Vera Shipley’s marriage was closely linked to the activities of Boys’ Brigade Old Boys Rugby Football Club (B.B.O.B), where her husband Bob served as player, captain, treasurer, chairman and Durham County representative from the mid‑1950s until 1987.
The club’s current president Ian Fletcher said in a Facebook post: “Vera gave valuable support to countless social functions and fundraising events, providing lasting benefits to the club and its members. Their shared dedication to “Brigade” continued until Bob passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of loyalty and commitment that still inspires future generations of club officials.”
He went on: “Rugby clubs rely heavily on the loyalty and commitment of individuals. Vera was such a person – and we are truly grateful for everything she gave so willingly. A lovely person, Vera is remembered with respect and affection by her many friends at Brigade. We send our good wishes to her family and friends, whose love and care brought great joy to her throughout a long and happy life.”
Ian added: “Our thoughts are with Bob and Vera’s sons and daughter — David, Brian and Pamela — and also Fran and Neil. We extend our condolences to her grandchildren Andrew, Peter, Sarah, Annabel and Emily, and her great‑grandchildren Jack and Finlay.”
Among the couple’s children, it was Brian who ventured onto the rugby pitch, representing the second team between 1978 and 1985. Four seasons into his Brigade career, Brian remarked — somewhat grudgingly — to the second‑team captain that he had yet to score a try. Speculation followed, but nothing conclusive. The drought finally ended in 1983 during a second‑team clash with Athletic, when a joyful Brian dived over under the posts in a 28–7 victory.
Ian said: “Vera proudly honoured Bob’s contributions to Brigade by providing The Bob Shipley Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the winners of the Overs v Unders match — a tradition that continues to this day. Many club members may also remember Vera from St. Helen’s Infant School, on the Headland, where she spent the final years of her long teaching career.”
