It is with great sadness that Risborough Rangers Football Club must announce the passing of one of their greatest ever stalwarts, Colyn ‘Nibbo’ Makepeace, at the age of 81. Nibbo passed away in his sleep last Saturday night following a lengthy battle with cancer.

A Risborough native, Nibbo, who was a big Arsenal and England supporter, was a talented sportsman, particularly in football and cricket. He began playing football with Kingsmead, a boys team from Monks Risborough named after the road where he lived, and school’s football, before progressing to Monks Risborough FC men's team as a teenager. Most of his senior playing days were spent competing in the Hellenic Football League where he played for Princes Risborough Town (who were then the tenants of Rangers’ current stadium) as player-manager, Waddesdon FC and Hazells (Aylesbury) FC. In the latter days of his career he played with Molins Sports FC where he also managed. He played cricket for many years at Monks Risborough CC where he was talented with both bat and ball. Nibbo continued his playing career in later life when he took up walking football some years ago and continued to play twice a week even after reaching the age of 80. Nibbo became involved with Risborough Rangers Juniors in the early 1980s when he coached his eldest son Christopher’s junior team and later his younger son, Daniel's team. He has been involved with our club ever since and as well as being Vice Chairman of the senior section for 20 years he has managed our reserve team and our third team. On top of this he has been a most valuable volunteer at the club, helping with ground and stadium maintenance, including the building of the clubhouse and other works at our junior grounds in Peters Lane and Salisbury Close. In recent times most will remember Nibbo as our ever youthful ‘ball boy’ on the far side of the ground, where a small stand bearing his name offers shelter for his team of OAP’s that he’d recruited and 'trained' to collect wayward footballs. Up until only a few weeks ago, Nibbo was at his post as usual on matchdays, where despite his years and illness he could be seen jogging back and forth fetching misplaced footballs. A well known legend in local football circles and a loving husband, father and grandfather, Nibbo will be sorely missed by all those that knew him. A true character. Our thoughts are with his wife Marion, daughter Katie, sons Christopher and Daniel and all his grandchildren.

Mick Beckingham

More sad news as we announce the passing of long time Risborough Rangers supporter, Mick Beckingham, who also passed away at the weekend following his illness with cancer at the age of 78. Mick was a season ticket holder at the club and had followed the team through thick and thin, home and away, for many years. Mick played for Risborough Tenants back in the day and was known for his uncompromising approach to the game. As a youngster Mick trained to be a jockey but grew too much for his chosen career before working as a stable lad. Despite his illness Mick was still attending games up until very recently, always accompanied by one or both of his sons. Mick will be remembered for his vociferous support, in particular his shout of ‘Get rid of it!’ Our condolences to Mick’s wife, Julie and his family. Mick's presence will be missed by Rangers supporters and players alike.