W.J. Gosling(1928-2020)
Aside from family commitments, Bill's life was dedicated to sport. Following a successful playing career with Hanney FC, 1951 saw Bill become a
Junior Referee. Promotions followed and by 1957, he was a Class 1 Senior Referee.
Bill also enjoyed a lengthy cricket career. An excellent wicket keeper and prolific scorer, Bill was recognised in village cricket as probably being the best wicket-keeper in the County of Berkshire (now Oxfordshire).
Meanwhile, Bill's connections with football administration commenced in 1960 when he became a Council Member for the West Division of the North Berks Football Competitions. In 1962, he became Honorary Referees Appointment Secretary. A year later, during a very difficult period for the administrators, he took on the additional role of Honorary Fixtures Secretary. He continued in both these posts until 1970 when he became Chairman.
Bill's administration skills did not go unnoticed and in 1971 he was elected as a Representative of Division 6 and the following year, he became a co-opted member of the Football Association, taking on the role of Honorary Youth Secretary. This appointment necessitated his resignation as Chairman of the North Berks and he was made Vice-President of the Competitions.
In 1981, Bill became the Assistant General Secretary. Upon the retirement of Charlie Twelftree in 1982, Bill was promoted to General Secretary; a role is stayed with until his retirement in 1997.
The year 1985 saw Bill become a Life Member of the North Berks competitions and then in 1991 a Life Member of the Berks & Bucks Football Association. In 1995, Bill was elected to the office of President of the North Berks Football Association. A few years later, he was made President of the Berks & Bucks FA as well. He treasured both positions until his death at the grand age of 91. Bill's wise counsel and words of encouragement will be remembered by everyone he came into contact with.
Bill also enjoyed a lengthy cricket career. An excellent wicket keeper and prolific scorer, Bill was recognised in village cricket as probably being the best wicket-keeper in the County of Berkshire (now Oxfordshire).
Meanwhile, Bill's connections with football administration commenced in 1960 when he became a Council Member for the West Division of the North Berks Football Competitions. In 1962, he became Honorary Referees Appointment Secretary. A year later, during a very difficult period for the administrators, he took on the additional role of Honorary Fixtures Secretary. He continued in both these posts until 1970 when he became Chairman.
Bill's administration skills did not go unnoticed and in 1971 he was elected as a Representative of Division 6 and the following year, he became a co-opted member of the Football Association, taking on the role of Honorary Youth Secretary. This appointment necessitated his resignation as Chairman of the North Berks and he was made Vice-President of the Competitions.
In 1981, Bill became the Assistant General Secretary. Upon the retirement of Charlie Twelftree in 1982, Bill was promoted to General Secretary; a role is stayed with until his retirement in 1997.
The year 1985 saw Bill become a Life Member of the North Berks competitions and then in 1991 a Life Member of the Berks & Bucks Football Association. In 1995, Bill was elected to the office of President of the North Berks Football Association. A few years later, he was made President of the Berks & Bucks FA as well. He treasured both positions until his death at the grand age of 91. Bill's wise counsel and words of encouragement will be remembered by everyone he came into contact with.
