It is great sadness that we record the passing of former Whitstable Town footballer, FRANK EDWIN GAMBRILL, who has died, aged 98 on 22nd September 2022.

Frank was the son of a Whitstable fisherman, Jack Gambrill and was born in Albert Street on 28th November 1923. He was from a large family, having five brothers and three sisters and attended the local schools where he first played football and developed his love of goalkeeping. Several of Frank’s brothers played for the Town Club.

On leaving school at 16 he was an apprentice painter and decorator until 1941 when, on reaching the age of 18, he joined the RAF, becoming a rear gunner on Sunderland Flying boats. His active service took him to the Far East for which he was awarded the Burma Star.

When the war finished Frank returned to Whitstable and resumed his career as a painter and decorator. He played in goal for Whitstable Old Boys and became the regular goalkeeper for Whitstable Town Reserves, when his son, Barry, was ball-boy. Frank also played for Maidstone. It was whilst receiving treatment for an injury at the Belmont that he met his future wife, Sheila, the daughter of Club official, Mr Royston-Reeve.

In the 1949-50 season, the year Whitstable won the Kent League Division Two Championship and gained promotion to Division One, Frank was called upon to deputise for the injured goalkeeper for the final championship deciding match versus Folkestone Reserves when the Reds won 3-2 with Frank hailed as one of the heroes making several fine saves.

When his playing days were over Frank became a regular supporter at the Belmont, attending matches with his son Barry until his health declined and resulted in a spell in hospital.

Our sincere condolences are sent to his son and daughter, Barry and Jennifer and all his family and friends as he will be sorely missed.

The funeral is at Barham at 11.20 am today, Friday 14th October 2022.

This news was included in the last Whitstable Town matchday programme and there will be another related article and pictures from the 1949-50 season in tomorrow’s Kent Senior Trophy programme.