Terry Bryer will forever be celebrated as a Clwb Rygbi Dinbych legend

No words could ever be too kind to describe former Clwb Rygbi Dinbych chairman Terry Bryer.

Rugby followers in Denbigh, throughout North Wales and no doubt beyond will today feel a deep sadness at the news Terry has passed away.

This much-loved and respected figure took great pride in being an official of CR Dinbych for close on 40 years.

A loyal and committed supporter of all that went on at Caeau Les Phillips, Terry would be first to volunteer for any of the countless jobs that keep a community club like Dinbych functioning.

His association with Clwb Rygbi Dinbych began back in 1981 when he took on the role of mini/juniors coach.

His efforts during the 1980’s and 1990’s helped nurture and develop talent from Denbigh and the surrounding area which would bear fruit as they matured into senior players in the years ahead.

From 2004-2015 Terry was club chairman. During those years substantial changes were made to the facilities at Caeau Les Phillips with the clubhouse extension completed, the car park resurfaced and the erection of floodlights and a stand for the first team pitch.

Terry was always an absolute pleasure to interview, he could not have been more helpful.

Back in November 2008, as chairman he spoke before Dinbych’s first match under their new floodlights against Llangefni in the North Wales Senior Cup.

He said at the time: “It’s only six years ago that we were a junior club and having to play a lot of our games, much like Llangefni were a couple of seasons ago, every other week down in the Gwent valley.

“It was a tough time for the club, but we fulfilled every fixture, even if sometimes we did have to travel with less than 15 players.

“But the club has come a long way in a short space of time and that’s because of a lot of hard work from a lot of very dedicated people behind the scenes.”

Dinbych were fifth in Division One North at the time, and the chairman could not have been more proud.

He was also delighted that a team as illustrious as Llangefni were to christen the new lights as first-up opponents.

“We are very grateful to Llangefni for coming down here in midweek,” he said. “And it is a great match for us to play to unveil the new floodlights.

“Llangefni are an excellent club and I would say since the North Wales League was set up are the most successful up here. And they could even have gone up to Division Two West a few years ago, which would have been massive.”

In 2019, the club paid thanks to Terry for his decades of dedication to CR Dinbych by naming the first team pitch in his honour – the Terry Bryer Pitch.

The club said today in a statement: “We all look forward to seeing a Clwb Rygbi Dinbych team run out again on that pitch and pay our respects to the softly spoken, wise and kind friend that has left us too soon.”

“On behalf of the club our heartfelt condolences go out to Phyllis, Gareth, David and all the family at this difficult time.”

Numerous tributes were paid to Terry on social media today.

Former club chairman Dugie Gemmil wrote: “To me, Terry was one of those people who we should feel privileged to have shared a part of our lives with.

“A natural gentleman, kind and generous of spirit, with a warmth and heart that shone through everything he did. Without any doubt he is one of the reasons I made my home at Denbigh. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace Terry.”

And John Ross added: “Such sad news. Mr Bryer’s style of coaching shaped so many players at the club. He was an amazing man, a true gentleman and always had a smile on his face. The club will not be the same without him.”