All-round sportsman as both player and official

A rugby player of international potential, cricketer, squash player and renowned golfer, the former schoolteacher and headmaster was in 1958 chosen as Herefordshire Sportsman of the Year.

It was a fitting tribute to a man who, despite a diminutive build, had made his mark on the rugby scene as a fly-half and only a knee injury restricted his progress when due for an England trial.

More latterly, Bill was associated with the golfing world and he made an enormous contribution to the game over a 55-year period after joining The Herefordshire club at Wormsley.

He first came to prominence as a sportsman as a pupil at Hereford High School where he was captain of both rugby and cricket.

The young Bullock went on to captain Hereford Rugby Club and in the late 1940s he also played for the Combined Counties and North Midlands before damaged knee ligaments curtailed his progress.

He was warned not to play again but returned to the sport after a few years lay-off and also became secretary of Hereford RFC and Herefordshire Rugby Committee and a Combined Counties selector.

As a cricketer, Bill was a leading batsman for Hereford City Sports Club before deciding to spend his weekends playing golf. But he continued to play Hereford Evening League cricket for High School Old Boys.

His golfing career took off at The Herefordshire where he became a single-handicap player, long-serving committee member, a captain and a president of the seniors.

Bill was club secretary for five years from 1992 and in that year was also made an honorary life member of the Shropshire and Herefordshire Union and was later their president for two years.

His service to sport, both as a player and official, will be remembered by many throughout the county and beyond.

Bill Bullock, who was predeceased by his wife Bobbie, leaves a son and four daughters.

The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Hereford on Wednesday, May 16, at 12.30am, followed by cremation.