Rex Carr

A pre-WW2 Hon. Secretary of Penzance RFC, Rex Carr was the man above all others who had the vision to foresee the immeasurable benefits of amalgamating the hitherto rival rugby clubs of Newlyn and Penzance.

As Secretary of the newly-created club back in 1945, he poured heart and soul into the cause, his efforts quickly enabling us to become one of the leading clubs in the whole of the westcountry.

Thousands came to watch matches, spectators seeing some of the top internationals in Britain on the Mennaye Field.

He was Cornwall’s representative on the RFU from 1953 until 1965, President of Cornwall 1960-63, and our President 1969-71.

Rex ran St. Erbyn’s prep school at the top of Clarence Street, Penzance, for 43 years from 1927 until 1970, taking great pride in the many fine rugby players who attended there, individuals the calibre of England international John ‘Ginger’ Williams, Peter Gartrell, Peter Michell and Mike Jenkin.

Having something of the Churchillian about him, Rex Carr’s interests and conversation were varied. He died at the age of 91, his ashes cast in the churchyard at St. Mary’s Church, Penzance, where his father (a cross country champion of Ireland) had been vicar.