We recently lost a dear friend of Hertford RFC. Len was one of our great characters, a very funny man and a ubiquitous presence in the clubhouse for decades.
We owe him and his kind a great debt as can be seen in this obituary by his old chum Charlie Malyon.
Rest well Len, it's been a blast!
Pic. Len on tour, Argentina 2008. Tour rules apply! ;-)

Former President Len Smith died on 28th April. His funeral will be at Woollensbrook Crematorium, Hoddesdon at 10.00 on 27th May

Len was one of the founder members of the modern rugby club at Hoe Lane helping with the construction of the clubhouse, and he found a satisfying social life there. Len was one of the many Old Hertfordians’ who offered loyal, regular playing support in the Club’s lower teams. In 1952 he was Vice Captain in Ian Kennedy’s B XV, which he went on to Captain 1955-6. Finally in 1960-1 he captained the Ex A XV. He had played regularly for a decade, enjoying the full support of his wife Jean, who was a popular member of the team of tea-ladies.

It was during the 1960’s that Len made such an important contribution to the development and success of Rugby at Hoe Lane. There was a need to improve facilities at Hoe Lane and Len was one of the energetic few creating the Clubhouse Development Fund. He realised the need for impetus and boost; he was the master mind, organiser and coordinator of the Yogi Bear Fayre held at Hartham.

Two years of planning and a trial run on Founder’s day 15th June 1963, were the prelude to the Fayre on the 20th July 1963. The efforts of Len and his able supporter Alan Creasey were meticulous. His appeal began, “All ideas, offers of help on the stalls on the days, of help with publicity, fetching, carrying etc. during the weeks beforehand, the days beforehand and particularly on the 20th July to Len Smith”. “If you have two hands, or two feet, or a voice, or a car, van or bike - You Can Help!”

Len’s efforts were untiring. In the weeks before the Fayre a rash of orange posters crept slowly out of Hertford, north along the A10 to Royston, east along the A11 and A414 to Stortford, south to London - Yogi Bear is Coming to Hertford, Come to the Yogi Bear Fayre on Hartham. He had to overcome cynicism, doubts and criticisms, but the OH Newsletter reported, “An ebullient, red-headed virtuoso called Len Smith, bullying, weedling, cajoling, steamrollering doubts and objections”. He was on the phone, writing letters, leaving messages, making appointments week after week, month after month.

On the day there were 45 stalls to be erected together with marquees and tents - “Ask Len, Fetch Alan” By 3.45 people were flocking to Hartham, the cost of the outlay had been covered and there were 3 hours remaining. Then RAIN - interminable! Len and Alan, ever cheerful and consoling declared “We’re calling it off blokes, pack up. Never mind.” They who had done so much, defiant to the end. But the Club had learnt something. It could earn and deserve a good reputation outside rugby. It was not just 6 teams, rather One Club working together and bringing much pleasure to so many who had been unaware of its existence. Len, Alan and Yogi had laid a foundation, one worth building upon.

It was not surprising that from 1963-68 Len was a dynamic Team Secretary, ever willing and cheerful. It is a post of great complexity and enormity, which he performed so efficiently, even planning a Jersey Tour. Len was elected the last President of the OH Rugby Club in 1970 and became the first President of Hertford RFC until 1975, presiding over the changes with his usual enthusiasm to ensure harmony. In retirement Len continued to support the club and was on the last tour to Buenos Aires.

Outside rugby Len was one of the principle organisers of the annual Hoddesdon Carnival, and created a little colour and frissance by bringing his Carnival Queens and Princesses to pre match lunches at Hoe Lane, to the acclaim of all attending!

Charlie Malyon