Dick was born in Breadsall Village, grew up there, attending the Junior School then Derby Grammar School. He then went as a student apprentice to Coventry as a Motor Body Design Engineer. His first placement was in the Mounting Shop!!

A keen rower all year round, it was difficult to get an afternoon off work for sport in the 1960s unless it was a team sport, so Dick started playing rugby.

After completing his apprenticeship Dick did his two years compulsory National Service. Next followed a year at Rolls Royce as a draughtsman. During this period Dick met and married Jo and started playing his rugby for Derby up until 1969, when he started refereeing for NLD.

He then spent two years in Research and Development for Leisure Kitchens in Long Eaton. This was followed by ten years at East Midlands Gas Board as an Industrial Development Draughtsman and promotion to being in charge of the Workshop.

Returning to education on a one year course to achieve Chartered Engineer status saw Dick become a Project Engineer with East Midlands Gas (later to become British Gas). The project was converting kilns in the desert from oil to gas for the Shah of Persia’s cousin.

Three and a half years at Butterley Brick as Group Fuel Engineer then Technical Director of the Company was followed by three years as a Consultant for Gas Engineers Ltd in Lancashire. While in Lancashire Dick joined Orrell Rugby Club as a referee later becoming a Selector for Orrell.

Finally, Dick formed a company in Derby with an ex-colleague David Gill dealing with Fuel Fired Plant/Equipment for brick and associated industries.

The family moved to Melbourne in 1987 and being a friend of Roger Lucas’s father from way back Roger pointed Bengo in the direction of Dick’s house whereupon Dick was asked if he’d be willing to join and help Melbourne Rugby Club. A year later Dick became Match and Fixture Secretary for a couple of seasons. He stayed on the Committee for quite a few years and was involved in the purchase of our land on the corner of Robinson’s Hill.

Dick’s claim to fame was running touch for Orrell against Moseley in a televised match for Rugby Special.

1. First position you played in rugby: Winger
2. Worst injury: Sprained Ankle

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: John Carlton

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Garry Fawcett

5. What should your nickname be: If I ever had one, they never told me

6. What bad habit do you have: Impatience

7. Your sporting hero: Fred Howard (Referee)

8. Your non-sporting hero: Jo (My Wife)

9. Favourite food/meal: Thai

10. Favourite TV programme/film: Mastermind

11. Favourite book: John le Carre books

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: David Blunkett

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Pick axe

14. Dream job: Run a successful engineering company

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: The day after D Day I was 7 years old and I sleep walked out of the door to go and join the Invasion

16. A phrase that reflects your life: Could do better

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Motor Racing

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Dave Bonner

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: To go up one level and maintain that position

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present:

Roger Lucas
Garry Fawcett
Robin Clayborn
Will Judge
Keith Bonner
Keir Biggins
Paul Macer
Ian Lucas
Jake Oxspring
Stuart Hamilton
Big Watty
Jack Pearce
Hamish Walker
Dave Middleton
Graeme Hardy