OBITUARY RICHARD “DICK” ADAMS 4th May 1934 – 19th December 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dick Adams. 

Dick was one of our oldest and most respected Club members.

In addition to all of his contributions to the club he also had a successful working life in Sales which offered the experience of some considerable overseas travel. Along with his wife Audrey they also shared many happy holidays around the world.

Dick had a long career with Old Salts, both on and off the field. He became Club Captain in 1958 and heralded in one of the most successful periods in the playing history of the Club, the “Glorious Sixties”. During his time as Captain he was, until 1960, also carrying out the duties of Fixture Secretary.

After retiring from an illustrious career as a player Dick continued to support enthusiastically from the touchline. He was always available to give constructive advice whether it be on playing matters or issues relating to club management.

In the early 1990s it became apparent that the management structure of the club needed significant revision. Dick was closely involved with the various discussion groups and a new structure was established which separated the roles of President from that of the Chairman of The Management Committee. Dick emerged as the obvious candidate to become our first Chairman of the modern era and was elected for the 1996 – 97 season. After overseeing the transition he stepped down but was quickly recalled as Chairman of Selectors for the 1998 – 2000 seasons.  Once again, after stepping down, he remained an ever present supporter on the touchline and in 2006, when an experienced hand on the tiller was required, it was Dick who returned as Chairman of Selectors.

In the subsequent years he continued as a supporter until ill health prevented him attending games. 

It was Dick and Audrey who discovered the Trevayne camp site in Pembrokeshire in the 1960s. This subsequently became the destination for the annual Summer Pilgrimage for many Old Salts whether it be camping, caravanning or staying in local hotels. It did indeed become “Old Salts by the Sea” peaking one year with 117 people on the beach.

Dick was well known to several generations of Salts, always available as a mentor and a contributor but most of all as a friend. He was so often a voice of calm and reason through his many years with Old Salts. He had so many friends of all ages amongst the wider Old Salts fraternity and will be sadly missed.

The funeral arrangements have been made at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium for Friday 17th January at 12.15 and afterwards at Moor Hall Hotel

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Audrey, son Tim and his family, and daughter Lindsey.

Rest In Peace Dick