Penzance & Newlyn RFC History
Officers (Often Ex Players)

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.

Bob Horne

Bob was a Lancastrian who arrived at the Penzance Grammar School in the fifties and played rugby for the Pirates.

After ‘hanging up his boots’. he held a number of high offices, including that of Team Secretary , Chairman and Assistant Secretary

For many, it was his time in charge of rugby at the Grammar School (renamed the Humphry Davy GS in 1961) for which he is fondly remembered. Many benefiting from the sporting tuition enthusiastically offered.

Desmond James

Desmond set the perfect example as to how a player could serve the game after his playing days had ended.

He took charge of the Colts in the fifties, was a member of the Cornwall Rugby Referees’ Society

He held the office of Chairman (1969-71), President (1971-75), and was made a Life Member in 1981.

His contribution to the well-being of the club and town was truly magnificent and throughout he was supported by his wife Eve, herself a Vice President of the Penzance & Newlyn RFC.

Jack Tonkin

Jack was the eldest son from a well-known Newlyn family who were always proud of their roots.

Having supported the Pirates from their outset, Jack accepted a request to become Assistant Treasurer in 1963, taking over as Treasurer in 1964, a post he held until 1979, when he was elected as President until 1982.

Paying tribute to Jack Tonkin on the news of his passing in 1998, Phil Westren said “Jack Tonkin was without doubt one of the club’s most efficient officers, a true genleman who was highly respected and well-liked by all.”

Mavis Lawry

Mavis was one of the truly great Pirate figures, our first President in 1945.

Having followed the game as a schoolgirl, she later married Dr. R.C. Lawry, who was President of the old Penzance Rugby Club for 25years, and was also President of the Cornwall R.F.U. for 22 years until he died in 1945.

Dr. Lawry would almost certainly have become the first President of the new Penzance & Newlyn R.F.C., having given his blessing to the merger, so when he passed away it was considered a graceful act to ask his widow to take over.