An article from the Sussex Express
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/community/warm-tributes-paid-to-maresfield-man-who-was-known-as-a-gentleman-of-sussex-rugby-5475283
By Susan King
Published 14th Jan 2026, 12:35 GMT
Warm tributes paid to Maresfield man who was known as ‘a gentleman of Sussex rugby’
A man described as 'a stalwart and a gentleman of Sussex rugby' has died at the age of 88.
Scores of tributes have been paid to Alan Sallows of The Drive, Maresfield, who was a keen rugby union enthusiast all his life, playing and touch judging until his 70s. He was voted in as a life member of Uckfield Rugby Football Club (URFC,) the Sussex Referees Society and Sussex County Rugby Union. He was still serving on the finance committee of Sussex County when he passed away.
Alan Sallows was born in Buckinghamshire in 1938 and died peacefully at home. He spent much of his childhood overseas in Jordan where his father was aide de camp to King Hussein of Jordan. He boarded at the English Community School in Jerusalem before being posted to Ismailia in Egypt. His daughter, Kerstin, described her father's vivid recollections of childhood life which revolved around school in the mornings and swimming lessons in the Suez Canal in the afternoons.
He returned to England at the age of 11 and became a boarder at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, which he loved. He enjoyed playing cricket and rugby. Alan retained a keen interest in rugby for the whole of his life. He captained Aylesbury Rugby Club, (The Ducklings,) in 1967-69 and continued playing until 1979 after moving to Haywards Heath. That's when he took up refereeing and touch judging.
He was much loved by his wife, daughter, granddaughter and stepchildren. His daughter, Kerstin said: "I have received numerous condolences remembering him as a stalwart and a gentleman of Sussex rugby who will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He was known as a tough but fair referee with a passion for the sport that, in his later years, focused on youth engagement."
Fellow club members offered their condolences to his family. Rod Chinn remembered having a drink with him after games he'd played in that Alan had refereed. David Cooke said: 'I remember him joining us when I was a Colt on the tour to Colchester.' While Heidi Greenwood said she was so sad to hear the news. 'I know he's been such an incredible support to our club for many years. I send my love to his family at this time.' Others described many of his stories at the bar, his helpfulness, great character and support for the Club.
