Neville and the Dodd family have had a very strong influence on Tynedale RFC’s development in many ways. When their two boys, Gordon and Graham, started to play mini-rugby at Tynedale, the parents, Neville and Joan, threw themselves into supporting the club in various ways.

Joan was a guiding light with Brenda Cuthbertson and Joyce Cunningham and others, in running the Ladies Committee at the club in the 1980’s. Their group provided all the catering at the club at that time.

Meanwhile, in 1985, an item in the club’s Annual Report said “The running of the House & Bar came into the capable hands of John Cunningham and Neville Dodd, and much time and money was spent in bringing the clubhouse up to standard with contract cleaning of walls, floors, carpets and curtains”.
“A pool table, fruit machine and juke box were installed to stimulate interest amongst players and other members to encourage them to use the bar and catering facilities. The large bar was partly carpeted and new curtains provided for the members’ bar.”

Neville also, from 1986 for several years, filled the vital role of Honorary Assistant Treasurer when he put his banking skills to good use conscientiously carrying out the ancient art of counting, reconciling and banking cash.

As players the two boys prospered. Gordon starred as a junior player and made his first team three-quarter debut in 1984, playing for the Northumberland Under 21’s and later the full County Side. He played for the famous Tynedale team of 1988 which won the Northumberland Senior Cup in the last match at the old County Ground and captained both the Scottish Universities and British Universities' teams in 1989.

Graham had a longer career with Tynedale. As a pacy winger he played for many different Tynedale teams, but also helped the club in other ways as he freely offered his architectural expertise to assist and advise on club projects for many years.

Joan pre-deceased Neville. They are sorely missed. We offer Gordon and Graham our sincere thanks for the Dodd family’s contributions over the years and send our condolences for their recent loss.