BERT MEW passed away this week at the age of 95. An immaculate silence was held in his memory pre-match this afternoon before we played Three Bridges

Dulwich Hamlet programme editor John Lawrence paid tribute to him in today's edition.

Here it is, in full:

H.J. (Bert) Mew

We are sorry to report that Bert Mew, one of our former players and officials, passed away on Wednesday at the grand age of 95.

A local lad, he joined Dulwich Hamlet in 1933/34 and played for the Junior Team for three seasons, being vice-captain in 1935/36. Whilst in the juniors he played alongside the likes of Henry Ball and Jack Wright, both of whom went on to play with distinction in the First Team. Bert, a full-back, made only a handful of first team appearances himself, but was a regular in our Reserve and 'A' Teams for several years.

When he retired from playing, Bert was elected to the Club Committee in 1953 and he served continuously until 1975. He will be best remembered for his long stint as Honourary Ground Steward, a role he took over from Arthur 'Badger' Knight in 1954 and one he performed with great distinction for 21 seasons.

His duties involved managing everything relating to the ground on match days, turnstiles, programme sales, stewarding etc., which must have been something similar to a military operations on the occasions we staged Amateur International matches, cup finals and other big games. But Bert was ideally suited to the post, his experience of the Army and in civilian life, as a detective sergeant in the CID Fingerprints Department, standing him in great stead. A burly and imposing figure, he would not stand any nonsense from anyone. Indeed, the very sight of him would deter any potential miscreant or cheeky schoolboy from misbehaving. Rumour has it that a young Henry Cooper and his brother Jim used to 'bunk' into the ground after kick-off on occasions-we can only assume that Bert had his back turned at the time! deep down though, Bert was a very kind hearted person and he always conducted himself impeccably and in the best interests of the Club.

A real Hamlet man, Bert wan unanimously elected as a Life Member in 1988, one of the last to receive the honour in the days when the Football Club was a members' club. Subsequently he was a regular visitor to the ground on Saturdays for many years until failing health prevented him from attending.

We offer our sincere condolences to his brother, Don, and his son, David.

His funeral will be at Honor Oak Crematorium next Thursday, 21st February, at 12.15pm.