Family and friends femember Jonathan
Picture Caption:
Family and friends of Jonathan: Back row (l–r) Ray Campbell, Andrew Wrighting, Janice Hankins and Rod Walpole Front row (l–r) David Barclay, Val Barclay and Jane Barclay
23 July 08
Family and friends of Jonathan Barclay commemorated his life on Monday, by inaugurating a memorial bench outside the Village Hall in Walgrave.
The bench was commissioned by colleagues of Jonathan’s mother, Valerie who works for Midlands Co-operative Funeral Home, Darley Dale Road, Corby. It has been located overlooking the football pitch where Jonathan played on a regular basis.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jonathan’s wife Jane said: “Jonathan died unexpectedly on Boxing Day 2007 while playing football for the Walgrave Veterans, he was 46 years old.
“Jonathan was born and spent his school years in Corby. He was mad about football and was a lifelong Chelsea fan, following them every season from when he was a small boy. He not only liked to watch football but also enjoying playing the sport, his usual position was goalkeeper. Jonathan played for Gretton and Tresham College, Saturday and Sunday league teams and regularly won cups including ‘Young Player of the Year’.”
Midlands Co-op Funeral Services’ Jean Cooksley commented: “We wanted to do something special to remember the life of Jonathan and after speaking to his mother we felt a commemorative bench overlooking the football pitch would be a fitting tribute. Walgrave Amblers Football Club has dedicated a trophy in memory of Jonathan and in future years Walgrave Ambers and Veterans will play for the Jonathan Barclay Memorial Cup on Boxing Days. We are very pleased that Jonathan will be remembered in such fitting and positive ways. ”
Jonathan’s mother Valerie added: “I would like to thank everyone involved in arranging this tribute, especially Andrew Wrighting who organised the commissioning of the bench. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues Janice Hankins and Andrew Maycock for the thoughtful way that they arranged and carried out Jonathan’s funeral.”
ENDS
For more information about this press release please contact:
Laure Doucet, Dawn Walker or Joy Welch at Midlands Co-op on 01543 414140.
