Val Hobson RIP

It is with much sadness that we inform you of the sad passing of one of Grasshoppers’ stalwarts over many years after a short spell in hospital at the age of 78. As most of you know Val had had more latterly been husband Pete’s primary carer for which she was absolutely dedicated. Val’s involvement in Grasshoppers started when a number of the then Priory Judo Club, headed by Dave Delderfield, joined the Club in the mid 1960’s although, Val’s brother, prop, Brian Strong was already a Grasshoppers player before moving to Richmond where he played in their first team for a number of years before his sudden death. Val reached the level of brown belt before bringing her undoubted volunteering talent to Grasshoppers although her heart always looked back admiringly to her involvement in judo.

Val, was one of the first group of ladies to be awarded and Honorary Life Vice Presidency in 2010 along with Joan Whittaker and Sandra Baveystock and was also presented a Silver Pin when it was first awarded. She was always made Club-person of the year in 2006/07 due to her untiring work in support of Pete during his time as Director of Rugby when she took a firm hold of rugby income and expenditure and was also there on the phones helping Pete get four teams out on a regular basis.

Our sincere condolences go out to Val and Pete’s immediate family and we’ll keep you informed of the funeral arrangements when the are finalised.

With a heart full of great memories of her.