It is with great sadness that the club has heard about the passing away of Jonathan Betts on 21st March 2023.
'Jonnie' was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was warm, generous and kind to all and his enthusiasm was infectious.
He had a love of rugby, darts and football. He was a proud supporter of both Chadlington Sports Club and Chipping Norton Rugby Club.
The highlight of his week was still playing indoor football on a Friday evening where into his sixties he would be seen throwing himself around and putting his body on the line for the cause. He even ran out for Chadlington Reserves in a friendly game back in the summer playing alongside son Josh. Not a bad achievement to make your debut at 61!
The Betts name is synonymous with Chadlington with Jonnies grandfather starting a business in the village in the 1920s. His father developed the company by repairing vehicles, selling petrol and running wagons from their location along Horse Shoe Lane. Jonnie continued to run the operation and the Betts Transport articulated lorries were a well known sight and the family ran the business employing many local people. Seeing the Betts name on the side of a wagon as it navigated around the local roads was part of the character of the village.
On Saturday 25th March a minutes silence was held before both First Team and Reserve Team games. Many people came to pay their respects with Josh and Debbie (Jonnies wife) joining the players on the pitch to observe the silence.
Josh captained the team and played in the first half before coming off to applause. To have the strength to do that was a fitting tribute to Jonnies love of sport.
He was a true man of Chadlington. He will be missed by all of us more than words can express.
The funeral of Jonathan Betts will be on Tuesday 11th April 2023 at 11am in Holy Trinity Church, Chipping Norton. A celebration of 'Jonnies' life will be held at Chadlington Sports Club and Chadlington Village Hall afterwards.
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