Hitchin Town FC has paid a warm and fulsome tribute to the late Rose Wilkinson, the club's joint bar manager.

The club's Mick Docking honoured the much-missed Rose in a moving salutation to the Canaries stalwart.

Hitchin Nub News would also like to pay its respects to Rose's family, friends and everyone who knew her.

We publish Mick's tribute in honour of Rose.

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Very sadly we lost Rose, our joint bar manager, to cancer last weekend.

For the last decade, Rose and Steve have been very much the face of the Canary Club – to both our loyal customers over this period as well as the countless players and officials of both Hitchin Town FC and officials from visiting clubs.

How many occasions has there been a dry exchange from Rose when dispensing a large dollop of cottage pie to a fresh-faced youth straight out of a football academy somewhere, expecting a plate of macadamia pesto pappardelle with a side of olives?

To the footballers Rose was known foremost for serving up the post-match fare with good nature and a smile, always managing to produce a tasty plateful, usually on a modest budget.

To the regular patrons of the club Rose was much more, operating alongside Steve as bar manager with primary responsibility for staffing issues, hall bookings and cash and carry operations, as well as bar duties.

Rose was a forceful character, of that there is no doubt, but having said that she had a sympathetic side and was always prepared to help to sort out problems, of which there have been a few over the years.

Her support of the club, even when things were very difficult, was unwavering and we will always be grateful for that loyalty and commitment.

Wishing Jen and Rose's family and close friends every sympathy and support at this very difficult time.

Mick Docking on behalf of Hitchin Town FC