A Eulogy to Georgie Watson by Adam Pattinson

A Eulogy to Georgie Watson

On Friday 1st November, family and friends gathered to say our final fairwells to the wonderful Granny G.  We would like to share this moving eulogy delivered by Adam Pattinson who summed up just how much she meant to the club and her boys, perfectly.

Georgie Watson was, quite simply, a giant of Perthshire Rugby.  Now, while she didn’t exactly stand head and shoulders over anyone (well, maybe apart from 1st XV captain Ryan Miller), it was the enormity of her dedication, devotion, compassion and generosity for her club and ‘her boys’ that made her the unassuming, but towering matriarchal figure that she was.

Georgie’s presence has been keenly felt at the club for the best part of  20 years. During this time, she was always at the forefront when it came to helping with the running of match days for the 1st XV. For years, she and her beloved Graham would be found working in harmony, patrolling the side-lines selling programmes. Sometimes Georgie even found the time to watch the match. You could always rely on Granny G to give an honest appraisal of what she saw. If you played well, she would let you know. If you didn’t, feedback was, thankfully, always given constructively.

Behind the scenes, Georgie worked tirelessly for the club. As a most dedicated follower and committee member, her time and support were always freely given. Her generosity in producing food for the committee, providing prizes for the raffle and for the players was, frankly, unbelievable. Georgie was determined to make the experience for visiting clubs as welcoming and hospitable as possible. She resoundingly succeeded in that. This generosity did not escape the attention of our visitors and was reciprocated when Georgie supported the boys away from home.

Such was the indelible impression she made, Georgie was frequently invited to join in the pre-match festivities when travelling to other clubs. I know this is something for which she was truly grateful, but something for which she was fully deserving. With Georgie gone, it is not just Perthshire Rugby Club that is in mourning. Many other clubs have also expressed their sadness, making crystal clear just how well-respected and well-loved she was across the board.

As a player, you always felt a little glow when you knew Granny G was supporting you, whether home or away. Whenever I walked past her seat before getting off the bus, she would always reach out, take my arm and offer a few words of encouragement. Those words always helped me to focus and give my best on the pitch. I will always treasure those special wee moments of support when I think of Georgie, and I know there are many players, past and present, who have similar memories of time spent with Granny G to cherish. Hold on to them.

When we lose a loved one, those left behind struggle to feel much other than grief and loss. Georgie would certainly not want us to be bothering with anything like that! She believed in living life to the full and that’s just what she did. There were very few people of her years who could have kept up with a bus-load of rugby players, but she managed! She enjoyed many a bus trip and a glass or two, or three of G&T but somehow never appeared remotely affected. The same cannot be said about the players at the back of the bus!

Normally, an away bus trip for an amateur player is a total hassle. Earlier meet times, more time away from family, friends, partners, X Boxes and so on. However, the same cannot be said for Perthshire bus trips when Granny G was coming along. It is time now to reflect on her most famous contribution to the rugby club… Granny G’s legendary millionaire shortbread!

For years, players would relish the challenge of trips to Dumfries, Ardrossan or Caithness as long as there was the sweet relief of a slice or two of that shortbread on the way home. In hindsight, we would have won far more matches if we were only rewarded with it following a victory, but Granny G would share the love win, lose or draw. People in my family still talk about after I asked her to make a batch for Claire and my engagement party. I had hoped for a nice Tupperware full for the gathered crew. Let’s just say I was delighted when four appeared! Typical Georgie generosity.

Without doubt, Georgie’s support kept the rugby club going, but the rugby club played its part in keeping Georgie going, too. In good times and bad, getting out an about in the company of close friends gave the club as big a lift as it gave her. Georgie would never have considered herself to be a giant of the club, such was her nature, but if she’s having a look down on us just now, G&T in hand and Graham by her side again, I hope she realises just how important she was and just how much she will be missed. Granny G, you may be gone, but your family, your friends, your club and your boys will not forget you.

All our love.

 

A message from Claire, Georgie’s Grandaughter

The Watson family would like to take this opportunity to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the lovely messages of love and kindness shown to them on the loss of Georgie. They have been truly touched by the support they have received from Perthshire Rugby, its Supporters, Sponsors and the wider Rugby Club community who have taken the time to pay tribute to Granny G. She will be sorely missed by us all.