Blues legend Norman Barker sadly passes

Posted: 27th October 2020
 

It is with deep regret that the club must share the sad news that former player Norman Barker passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday at the age of 78, with his family by his side.

Norman was a talented, athletic hooker, who loved to run with the ball. He was a member of Bedford's prestigious '300 Club', having made 347 appearances for Bedford Blues between 1966-1977, scoring 33 tries and making him Bedford's fifth most capped player. 

Part of a formidable front row with Brian Keen and Chris Bailward, Barker was in the team that won the RFU Club Competition at Twickenham in 1975 and also went on the club's first overseas tour to Canada later that year.

A mainstay during his time with Bedford, Barker is renowned for holding the record of most Bedford appearances in a single season, going on to feature in an incredible 42 of 45 matches throughout the 1975/76 campaign.

Born in Northampton in 1942, Norman attended Northampton Grammar School before training as a teacher at Loughborough College from 1962-65. At Loughborough he excelled as a gymnast and a rugby player, starring in the outstanding Loughborough 7s teams of the 60s. This continued at Bedford Blues with several 7s tours, including Amsterdam Sevens.

He taught at Bedford School and Stamford Road Secondary School in Kettering before being appointed Head of Physical Education at Sponne School, Towcester.

In 1992 Norman joined the Physical Education team at Northampton School for Boys where his influence as a mentor, teacher, coach and above all a friend to all his students continued. 

He will be sadly missed by his sons Charlie and Lewis, his extended family, close friends, teammates and the many students, who came under his care and influence. 

The thoughts of everyone associated with Bedford Blues are with his family at this sad time.