Norman Glyndwr Evans (1943 – 2025)

Norman was born in Swansea and was a proud Welshman through and through. He went to Bishop Gore Grammar School (Swansea Grammar), where rugby quickly became his game. He played for the school’s First XV, Swansea Schoolboys and had a trial for the national schoolboy side.

In the early 1960s he headed to Chelsea College of Pharmacy, later part of King’s College London. After graduating he became a senior lecturer at both King’s and Imperial while also running his own chemist shop. He later worked as a locum chemist in Thames Ditton – the start of a long association with the village and, in particular, the George & Dragon. His career eventually took him into senior pharmacist roles in the NHS and overseas.

Norman’s link with the Old Surbitonians – and later Cobham RFC – began in 1962 while he was still a student. He was only the second non-Old Boy to join the Old Surbs and started out in the 3rd XV, playing just about every position you could imagine. Once the supply of players from the school slowed down, Norman quickly climbed the ranks and became the First XV hooker. He was a key part of the famous side that reached the 1976 Surrey Cup Final, narrowly losing 9–14 to Esher, and formed the middle of the well-remembered Kearsey–Evans–Lee front row.

One of his favourite tales – told many times with great delight – was the day he out-hooked Peter Wheeler (Old Brockleians and England) by three to one when Old Surbs faced Old Brocks. Wheeler went on to win 41 caps for England and tour with the Lions, and Norman never let anyone forget that little statistic. Away from rugby he also loved his cricket and golf. Norman joined the Grounds Committee under Roger King and later became chairman himself, taking charge of pitches and the wider club environment.

He was one of the most sociable people you could meet. His circle of friends was enormous – schoolmates and university friends would gather regularly back in Swansea, with Norman hosting at his Gower property, affectionately known as “his dacha”. At Cobham he was popular on and off the field, well known for holding court in the bar after games with songs, stories and recitations. Everyone at Fairmile Lane knew him; he made friends easily and was always ready with a bit of medical reassurance.

He also became a trustee of READY (Recreation and Easy Access for Disabled Youth), a charity set up by his friend Colin Herridge, joining a group that included several well-known sportsmen and women.

Norman was a very generous supporter of Cobham RFC and was especially proud to sponsor the hooker position in the match programmes. He was a key member of the Braemar Allstars supporters group and was appointed its Vice Chairman.

His contribution to Old Surbs and Cobham Rugby over so many years was immense. Even when his health wasn’t at its best, his enthusiasm for the club never faded. He leaves a sister, Ann and her family, a long-time close companion Bethan – and hundreds of sporting friends at every level, from club players to internationals, who will remember this larger-than-life character for a very long time to come.