Obituary: Jim Turner

A founding member of Berwick Rugby Club as far back as 1968, Jim was synonymous with any goings on at Scremerston, carrying out almost every off-field role during his 57-year association with the club.

Before that, he enjoyed a stellar playing career, notably earning a Blue at Cambridge University and being capped by the British Army, before playing for two seasons at Leicester.

Elected on to the Executive Committee in its inaugural year, and twice President, Jim in later years was best known for his unique in-game scoring announcements at Berwick, as well as a near-perfect record of attending every club game, home or away, for longer than most could remember. His generosity of rugby spirit was as lauded as his ensuring that those on the bus to opposing grounds were suitably lubricated.

Indeed, it was his rugby background that led to his being asked to help form the current Berwick RFC, the overseeing of the opening of Berwick’s first clubhouse in 1972 one of his myriad achievements.

In more recent times, he was in attendance as Berwick lifted the Scottish Shield in 2019 with a thrilling extra-time win over Greenock Wanderers; a match that, according to the club’s tribute, had Jim cheering on from the warm confines of the Royal Box’s heated seats.

Current Berwick President, Ian Jackson, said in that tribute: “Jim was a giant of Berwick Rugby Club and will be very sadly missed. Our condolences go to [his wife] Ruth and all of the family members.”

Scottish Rugby paid a visit to Jim in October 2023 to spend time watching him carry out his match announcement duties, before sitting down and chatting with him about his time in the game, aptly in the Jim Turner lounge at Scremerston.

As a mark of respect, all matches involving Berwick teams this weekend have been postponed.

Scottish Rugby sends its condolences to Jim’s family and countless friends at Berwick Rugby Club.