Everyone at West Ham United has been saddened by the passing of long-serving former Club Chaplain Rev Alan Bolding at the age of 83.
Rev Bolding was a familiar and welcome figure around the Club for many years, leading important services and events and offering spiritual support and guidance to players, staff and supporters alike.
A keen West Ham supporter, Rev Bolding succeeded Rev Elwin Cockett as Club Chaplain in the late 2000s when Rev Cockett departed to concentrate on his role as Archdeacon of West Ham.
Rev Bolding led the Club’s Remembrance activities each November, paying tribute to Hammers lost in conflict and laying a wreath at the West Ham Pals memorial at the Boleyn Ground and later at London Stadium, and he would share a Christmas message to the West Ham family each festive season.
He also led memorial services to mark the 20th and 25th anniversaries of the passing of the late, great Bobby Moore at the two stadia in 2013 and 2018 respectively.
In April 2014, Rev Bolding led the memorial service for Dylan Tombides following the young striker’s passing at the age of 20 at St Paul’s Church in Woodford Bridge.
The Club Chaplain also led services for the loved ones of supporters commemorated in the Memorial Garden at the Boleyn Ground.
Rev Bolding was also a regular visitor to the Club’s training ground, where he would lead multi-faith services for players on a Friday lunchtime at Chadwell Heath, and also offer one-to-one guidance. Goalkeeper Robert Green told how he spoke with the Club Chaplain following a difficult time at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals with England. Rev Bolding also visited the Club’s offices regularly and became well-known to staff, offering support, blessings and guidance to anyone who requested it.
In 2015, he appointed Rev Philip Wright as Academy Chaplain. Rev Wright, who is Lead Chaplain at Queen’s Hospital in Romford, formally took over as Club Chaplain from Rev Bolding in 2022.
Rev Wright said: “Alan and I worked together on many occasions. I remember particularly the service he led when we buried a Bobby Moore time capsule in what would have been the centre circle of the Boleyn Ground.
“He was always quick to introduce me to everyone and get me involved with the Club as much as possible. We also ministered together at a very much-loved West Ham staff member’s funeral, and we worked well together.
“It’s fair to say Alan was old school East End and his passion for the Club and more importantly for people seemed to get stronger the older he got. He finally retired from being the Club Chaplain in early 2022, and he will be missed by many people.”
Away from the church, Rev Bolding was a keen runner and member of Woodford Green Athletics Club, where he also served as Club Chaplain.
The thoughts of everyone at West Ham United are with Rev Bolding’s loved ones at this sad time.
