It is with sadness that we announce the death of Rev. Alan Bolding, the former chaplain at West Ham United who passed away on 16th August at the age of 83.
Alan followed on from Rev Elwin Cockett as chaplain at West Ham in the late 2000’s and remained as club chaplain until 2022 when he was succeeded by Rev Philip Wright. Alan was also a keen athlete and served as chaplain to Woodford Green Athletics Club.
West Ham have put together an excellent glowing tribute to Alan which can be read on their website
https://www.whufc.com/news/west-ham-united-mourns-club-chaplain-rev-alan-bolding
From a Sports Chaplaincy UK perspective we would also like to express our condolences and our prayers for Pauline, Alan’s wife, and the rest of his family.
Many at SCUK will remember Alan fondly, particularly at our annual conferences when they used to be held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. Alan was a regular attender at conference in those days which included the annual football match on Wednesday afternoons between Northern and Southern chaplains. Not only did Alan continue to turn out for the South well into his sixties but in his generosity he also donated a trophy which was then awarded to the winning team on the Wednesday evening each year.
Alan was a much loved chaplain, a real character and good friend to Sports Chaplaincy UK. He will be missed by all those who loved him but is now at rest with the Lord.