RIP Bill Nelson

It is with much sorrow that we have to announce the passing of Bill Nelson, one of our long standing members.

Bill was born in October 1939 in the North East, and moved south with his job not long after he and Christine got married. Together, they started a coach business based in Wickford, and as time when on NIBs started running scheduled school and public bus services in the area, which still runs to this day. Bill served as a magistrate locally for many years.

Bill became a member of the Rotary Club of Wickford in 1978, and held the post of President on three separate occasions, in 1983-4, 1997-8 and 2012-13. During his time in Rotary he played a major role in most of the activities of the Club but is probably best remembered for his involvement in the support of Hope and Aid Direct convoys, taking essential supplies to various conflict areas in Eastern Europe over many years, starting in Bosnia and later Kosovo. Bill funded a truck for these trips and undertook more than 30 convoys over the years, and was still driving well into his 70’s. He was also the “main man” when came time for the Wickford Fireworks each year, as the man tasked with lighting the bonfire!

Bill was a keen sailor and enjoyed many happy times aboard his boat “His Nibs”. He also learned to fly after he was a bought a lesson, and never looked back, flying his own plane around UK and the near continent.

Bill enjoyed good health for many years until he suffered a stroke in 2020. He passed away in November 2022 after surviving Christine by six months.

Our sympathies go to his children Steven, Brenda and Dudley and their families. Bill will be sadly missed by all who knew him.