Sadly we must record that a real stalwart in the continuing Belgrave story has passed away. Reg had been planning to attend the Southern Athletics League match at Battersea to see his beloved team in action but a fall a short while ago resulted in a broken hip. Complications set in and on the evening of Saturday 21 June, Reg died in his sleep.

A Bermondsey Boy, Reg took to jogging at Battersea Park to keep fit and became a Belgravian in 1960. He was soon part of our road running teams, tackling many of the old classic road races in the South; and also very soon he involved himself in the club's affairs, both social and athletic, taking over the organisation of our youngsters' teams covering all ages from 11 to 20. For a decade he built up this section, taking our boys to U15 and U17 Surrey Cross Country titles, and second and fifth places in the 'Southern' and 'National' Cross Country events. On one occasion his lads took the first five places in the Surrey CC Championships. He was renowned for taking the lads to meetings up and down the country and to camping and training weekends at places like Hastings and Bognor.  These jaunts were invariably undertaken in the Reg Hopkins' Magic Bus. They built up a terrific team spirit and absolute loyalty from the boys towards their mentor Reg. 

Reg was always extremely busy outside of athletics, organising Boys Club activities in Bermondsey. He was made President of Belgrave Harriers in 1976 and was always extremely proud of his club, supporting our track & field teams and road relay teams both at home and in Europe, but above all he'll be remembered for the tremendous impact he made on hundreds of South London boys from all walks of life, endowing them with the confidence to make their own way in the world.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Pat and 'Young' Reg and Susan.