I had a similar issue with the club
club just asked for copies of the memberships I had and once they had them it was all cool and the records were updated.
I rang the club up today and spoke to a very helpful lady there in the membership area. She said she would follow it up with a manager and get back to me later in the day. They said that apparently back in 2002 the club sent a letter to all members asking them when they first became a member. Apparently my father didn't fill it in as the club don't have anything to say he sent it in. I find that hard to believe as both myself and my father always fill out anything that comes in the mail regarding RFC.
They said that if he can somehow show evidence of his memberships through a card or any other form then they can update it. Problem is he doesn't have anything that he can use as evidence. Who keeps membership records from over 30 years ago!
I guess there's not much we can do without any evidence, but i'd have to say i'm a little disappointed though.