Some of you may already be aware, but it is with a truly heavy heart that we share the incredibly sad news that long-standing club member and dear friend, Mark Parrott – known to so many of us simply as "Carrot" – passed away on Monday (15th. September).

While Carrot had been unwell, he'd recently said he was on the road to recovery, so this has come as a huge shock to us all.

Carrot was Salisbury Rugby Club through and through. A committed and endlessly dependable player, he proudly represented the club across the 1st XV and the legendary Stones XV. In fact, he often (and rightly) boasted that he'd played in every position at senior level for SRFC – the mark of someone who always put the club first.

He was a true stalwart – someone you could always count on. Many will remember his familiar "yes" on a Friday night, stepping in with no fuss for a tough away game in the Forest of Dean or wherever the team (often 1st XV) needed him. Club statisticians say that Carrot made 249 appearances for SRFC – though those who knew him well would agree the true number is almost certainly higher.

Carrot was also half of the iconic touring duo, Carrot and Anton – fixtures of the historic Stones tours over the years. Always up for a laugh, always ever present, and almost always one of the last men standing at the bar!

In more recent years, Carrot joined a group of ex-players who toured to the European Rugby Champions Cup finals – travelling to cities like Marseille, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. Whether acting as fines master & weights and measures man, Carrot could be relied upon to add a unique and hilarious flavour to proceedings – usually armed with a truly unpleasant drink for those being fined!

In recent years, Carrot became a devoted Junior rugby parent, always giving his time generously and wholeheartedly. Like so many dedicated rugby parents, he spent countless hours on the sidelines, travelling to and supporting junior games and was very proud of both sons' achievements.

There are many memories – and they all paint a picture of a brilliant, funny, loyal, and much-loved man. Carrot truly was one of the good blokes, and his absence will be deeply felt across the entire club.

We know many of you will want to join us in sending our deepest love, thoughts, and condolences to Karen, Sid and Alf at what is an unimaginably difficult time.

Dave Murley
President / Chairman 2008 - 2011