Graham Taylor- friend of Rotary dies

THE ex-president of the Scunthorpe Pentagon Rotary Club has paid tribute to former England manager Graham Taylor who passed away last week.

Scunthorpe-educated Mr Taylor died on Thursday (January 12) at the age of 72. Since then,tributes have been pouring in both locally and nationally.

George Spiteri said he had the pleasure of knowing Mr Taylor for a short time through his work with the Rotary Club.

Paying tribute, he said: "Most people, when you mention the name Graham Taylor, will automatically think football and his association with clubs such as Scunthorpe, Lincoln, Watford, Aston Villa, Wolves and of course England.

"What many will not know about is his unsung efforts to support others. In November 2006, he became the patron of Lincolnshire House in Scunthorpe and was a big supporter always willing to help in any way he could.

"He was often to be seen at their summer fete and freely went about helping out and talking to people. In 2015, Graham was a VIP guest at the Rotary District Disability Games held at The Pods in Scunthorpe. The athletes were delighted to meet him and have their photos taken with him.

"He engaged with them all and entered into the spirit of the event by agreeing to a game of boccia against the then Mayor of Scunthorpe, Trevor Foster. To Graham, this wasn't just a game for the cameras - his competitive nature came through - this was a match to be won. He did win and he ran round the court in celebration – you would have thought he'd won the FA Cup!

"In the same year, he became an honorary member of the Pentagon Rotary Club in Scunthorpe and he continued to support the Rotary Disability Games coming up again to take part and promote the event to the media.

"He was due to attend the games again this year, on April 2 at The Pods. He will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered by us all.

"I am honoured to have known him, albeit for a short time, and am saddened by his sudden death. He was a true gentleman who was very passionate for the things he cared about. Football ran through his veins but his work for those that were disadvantaged mattered so much to him and those he touched. A legend."

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