Rory O’Sullivan, our President, sadly announces the passing of Vice President Ann Williamson, wife of Past President and Chairman John B Williamson.
They say “behind every great man is a great woman” and she certainly was. I found out what a formidable lady she was when she and John toured with the Corinthians to Prague in 2004 but, of course, I can’t say why because what goes on tour stays on tour!
Her daughter, Clare Brown, writes this lovely tribute to her mother whom you will see was at the time very much at the centre of all that happened at Blackheath FC.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Ann Williamson, wife of John Williamson, who left us peacefully in New Zealand on 13 August, surrounded by her family. Ann had been bravely battling dementia for several years.
Ann was more than just a familiar face at Blackheath Rugby Club; she was a vital part of its fabric for many years. Her husband, John, played in nearly every position on the first team, captained, refereed, chaired, and presided over the Club, and later took care of referees during home games. Naturally, Ann was there, first as a supporter and soon as a passionate activist.
Ann’s involvement went beyond the rugby season, as John also captained the Cricket team for many years. However, Ann carved out her own significant roles. She was a formidable figure with senior positions in her own right. A Head Teacher during the week, a Justice of the Peace, and a member of FIFA’s committee on Sport in Education, Ann brought her leadership skills to the Club every Saturday. In the 1970s and 80s, she was a trailblazer for gender equality, ensuring the installation of female toilets in the main club room and becoming the first woman on the committee, later serving as Vice President and a Life Member.
Ann’s contributions were many, from helping at events to being the voice of the game as an announcer and commentator during home matches. Her quick wit and sharp mind were evident as she memorized player names and numbers, rarely needing her cheat sheet. Her daughter Clare fondly recalls Saturdays spent at the Club, with her mother on the microphone, keenly observing every play.
Beyond rugby, Ann was a sportswoman herself, earning a Blue in fencing from Cambridge and a half Blue in Tiddlywinks. The Williamson household was deeply intertwined with the Club, a connection that continues today, symbolised by the Blackheath umbrella at Clare’s home in New Zealand and the blazer worn by her husband Nick Brown, also a former Blackheath player, at special events.
Ann’s legacy at Blackheath Rugby Club is one of dedication, passion, and breaking new ground. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.”
Ann, John & Nick at Eden Park, Auckland, NZ watching the England Team beat France in the Rugby World Cup
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