I first met Bert Searle when I joined Sefton Harriers in 1955. He was Club Captain at the time and I recall his welcoming presence on the winter’s Saturday afternoon that I first set foot in west Derby Village Hall, which was then the headquarters of the Club.

Although Bert was a good standard runner he did not ever win any titles nor set any records but his contribution to the well being of Sefton was immeasurable. His enthusiasm and good humour, with which he encouraged others endeared him to everyone.

 In the 1950s Sefton had a very respectable marathon team which was lead by Charlie Ellick, who was the individual winner of the Doncaster to Sheffield Northern Counties Championship. He was well supported by Bert Searle and his friend and contemporary Andy Byrne.

One of my abiding memories of Bert is his sense of humour. This was often expressed in his speeches at Club functions, of which he was invariably the organiser. Whether it was dances, socials or whist drives or Club dinners, Bert was the driving force behind them, and we all benefited from the social cohesion that his efforts brought about.

 When Bert retired early from his work in the Liverpool shipping industry he moved with his family to Prestatyn in North Wales, where he remained until his death.

Typical of the man, he made a full life for himself and his family there, and carried on his social organising with the local bowls club. However he did not forget his Sefton days and would travel to Liverpool to attend the functions that I had organised, trying to follow in Bert’s footsteps and continue the customs set by him. He also continued to support the newly formed club finically with personal donations.

 Bert Searle will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Norman Wilson April 2010