Lee Evans, the cherished stadium announcer for Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club and a volunteer described as the club's 'lifeblood,' has died while on holiday in the Greek Islands. He was 77 years old and was traveling with his wife Judy when he passed away on June 27.
Voice of the club for decades
Evans served as the matchday announcer at Moseley RFC until last year, when he was succeeded by Bruce Hampton. Known as 'the voice of Birmingham Moseley,' he was a familiar presence at games, not only behind the microphone but also in numerous behind-the-scenes roles. He produced the matchday programme, trained ball boys, assisted with kit management, and raised thousands of pounds through charity work with the Moseley Supporters' Association (MSA).
Tributes from the club and supporters
Bruce Hampton, chair of the MSA, paid tribute to Evans, saying: 'He was much-loved by everybody and a massive loss for the club and supporter's association. Lee was the lifeblood of the club. Whenever I went in the afternoon for a meeting, he was always around doing something. It was his life. I used to work as the social media admin for Moseley so I worked closely with him at times. When you got there, he would be checking if you wanted a cup of tea.'
Hampton added: 'He would make sure volunteers were doing what was needed and had the list of jobs for everyone. Moseley is a family, we do everything we can to support the club and it wouldn't survive without its volunteers.'
Plans for a tribute at the season opener
The club and supporters' association are planning a tribute for Evans at the first home game of the upcoming season in September. Hampton confirmed: 'I think we are looking to do something at the first game of the season. There will be some form of proper tribute. There will be a big hole where Lee was and we will do something to remember him.'
In a statement on the club's website, Birmingham Moseley said: 'Lee has been a much-loved and valued member of Birmingham Moseley for many years dating back to the 1980s. Our heartfelt thoughts and deep condolences are with Judy and the rest of Lee's family.'
