Born on 12th February 1934, Bernie Bellwood sadly passed away at the age of 90 on 31st July 2024 at North Tyneside General Hospital following a short illness.

In 1959, Bernie joined the Old Novocastrians RFC alongside the late John Elders. He was a powerful scrum-half known for his bullet pass, scoring many tries from around the scrum. His fast pass was both feared and admired by his own backline and the opposition. Bernie had already represented Yorkshire in both rugby and cricket before playing rugby for Northumberland in the 1959-60 season.

In 1961, he moved to St. Cuthbert's as the head of Physical Education. He captained Novos in the 1961-62 season and returned as a player in 1975, demonstrating that his abilities had not diminished. He served as the club president from 1984 to 1986, during which he involved his family in organising supper nights. Later in life, he became a very competitive golfer.

Bernie leaves behind his wife, Joan, whom he cared for over several years, a daughter, Jane, and three sons, Mark, Andrew and Simon all of whom played at Novos. He will be deeply missed by his friends at Novos.

A private funeral service will be held at West Road Crematorium on Friday, 16th August at 2 pm.