News

The family of Andrew Tellem (The General), wife Alison & sons Neil, Matthew & George were overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the send off given to him both at Coychurch Crematorium and afterwards at Bridgend Athletic RFC on Thursday 13^th June 2019. With both venues packed to the rafters it was a tribute even fit for his idol “The King” Elvis Presley on which much of the day’s proceedings was based.

The Rev Philip Denyer struck the right balance both with the sombre occasion and the celebration of Andrew’s life which Andrew would have appreciated. His three sons gave moving tributes followed by a reading from Family member Rachel. The occasion then turned to a celebration of Andrew’s life with a very humorous reading by Andrea Byrne of a tribute from Andrew’s nephew in New Zealand describing many of their escapades.

Back at the Bridgend Athletic RFC the life of their Chairman, former player and one of the great club characters over the years was celebrated in the traditional Athletic manner Andrew expressed he would have liked. Club founder player Brian Lewis, wife Sheena and daughter Rachel ensured that Andrew was given a rousing send off in song, and many family and friends stayed well into the night regaling their memories of times spent with Andrew.

Andrew’s Athletic legacy will live on. Both his sons Matthew & George play for Athletic sides while the second senior side will be rebranding to be called Bridgend Athletic Generals. One of Andrew’s final wishes was both Athletic senior and youth sides would all pull in the same direction and all teams expressed their desire to honour Andrew’s memory and wishes.

Donations in memory of Andrew can be made to Chemotherapy day unit, Singleton Hospital or / and to Ward 12 Singleton Hospital via Funeral Director Adrian Oliver of Brian Thomas Funeral Service, Mawdlam.