It was Bernard who Arranged for Colin Powell and Keith Peacock to attend the launch night for Eltham Addicks, he even came along himself. Had some great stories to tell and was a lovely person to meet.
As Curb_it mentioned he attended the last Eltham Addicks meeting and brought along an ex player in Keith Tucker.
He will be sadly missed and I will always be grateful for the support and help he offered. Nothing was too much trouble for Bernard.
I had the pleasure of knowing Bernard for over 20 years. He was a great supporter of the Steve Gritt events for the Brain and Spine Foundation. He supported all the player testimonial events and the annual Back to The Valley dinners I organised in years gone by as well as the overseas Charlton Veterans Tours. Not only did he support all of them financially but he helped to get others involved. He was a very gentle and generous man and my lasting image of him is someone who was always smiling and laughing. He was a stalwart of the Former Players Association and was loved and admired by so many former players, managers and staff. He will be greatly missed and I offer my condolences to Christine, Tim and all his family. It was a privilege to have known him.
Although I didn't personally know Bernard that well, my Dad and I sat near him at The Valley.
My Dad, Cliff, knew him for many years and said the following:
“I first met Bernard when he and his wife Christine came to live two doors away from my family in Forest Hill in 1970 when I was still at school and it took two years before we found out that we both went off to The Valley on Saturday afternoons. Bernard then gave me a lift to matches and once I had passed my test and had a car we shared journeys and stood in the centre of the old East terrace. We had many good (and bad) experiences in the 70s and 80s including trips to Bristol Rovers at Eastville (1-1 I think, not the 5-5 of the same era), ankle deep in mud at Maidstone in the FA Cup and the 4-1 win against Spurs in 1977. He gave me a great insight into some of the players that I was not old enough to have seen play.
Bernard then got a season ticket in the Jubilee Club at the top of the old west stand and occasionally got me in as a “guest” without an upgrade. Eventually I decided to get a seat there as well but it was very shortlived as we were evicted to Selhurst Park after only a few weeks.
On moving back to the Valley, by coincidence I ended up with a seat only a few away from his in the West stand and we managed a wave at most games or occasionally a few words. I noticed that he wasn’t there on Saturday and he will be greatly missed as he was such a lovely person. Our family’s thoughts are with Christine, his daughter Kirstie and son Tim and their families.”
some wonderful and great posts in memory of a true addick, his family I hope find this thread and take as much solace and comfort as they can in the heart felt posts of those that knew him
he sounds an absolute true gent and proper Charlton man
Bernard’s funeral is taking place at 3.00pm on Tuesday 25th February at St Mary’s Church, 61 College Rd, Bromley, Kent BR1 3QG.
There will be a private cremation service beforehand attended by the family, then the public church service afterwards at 3.00pm. I think the family prefer donations to a charity over flowers but as yet I don’t have the details of which charity they are choosing.
I have just been informed by Bernard’s wife Christine that it was Bernard’s wish that instead of flowers he would like it if people could make a donation to:
St Christopher’s Hospice 51-59 Lawrie Park Road Sydenham London SE26 6DZ
Went along to the service and popped into the drinks and snacks afterwards. Huge turnout including lots of old players and ex and current Charlton staff.
Some touching words from Bernard's friend from childhood, Michael Upton, and from Garry Nelson.
Very pleased and touched to visit Christine Wickham today. She had a large number of items she wanted to pass on to the Charlton Athletic Museum which we were delighted to accept.
Garry Nelson @Nelse61 @CAFCofficial absolutely delighted by that Award for my late great pal Bernard! What a fitting Award and honour! Well done #cafc
I'm delighted that Bernard was recognised last night with the life time achievement award by the Supporters. As Garry says, it is a fitting tribute to a man who did so much for the Club and especially for the former players. Well done to all concerned.
Well done Fans Forum for giving this posthumously to Bernard. One of his best mates, Mick Upjohn, collected the award on behalf of the family and gave a very moving speech.
Comments
It was Bernard who Arranged for Colin Powell and Keith Peacock to attend the launch night for Eltham Addicks, he even came along himself. Had some great stories to tell and was a lovely person to meet.
As Curb_it mentioned he attended the last Eltham Addicks meeting and brought along an ex player in Keith Tucker.
He will be sadly missed and I will always be grateful for the support and help he offered. Nothing was too much trouble for Bernard.
R.I.P
R.I.P.
My Dad, Cliff, knew him for many years and said the following:
“I first met Bernard when he and his wife Christine came to live two doors away from my family in Forest Hill in 1970 when I was still at school and it took two years before we found out that we both went off to The Valley on Saturday afternoons. Bernard then gave me a lift to matches and once I had passed my test and had a car we shared journeys and stood in the centre of the old East terrace. We had many good (and bad) experiences in the 70s and 80s including trips to Bristol Rovers at Eastville (1-1 I think, not the 5-5 of the same era), ankle deep in mud at Maidstone in the FA Cup and the 4-1 win against Spurs in 1977. He gave me a great insight into some of the players that I was not old enough to have seen play.
Bernard then got a season ticket in the Jubilee Club at the top of the old west stand and occasionally got me in as a “guest” without an upgrade. Eventually I decided to get a seat there as well but it was very shortlived as we were evicted to Selhurst Park after only a few weeks.
On moving back to the Valley, by coincidence I ended up with a seat only a few away from his in the West stand and we managed a wave at most games or occasionally a few words. I noticed that he wasn’t there on Saturday and he will be greatly missed as he was such a lovely person. Our family’s thoughts are with Christine, his daughter Kirstie and son Tim and their families.”
RIP Bernard
he sounds an absolute true gent and proper Charlton man
RIP Bernard
There will be a private cremation service beforehand attended by the family, then the public church service afterwards at 3.00pm. I think the family prefer donations to a charity over flowers but as yet I don’t have the details of which charity they are choosing.
St Christopher’s Hospice
51-59 Lawrie Park Road
Sydenham
London
SE26 6DZ
http://www.stchristophers.org.uk/donate
Some touching words from Bernard's friend from childhood, Michael Upton, and from Garry Nelson.
Very good send off for a very good man.
He would have been pleased with the turnout.
Last night was for you, Bernard.
xx
Very nice touch by the Fans Forum and no one more deserving.
@CAFCofficial absolutely delighted by that Award for my late great pal Bernard! What a fitting Award and honour! Well done #cafc