Merv Ringer, who died on 7th February 2022, wasn’t a rugby player but became part of the beating heart of Ventnor Rugby Club.
He and his late wife Jill took over the full responsibility for all catering and the highly successful running of the bar from the very earliest days of the club back in the 70s.
Merv was an expert at rings, darts, snooker and as a joke teller! As pétanque gradually gained a large foothold on the Island, he developed into a very skilled performer, playing at a high level, both on the Island and in mainland competitions. He was also instrumental in the organisation of many Isle of Wight competitions as well as becoming a national umpire.
Later in life, along with his second wife Carol, he rediscovered his love of horses and the countryside.
On behalf of Ventnor Rugby Club, James Morton has said:
“Merv was a great companion, with a tremendous sense of humour and will be sadly missed.”
