Richard Ottley, a supporter and VP of CRUFC since the early 90s died this week at the age of 74 after a short illness.
Richard, a chemistry graduate from Liverpool University, was a chief formulating chemist for Molton Brown for many years and some of us remember being enlisted as testers of new products and fragrances to comment on before they were released on the public!
In the late 1990s his life took a new and happy turn when he met Jennifer Jones, a district councillor, at a VP’s lunch in the old clubhouse. She became a regular supporter and love blossomed. They were married in Swavesey on 15 April 2000. They were the first, and probably the last CRUFC VPs to marry one another!
Richard and Jennifer enjoyed travelling, visiting Jennifer’s children and grandchildren, here and in the USA, as well as having a house in western France, but they were always regulars on the touchline for home and occasional away games. They also greatly enjoyed the pre-match lunches at the Club and were regular members of ‘Table 17’ along with Jacksons, Fells and others.
Sadly, Jennifer’s health began to fail and they moved from their home in Swavesey to Fakenham to be nearer to Jennifer’s daughter Nicola and granddaughter Lauren. Jennifer died last year. Richard was last seen at CRUFC for the final home game of last season but followed the Club’s fortunes keenly.
