TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Cirencester Golf Club captain, who was one of two motorcyclists to die in road crashes within the space of five days.

Rodney Williams, aged 75, died after a collision near Lechlade last Thursday, with golf club members and friends expressing their shock at the news and speaking warmly about the “larger than life character” who was captain between 2016-2017.

The crash occurred just days before a second fatal incident, which claimed the life of a 24-year-old motorcyclist from Gloucester, on Monday at 7.30am.

Police were called to the A429 near Moreton-in-Marsh where a Toyota Auris and a Yamaha motorcycle had been in collision CPR was administered but the rider, who has not been named, was pronounced dead.

Speaking of Rodney Williams, Cirencester Golf Club President Trevor Hing said: “Obviously we were all shocked by the news. Rodney was a well-liked, enthusiastic and active captain of the club. He played for the B team and the seniors and he and Janet were great supporters of our social events.

“I was proud to have him as my vice captain vice in 2015 and I fully supported his successive terms as captain in 2016 and 2017. Our thoughts are with Janet and the family.”

David Soar this year’s club captain, added: “Rodney was an ebullient, larger than life personality who always had an anecdote on any subject. Having said that, he was totally incapable of telling a joke because he could never time a punchline.

“I shared a drink with him the night before his death after a club committee meeting. When I turned down a second drink, he said: “Don’t worry, next time.” They were his last words to me.”

Rodney was well-known as a motorcycle enthusiast and had travelled extensively around Australia and the USA on two wheels.

He was also well-liked for his friendly demeanour and was a tireless charity campaigner.

He moved to East Africa with his parents as a young boy, before returning to England as a teenager and joining the RAF in 1959, crossing the globe regularly during his 10 years’ service.

Jim Donavan, fellow golf club member, neighbour and motorbike enthusiast said: “Rodney was the most experienced motorcyclist I know. He had covered tens of thousands of miles across the US, Australia, India and, of course, Great Britain.

“At the end of our lane in Latton, five of the six properties had motorbikes and Rodney, myself and Keith Bowen were always going out on rides purely for pleasure.

“Gordon Heggie, who was due to ride round Eastern Europe with Rodney this summer, lived in Essex but was part of our extended biking family.

“Rodney would often ride round Wiltshire and Gloucestershire making collections on behalf of the RNIB on his bike.”

His funeral service takes place on Tuesday, February 13 (9.15am) at Swindon Crematorium. A reception will follow at Cirencester Golf Club from 10.30am.

Meanwhile, police are appealing for information on the fatal incidents and anyone with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101.