I first met Hugh Springall in 2002 at Rosslyn Park FC and it was not long after that, with the efforts of Jim Willerton, that I was playing QLL for the team now known as Park Exiles. A tall and imposing figure but always avuncular, Hugh had time for anyone who wanted a chat (or to enjoy a beer). He and his late wife Carol were particularly kind and generous; whether with the time given to charity, the church, to other people, or to the rugby club. Indeed Hugh’s charity 6 Nations match-predictor was an annual event, to be filled-in at the bar after the match and then watched closely as one’s prognostications fell to pieces after the opening round of matches.
In his work life, Hugh had a long career in local government at Wandsworth although he was well retired by the time we met. Passions away from quizzing and rugby certainly included cricket and travel; most notably to South Australia where he and Carol had family and in the years that I knew him, the Greek islands, with repeat trips to Corfu.
Whether competing, timing, reading or scoring Hugh was dedicated to the Rosslyn Park quiz team. I remember his strong suits being English literature, classical music and politics. I am also certain he never got a cricket question wrong! Hugh will be missed greatly by all who met and knew him; through the QLL, Rosslyn Park or elsewhere.
Martin Cawley
November 2022