Herbert Spencer, former Chairman and co-founder of the now Craven, Aire & Wharfe Junior Football league passed away on the 26th December 2022.
Herbert aged 91 years of Silsden. Much loved husband of Pam for 70 years, loving dad to Paul and Janet and a dearly loved grandad and G-G. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday 17th January at Skipton Crematorium at 2.10pm. Please wear bright clothing to celebrate Herbert’s life. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Herbert will be for Dementia UK, provision will be available at the service or may be sent C/O Jacksons Funeral Services, 11 Bolton Road, Silsden, BD20 0JY. To leave a message of condolence online please visit our obituaries page at http://www.jacksonsfuneralservices.co.uk
Well known Silsden gentleman, back in 2020 Herbert Spencer had completed 75 years’ service to Grassroots Football within the Craven area. This achievement was recognised with a presentation of a certificate to commemorate this wonderful achievement.
Herbert was presented with the Football Association Long Service Award in 1995 for 50 years’ service to the game by the then Chairman, Colin Taylor of the West Riding County FA.
Herbert was instrumental at the end of World War 2 in setting up Silsden Juniors as a 14 year old; however after several years playing he suffered an injury that curtailed his playing days and it was at this time he became a Referee, officiating throughout the West Riding until the then Referees retiring age of 47.
Herbert has held various official capacities in the Football fraternity over the 75 years. He was Chairman of the Craven Referees Society and 45 years ago he was invited to join the Executive Committee of the Craven District Football Association, of which he was Chairman for 15 years and provided a formidable team with his close friend the late Allan Cawood, who was Secretary during this time.
Always interested in Junior Football he was a founder member of the Craven Junior League and when they amalgamated with the Wharfedale, Bradford and Keighley areas, Herbert became Chairman of the present Craven, Aire, Wharfe Junior League, working alongside another close friend, Mike Breeze, who was until just recently Secretary of the Junior League.
Herbert, who is highly respected in local footballing circles can certainly be classed as a stalwart of Grassroots Football, devoting hours of his leisure time to enable footballers throughout the area, both adult and junior to enjoy the beautiful game.
Craven, Aire & Wharfe Junior League 