Yesteryears Youth Club

Richard Jordan (1939 – 2010)

The mid-1950's to 1960's produced many fine Youth Club members, none more so than Richard Jordan. He joined the club at the starting age of 14 in 1953, developing into an enthusiastic and outspoken member until at 18 years he was drafted into the Army for two years National Service. On returning, he soon became the village youth club leader.

His strength was not in sports, preferring the sense of adventure, camping, challenges, dancing and discipline. Following a College course in Leicester he became a professional full time Youth leader at Hook (Surrey) Youth Centre.

He married an Eton Wick lass, Carol Chamberlain, and with two young children went to Kaiapoi in New Zealand to set up home. His constant zest for involvement inevitably led to pursuing ideas in his new country including a track and a club for youngsters BMX cycle racing; saving an old dis-functionary wood bridge, and its renovation; and moving an old timber, disused rail station to an attractive riverside position a considerable distance away.

He was a founding member of the Kaiapoi Lions Club and during his term of office 1996/7 instigated fundraising for the Blind; for Cancer; making Kaiapoi New Zealand's most beautiful town; and for seats and plants in the Kaiapoi Cemetery.

In 2001 he received New Zealand's Royal Honour for Community Service, and I understand the town is now to have a street or place named after him. I could go on, but sufficient to conclude that the ‘Jordan' name was England's loss and New Zealand's gain. For some few years he had been employed in New Zealand as a Youth Camp Officer, lending much scope to his natural ability. He then had a cycle shop in Kaiapoi. Sadly in later years Richard had been ‘dogged' by failing health and eventually on September 25th 2010 his work was done and he died.

He leaves Carol, his industrious and always supportive wife, a son, Andrew, who with Jeanette has two teenage daughters (Sophie and Alli) and his daughter Belle with Chris. Several Eton ‘Wickers', myself included, have enjoyed wonderful New Zealand holidays and have equally wonderful memories of his beloved New Zealand and unbounded hospitality. Sadly the recent terrible earthquake struck Kaiapoi and devastated much of what Richard loved and although confined to a home he was much troubled by what was now beyond his attention.

In all that he has done he will surely live on in memories, and to his family we wish them love and condolences.

A lifelong friend... Frank Bond