TRIBUTES have been paid to two stalwarts of Thurrock Rugby and Grays Thurrock Rotary clubs who have passed away.

Former vicar of St Giles in Orsett and a former Queen's Chaplain, Rev Canon Glyn Jones died in Basildon Hospital where he was admitted suffering from coronavirus and underlying health conditions.

Rev Jones was a former Rotary past president, as was former headteacher at Kenningtons Primary School, Peter Minter who passed away on the same day.

Both men were well known at Thurrock Rugby Club, whose president Brian Howells said: "This is a very sad double loss to our club. They were both very much valued members.

"Rev Canon Glyn Jones was a life long friend and member of TRFC. He was probably the first Club Chaplain of a grass roots rugby club in England.

"He never lost his 'touch of the common man' even when he was Chaplain to the Queen!

"He was a great rugby man being Welsh and loved his beer, Russian Stout, which proved quite traumatic when they stopped brewing it.

"He was a loyal and long life supporter and member of Thurrock Rugby Club who contributed greatly to the general well being of the club.

"He will be sorely missed by members young and old as will his many stories of times past.

"His involvement in the local community included many organisations, like the Tilbury Seamen's Mission, Rotary, and of course his church."

Club member Tony Mowatt also knew both men, particularly Rev Jones who he first met on the docks at Tilbury.

"Glyn was chaplain to the mission. He was an absolute gentleman - a really lovely bloke, not just a padre.

"And he was a man with a great sense of humour that he never lost despite the fact that in later life he did suffer some health problems."

Mr Minter's death was non coronavirus-related, he suffered a heart attack at his home in Leigh-on-Sea, and later died after being rushed to Southend Hospital.

His long time friend and fellow Rotarian Alan Peaford described his death as 'a tragedy - not just for his family and friends but for all those who never knew him but were helped by the work that he did'.

Mr Minter spent his career in education and after leaving Kenningtons worked closely with children and became particularly associated with the Kids Out project, taking youngsters from Treetops School on days out.

He was married, to Helen who was also a headteacher, and they had two sons and grandchildren.

"He was very much a family man but he also had tremendous commitment to the Thurrock community," said Alan.

"He was also a great sportsman, not only playing rugby for Thurrock but also cricket and squash and he played golf twice a week at Mar Dyke Golf Club.

"Peter was an incredibly active person, not just for his family and his sport but he was so enthusiastic about improving opportunities in education for children."

Elaine Stevens, President of Grays Thurrock Rotary Club, said: "The Grays Rotary Club lost two of our hard working and senior members in one day.

"Both Glyn and Peter had been presidents of the club and both had continued to contribute significantly to our local community. They will both be greatly missed and we bitterly miss the opportunity to be able to be with their families to offer our comfort and condolences."