enjoyed following Camberley as they progressed under the coaching of Phil Moyle and as the game moved into the professional era it became clear that a kit man, ‘pads and post’ man, ‘roping the touchline’ man was an essential part of the team and Geoffo stepped in!

As well as success on the pitch Geoffo loved the social side of the club. Bill Fletcher organised annual FART’s tours to Knighton and the whole family went inc the dog! Mike, Pam and Richard Stone’s annual XXX Cricket Tours to Bridestowe became another annual fixture with many of the rugby boys showing a talent for cricket or drinking and bombing if the weather was inclement!

Geoff was an inaugural member of SCRUFFs and was a familiar sight on the touchline with flat cap and squirrel on top, at matches. With the garden being a fair size, the slightly tongue in cheek Croquet Tournament became an annual event with invitations highly sought after by friends and rugby club members. At the heart of the of the fun at the club, was friendships formed with so many people. Anne and Geoff were always ready to help the ‘rugby family’ and friendships lasted long after Dad was able to get to the club for a regular pint. As Geoff’s health diminished the opportunity arose to move to Cornwall and live close to daughters Becky and with Sarah based in North Devon. Geoff was ill for a short period, cared for at home and died peacefully with Anne at his side. He is survived by Anne and daughters Sarah and Becky.

Geoffs funeral is to be held 2.30pm 7th December at Bodmin Crematorium, followed by the wake at the local pub. All rugby friends are welcome, if you wish to contact Sarah for details email kim@camberleyrugbyclub.co.uk