Login It is with great sadness that I have to announce that John Taylor passed away on Sunday evening. John (affectionately known as `Keg Taylor` by his teammates) joined the Rugby Club way back in 1953, and as such, was the longest-serving member of our Club. John played for the 1st XV at both the London Road and Tytherington grounds and later in his career, he captained the 3rd team and at the end of his playing days, went on to become Chairman of MRUFC.
John Taylor is one of a very few people who can truly be said to be embroidered into the history and fabric of MRUFC. As a Kings School boy he made his debut for the Club in Season 1950-1 alongside Barry Jones in a losing cause against Heaton Moor. That same season Crewe pitched up for a game two short, John willingly volunteered to help make up their numbers (and ensure that Macc won 8-0!). In season 1952-3 John moved into adulthood, left school and became a first-team regular.
Johns style of play is perhaps best summed up by the match report of the 1957 defeat to Crewe where John was reported to have had an “intelligent and at times rather robust” game. Come season 1958-9 John was operating as Assistant Secretary for the Club and through his profession was heavily involved in the search for a new ground. So gradually John’s heavy involvement with the playing side began to morph into heavy involvement with off-pitch matters and the development of the Club.
In season 1959-60 he was in a club seven that progressed through to the 3rd Round of the Manchester Sevens, quite an achievement in those days! And then followed a professional involvement in securing a new ground and clubhouse at Tytherington, and John had the honour of captaining the first ever first team to play at the new ground. At the Annual Dinner, the club recognised the “tremendous amount of work” done by John Taylor to bring the club facilities to fruition and presented John with a silver salver.
But old warriors die slowly, so come season 1965-6 and John still managed a number of first team games (at prop) and performed sufficiently well to be selected for an early Cheshire trial. Into the late 60s and John`s playing career was slowly winding down as he captained three newly installed teams the thirds, fourths and fifths. As third-team captain John is credited with giving future England scrum half, Steve Smith, his first game at senior level.
In season 1969-70 John alongside Peter Harper senior, he promoted a fore runner to the Colts team. Whilst mainly a schoolboy side and not able to “promote” themselves as a Youth team as it was in direct competition with Kings School, most of the schoolboys gained early guidance and leadership from senior players Peter Harper and John Taylor. Through these seasons John was ably abetted by Wilf Potts who now takes on his mantle as our longest-serving club member.
Finally, John accepted that his age was perhaps more appropriate to administration than playing, and he was elected to a streamlined Management Committee. Around this time John`s third significant contribution to the Club came into being when he introduced son David to Mini rugby. David was soon joined by brother Iain and both went on to skipper the club. Years later, they were followed by a 3rd generation of Taylors as John`s grandsons Tommy, Jack and Christian played in the MJ section and all represented MRUFC 1st XV with distinction. Truly a playing dynasty.
As the seventies drew to a close John completed his third significant imprint on the Club’s development, as part of the group that sought and developed the facilities that we use today at Priory Park, indeed John used his architectural knowledge to design the clubhouse. Rightly so, John Taylor`s name figures largely in the history of the Club, including a stint as Chairman in the 1980`s. In addition to his commitment to MRUFC, John was also heavily involved with Cheshire RFU, culminating in becoming President in 2010 -2011.
A little coincidence during our 150th anniversary season – John`s business occupied Jordangate House in Macclesfield………..which was previously the family home of J.W. Thorpe, the original founder of our rugby club 150 years ago!
To see and hear John reminiscing, follow the link through to the Club’s Living History videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erpcOw0XcSc
In addition to his involvement with the club, John was a proud father to David, Katie & Iain, and grandfather to Tommy, Jack, Christian, Molly, Harry and Daniel. Our sympathies go out to his wife Wendy and the rest of the Taylor family at this sad time.
John`s funeral will be held at Macclesfield Crematorium on Tuesday March 4th at 3.30, followed by a celebration of his life at the place he loved, Macclesfield Rugby Club – all John`s friends and ex-playing teammates are invited to attend.
Pete Harper
President
MRUFC