| Durham Exile AKA Peter Nicholls Sad News 14:56 - Nov 13 with 2537 views | durham_exile |
Hi all,
This is David and Stuart, Peter's sons. We regret to inform you that last night he passed away in hospital after a lengthy but brave battle with cancer.
He took great joy in this community and as you all know was a regular contributor and eternal optimist for all things Colchester United, even after 46+ years!
We will keep his account open until the end of the year.
Thank you for all of your support for Dad and for reading his (lengthy) posts, we don't know where you found the time!
Best wishes
David and Stuart
Up the U's |  |
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| Durham Exile AKA Peter Nicholls Sad News on 08:39 - Dec 1 with 207 views | noah4x4 |
| Durham Exile AKA Peter Nicholls Sad News on 18:20 - Nov 30 by wessex_exile |
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The (repeated) scoreboard and verbal tributes confirmed to me a pleasing and distinct change of greater fan-focused and compassionate attitude by the club. Three huge club stalwarts had passed away between home games and the tributes were perfectly undertaken.
By contrast, when Paul (Bingo) Wright passed away (a few years ago now), I recall that the club did nothing to acknowledge his loyalty and contribution. Paul (who had learning difficulties) sold seat cushions at Layer Road and latterly sold 50/50 tickets at the new stadium. Requests to hold a proper tribute to him were refused despite his 30+ years of service. Bingo was set a weekly sales target for 50/50 tickets that if exceeded gave him a free match ticket. We ultimately and belatedly discovered that he often bought all the unsold tickets himself, far exceeding the face value of the ticket, and his flat was hence full of useless prizes that he had won. Every free penny that he had was spent in the club shop (or Saturday pub). His lonely lifestyle was utterly devoted to Colchester United and weekly interaction with our group. The only games Bingo ever missed in any season were on Boxing Day (spent with his family). His last game was the Manchester United away fixture.
Talking to others post-Cheltenham I was not alone in these thoughts and we raised a glass to Bingo, Peter and all of our departed colleagues. However, let’s praise the bond with fans now being created by the Cowleys and management in this new era. |  | | |
| Durham Exile AKA Peter Nicholls Sad News on 11:27 - Dec 1 with 142 views | Addy |
| Durham Exile AKA Peter Nicholls Sad News on 08:39 - Dec 1 by noah4x4 |
The (repeated) scoreboard and verbal tributes confirmed to me a pleasing and distinct change of greater fan-focused and compassionate attitude by the club. Three huge club stalwarts had passed away between home games and the tributes were perfectly undertaken.
By contrast, when Paul (Bingo) Wright passed away (a few years ago now), I recall that the club did nothing to acknowledge his loyalty and contribution. Paul (who had learning difficulties) sold seat cushions at Layer Road and latterly sold 50/50 tickets at the new stadium. Requests to hold a proper tribute to him were refused despite his 30+ years of service. Bingo was set a weekly sales target for 50/50 tickets that if exceeded gave him a free match ticket. We ultimately and belatedly discovered that he often bought all the unsold tickets himself, far exceeding the face value of the ticket, and his flat was hence full of useless prizes that he had won. Every free penny that he had was spent in the club shop (or Saturday pub). His lonely lifestyle was utterly devoted to Colchester United and weekly interaction with our group. The only games Bingo ever missed in any season were on Boxing Day (spent with his family). His last game was the Manchester United away fixture.
Talking to others post-Cheltenham I was not alone in these thoughts and we raised a glass to Bingo, Peter and all of our departed colleagues. However, let’s praise the bond with fans now being created by the Cowleys and management in this new era. |
RIP Peter your dedication to our great little club was immense. [Post edited 1 Dec 11:31]
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| Durham Exile AKA Peter Nicholls Sad News on 11:27 - Dec 1 with 142 views | wessex_exile |
| Durham Exile AKA Peter Nicholls Sad News on 08:39 - Dec 1 by noah4x4 |
The (repeated) scoreboard and verbal tributes confirmed to me a pleasing and distinct change of greater fan-focused and compassionate attitude by the club. Three huge club stalwarts had passed away between home games and the tributes were perfectly undertaken.
By contrast, when Paul (Bingo) Wright passed away (a few years ago now), I recall that the club did nothing to acknowledge his loyalty and contribution. Paul (who had learning difficulties) sold seat cushions at Layer Road and latterly sold 50/50 tickets at the new stadium. Requests to hold a proper tribute to him were refused despite his 30+ years of service. Bingo was set a weekly sales target for 50/50 tickets that if exceeded gave him a free match ticket. We ultimately and belatedly discovered that he often bought all the unsold tickets himself, far exceeding the face value of the ticket, and his flat was hence full of useless prizes that he had won. Every free penny that he had was spent in the club shop (or Saturday pub). His lonely lifestyle was utterly devoted to Colchester United and weekly interaction with our group. The only games Bingo ever missed in any season were on Boxing Day (spent with his family). His last game was the Manchester United away fixture.
Talking to others post-Cheltenham I was not alone in these thoughts and we raised a glass to Bingo, Peter and all of our departed colleagues. However, let’s praise the bond with fans now being created by the Cowleys and management in this new era. |
Thanks for sharing that Noah, and it is sad to hear how things were back when Paul Wright passed. As you say, I would like to think the relationship between the club and supporters is in a much better place these days, no doubt strongly influenced by Danny and Nicky on the club side and supporters like the BWA. |  |
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