Peter joined the Surrey County Football Association Council in 1972, after a distinguished playing career. He then became a much-respected Club and League administrator in grassroots football. Peter rightly earned a reputation for his fairness and administrative qualities, not only in Surrey but a much wider football circle.
His first administrative post within the County was that of Youth Secretary, a post he held for over 25 years. In 1989 Peter became Chairman of Surrey County FA and, after 4 years, he resigned to take up the post of Honorary County Secretary, which he held for 7 years until the Association appointed a full time paid Secretary.
Peter continued to serve on the Council and in various positions, in particular in the area of refereeing and was honoured for his distinguished services to Surrey football by being appointed President of the Council, a position he still holds. Peter always dedicated himself to football in Surrey as a player, club and league administrator, referee and County FA official – but he still found time to play cricket for 50 years!
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Steve is the current Chairman of Ellingham and Ringwood RFC, as well as the current Club Volunteer Co-ordinator. Included in the roles that he has held within the Club are Honorary Secretary and Junior Chairman and Secretary. He is a qualified Referee and Coach and continues to turn out and play for the club occasionally. Undoubtedly the Club has benefited from his involvement and his legacy for the Club will be lasting.
Steve was responsible for setting up the now flourishing youth section at the Club, which now boasts 227 registered members under the age of 18. Steve coached one of the early sides from mini's U7 through to colt's level. Having been successful with mini and juniors, Steve then set his mind on establishing the girls and ladies sides, which now sees an adult ladies and U15 sides.
Through the efforts of Steve, the Club was able to relocate to the centre of Ringwood with facilities that meet current standards for a growing Club. This has culminated in very successful fund-raising initiatives in the local community, with the £750,000 project nearing completion in the coming months, providing a sports pavilion, 2 rugby pitches, artificial cricket wicket, grass 300m athletics track and 4 x 18m training flood lighting columns.
There is no doubt that those wishing to participate in sport in the Ringwood area owe a great debt of gratitude to Steve Benson.
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Sheila was a founder member of Bury Ladies Netball League, which is now celebrating its 50th Season. The League has grown from 6 teams to 65 teams and now has a waiting list. Sheila has served on the Committee for 35 years as Umpire Secretary, ensuring that every match has two qualified Umpires, which involves 24 matches per week during the Season. New teams joining the League only have to provide a trainee and Sheila ensures that a qualified Umpire is present to cover the game.
Sheila was instrumental in developing the Umpire Training Scheme, which has been adopted by other Leagues in Greater Manchester. Each team has 1 qualified Umpire and 1 Trainee Umpire and the teams have 2 years to obtain a qualified Umpire.
At least two nights a week Sheila umpires for the League, ensuring that the qualified Umpires deliver a positive attitude to the Trainee Umpires and that teams have respect and patience with the Trainees. Sheila always has a smile, numerous stories to tell and her enthusiasm for the game keeps everyone else involved. Bury Ladies Netball League owes Sheila a great debt of gratitude for the very high standard it has achieved.
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Janice is one of Scotland 's most experienced and respected coaches of athletes with a disability and has given up a huge amount of her free time over more than 25 years to take her athletes from grassroots involvement to Paralympic participation.
Her first involvement in athletics was around 1970 when, at the age of 12, Janice ran for Edinburgh Southern Harriers in middle distance and cross country. Whilst still training herself, Janice helped her coach with visually impaired and paraplegic athletes. Now living and working in Glasgow , Janice became involved with Maryhill Adult Training Centre, helping the rehabilitation through sport of disabled people.
Janice became involved with Scottish Disability Sport in 1985 and has worked tirelessly since then to improve the athletic opportunities for athletes to compete throughout the UK .
At a local level, Janice was a founder member of Red Star Athletic club, where she continues to coach twice a week. It is recognised as one of the strongest athletic clubs in the UK for athletes with a disability and has produced a large number of athletes who have progressed to compete at international and Paralympic level. Quite simply, Janice is an invaluable asset to athletics in Scotland and throughout the UK.
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Sheila is a true legend in women's football. Prior to The Football Association taking complete responsibility for the women's game, the Women's Football Association lacked resources and finance. Despite this Sheila was one of the crusaders who laid the foundations of the women's game.
A founder member and player of Doncaster Rovers Belles, then known as Belle Vue Belles, Sheila and other girls were selling draw tickets on the terraces of Doncaster Rovers' Belle Vue Ground and in 1971 the Club changed its name to Doncaster Belles. Sheila played a central role in the first team for over 15 years and her husband was the Club's coach. In 1983 the Doncaster Belles reached the first of six successive Women's FA Cup Finals.
After hanging up her boots, Sheila took on the role of Club Physio and became the Club's President. She continues to attend all of the Belles' matches, home and away, in her other role as Club Welfare Officer. The team view her as a ‘mother figure' and look to her for parental care and guidance.
Sheila is known throughout the sport for her dedication to the game and Doncaster Rovers Belles would not be the Club it is today without her time, energy and enthusiasm.
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Don first played for Crockham Hill Football Club, based at King George's Field in Westerham, when he was about 14 years old in the mid 1950s. Then, after leaving school he continued to play for the Village Team.
In the mid 1960s Don took over as Secretary of the Club, which included team selection, marking out the pitch and other groundsmen's duties. He continued in this role until 1988 when, due to work commitments, he stood down as the Secretary and took over as the Club's Treasurer, a role he fulfils to this day. Therefore, for more than 40 years Don has been continuously responsible for offering both administrative and invaluable practical support to the Club and the King George's Field.
Don has a number of humorous stories of his time with the Club and no doubt will be happy to share some of these with others attending the Awards Evening.
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Gerald discovered Archery at the age of 13, whilst playing on the hill near his parents' home. He stumbled across Pentref Bowmen Archery Club and knew it was the sport for him. He has competed in various disciplines, achieved British records and has been involved as a volunteer with the club since he joined more than 25 years ago.
Gerald is always the first to help with anything associated with the Club, from preparing for any competitions the club is hosting to cutting the grass around the Club House! He is a Trustee of the Club and has been a member of the Committee for the last 20 years, undertaking numerous roles including being the Tournament Organiser for the British and Open Championships, designing the two Courses but also taking the entries and the administration involved with the competition – no mean feat when there are over 150 entries in various classes and styles. Finally, Gerald stood down as Chairman last year so that he could concentrate on the World FITA Field Archery Championships, which were held in September 2008 at Pentref Bowmen Club Grounds.
Gerald loves to give his time in order that others can continue to enjoy Archery and those who participate in the support are very appreciative of his commitment to enable them to participate in Archery at all levels.
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Following his retirement in 1999, Henry has worked tirelessly in a voluntary capacity for the BMC, with a focus on access to the countryside, nature conservation and environmental protection issues. The Chief Executive of BMC states that in his opinion he is the single most valuable volunteer serving the climbing, hill walking and mountaineering community, giving approximately 35 hours of his time voluntarily every week for the benefit of the BMC Members.
Included in some of the voluntary work that Henry has undertaken is fighting for access during the 2001 Foot and Mouth Outbreak, working with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in Cheedale to recruit climbers to abseil down some disused limekilns to place nesting boxes for Swifts and addressing car crime problems for climbers and hill walkers in the Peak District.
Through Henry's communication skills, the hill walking and climbing community have a greater understanding of the pressures on the environment and the steps that must be taken to ensure that all groups, environmentalists and recreationalists, understand and trust each other. The BMC states that it can think of no better recipient for the Torch Trophy Award amongst the climbing fraternity.
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Andrew Francey, or Drew, as he is affectionately known in hockey circles, is a one club man, having devoted his sporting life to Antrim Hockey Club. He joined the Club from School, progressing swiftly through the playing ranks to the 1 st XI. However, a serious ankle injury curtailed a promising playing career at the age of 22 and Drew turned to umpiring – a relationship that was to last for over 35 years. Drew achieved the highest levels as an Umpire and, although he officially ‘hung up the whistle' some years ago, he can still be seen umpiring the occasional junior fixture.
As an administrator, Drew has served the Club for over 40 years as a Committee Member, holding various positions during this period including Match Secretary, Club Secretary, Groundsman and Media Officer. Drew has also given sterling service to the Governing Body, the Ulster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association, for over 30 years, as an elected member of Council.
A personal reflection that the President of the Ulster Branch makes in his nomination refers to the tragic death of 3 of the Club's players in a car crash in 1988. In the dark days following the tragedy the future of the Club was uncertain and it was due in no small part to the personal fortitude and strength shown by Drew that the Club was eventually able to regroup and retake its high rank amongst Ulster Hockey Clubs.
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Howard has been involved in Modern Pentathlon (running, swimming, shooting, fencing and horse riding) and Biathle (continuous running and swimming) as a volunteer for over 30 years, undertaking a number of positions including Director of the General Council, Regional Secretary, Chairman of Biathle, Team Manager of GB Biathle Team and organiser of the World Biathle Championships at Salford in 2006.
Biathle was introduced in 1991 by the International Federation of Modern Pentathlon to increase the number of nations participating and as talent identification for the sport. It has its own annual World Championships and World Series, in which Great Britain is very actively involved. Howard's direct involvement in Biathle includes every role, from strategic development, to competition organisation, to standing on cold, windswept beaches, shivering in solidarity with the athletes. Great Britain has been the most successful nation in the World Championships, winning 24 medals at last year's Championships in Monaco .
Howard has never focussed on the elite end of the sport; he is still involved at the grass roots in the North West Region, spending his time and energy in enabling young athletes to fulfil their full potential, whilst juggling his responsibilities as a family man and his love of renovating Morgan cars!
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The Knights Wheelchair Basketball Club is a member group of Disability Sports Northern Ireland, which is the organisation which represents the vast majority of disability sports clubs and organisations in Northern Ireland . The Knights Wheelchair Basketball Club was formed in 1990, with the aim of providing a structure for physically disabled people to become involved in a team sport which would give them the opportunity to improve their fitness, lead a healthy lifestyle, increase social interaction and gain sporting success. The Club is based in Antrim but players come from all over Northern Ireland and has Senior, Junior & Development Teams, ranging in ages from 6 to 46.
A Fireman by profession, Jason's involvement with the Knights started in 2000, when he was asked to help the Club with some coaching for a short period. Over 8 years later Jason is still with the Club, taking coaching sessions every Tuesday and Thursday evening and travelling with the team to all their League matches in England and Scotland, as well as coaching the team at a number of European events. He has also helped out with coaching the Knights Junior Team and often steps in at short notice to travel with the Junior team to competitions in England
Apart from his contribution on the Basketball Court , Jason is a Committee Member, and has organised several fund raising events for the Club, bringing in thousands of pounds over a number of years. He also represents the Club on a number of committees, writes articles for magazines and newspapers and attends promotional events during the day, evenings and at Club weekends. Newly married, his wife often wonders whether he is married to her or the Knights Basketball Club.
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Terence has been involved with the Northern Amateur League, the largest League in membership of the Irish Football Association (IFA), for 40 years and in that period served as Assistant Honorary Secretary from 1968 to 1976, as Honorary Secretary from 1976 to 1985 and Vice-Chairman from 1985 to date.
In addition, Terence operated as Fixture Secretary and Player Registration Secretary for the League during this time, as well as representing the League at the County Antrim Divisional Association. He also served as President of that Association for 2 years and Chairman of the Junior Committee for 3 years. Terence was elected to the Council of the IFA, where he held the position of Chairman of the Junior Cup Committee and was a past member of the Youth International Committee, representing Northern Ireland at youth international games abroad.
Terence used the experience he gained during his period with the IFA to lead the Northern Amateur League Youth Team to a prestigious Tournament in Italy on 4 occasions during the past 5 years. He carries out all his roles with total commitment and personal drive, to the benefit of football in Northern Ireland.
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Sue has provided many years of voluntary service to English Lacrosse. Her considerable administrative skills have contributed to the development of Lacrosse at County, National and International level and she has been involved in a wide range of Committees including the National Events Committee and the Executive Committee.
Apart from using her organisational skills in a range of Lacrosse events, Sue's talents and determination were most evident as Co-ordinator for the International Federation of Women's Lacrosse World Cup held in High Wycombe in 2001. The organisation for this prestigious event covered a 3 year lead in period, during which she chaired and led the Organising Committee. To this day players who took part in that World Cup Competition fondly recall their experiences, which is a testament to the vision and determination that Sue had for holding and organising the successful event.
Most recently Sue has made a significant contribution in progressing the amalgamation of the men's and women's International Lacrosse Federations as a member of the Transition Board. Sue has a passion for Lacrosse and is a truly dedicated volunteer, contributing to all levels of the game for over 30 years. Recognition for this work is well deserved.
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Peter has been a member of Globe Rowing Club since the 1950s and has held many roles within the Club during that time, always putting the Club and the sport of rowing first.
Since retiring from work 5 years ago, Peter has dedicated more and more time to the Club, not just the growing junior section, but also as Secretary to the Trafalgar Rowing Centre. He has played a very important role meeting builders, architects, local Council Members and Sport England, in order to get the Centre off the ground. It is firmly believed that but for him the Centre would not have been realised.
The Junior Section of the Globe Rowing Club is one of the most successful in the country and it is amazing how Peter creates an eager spirit in the youngsters for early morning rows, often in difficult tides at Greenwich . He is repaid with total respect from them.
Peter has made a significant contribution to the sport of rowing in Greenwich for the past 50 years and is still as active as ever, all of this on a totally voluntary basis.
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Hilary, now in her 70's, lives, eats and breathes Rugby League. She is currently Secretary of Warrington Amateur Rugby League (ARL), Chair of the North West Counties ARL and Secretary of North West Counties Youth ARL. Hilary's role in Warrington encompasses all age groups from Under -8's through to Open Age, whilst she also sits on other Committees including Warrington Sports Council and Service Area.
The North West Counties Youth ARL, which runs a competition for Under 16's, 17's and 18's has, under Hilary's guidance, gone from strength to strength and, in fact, it was the first League to achieve the RFL League Mark Award.
Hilary's all round knowledge of Amateur Rugby League is immense and she has performed almost every off field role within the game and has loved every minute of it. As the RFL state, without volunteers like Hilary the game would not flourish and they can think of no better person to win this prestigious award.
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Sylvia has been involved with Boccia for 10 years, initially providing support for her partner, Nigel Murray, double Paralympics Gold medallist and then progressing to be part of the care team for the GB Boccia Team. Boccia is predominately played by athletes with severe cases of Cerebral Palsy and these individuals require high levels of round the clock care and the use of electric wheelchairs. It is similar to the French game of Boules and is played with leather balls, with the aim to get as many of your balls as close to the ‘jack' as possible. It is a highly tactical and skill based sport and is played at the Paralympics Games.
Sylvia has played “the” key role in setting standards for blending the quality of care required by the athletes and the needs of high performance athletes when competing at the very highest levels in the world. The GB Boccia Team were recently recognised by UK Sport as providing a World Class environment for the team to train and compete and this is largely due to Sylvia's attitude and approach to her role leading the care team.
In addition, Sylvia provides athlete support at events for a number of the more severely disabled athletes when they compete. Sylvia does not receive payment for any of this work and travels to every GB Training weekend, to every competition in which the team participates and provides the coaching and support for her partner, Nigel Murray. Traditionally accolades for success go to athletes and the GB Boccia Federation believes that the presentation of a Torch Trophy Trust Award would truly be recognition of one of the many thousands of ‘unsung heroes' of sport.
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Doreen celebrates her 80th birthday this year and has worked for 63 years to develop the sport of netball. While still a teenager, Doreen started Pinehurst Netball Club in Swindon , which itself celebrates its 62 nd birthday this year. Over the years Doreen has held the role of Coach, Umpire, and Trainer and is now President. Every Match Saturday sees Doreen courtside, often there from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and also attends most training nights, getting there early for the younger players.
Doreen is constantly recruiting volunteers to become involved in netball and has recruited Coaches, Umpires, Scorers, Organisers, Managers and many more, supporting all volunteers whatever Club they represent. Making people aware of the need for a Junior League, Doreen encouraged Clubs to work to make this possible and today there are over six Clubs running several junior sections. She also started an Over 35 League, which enables more mature players to enjoy matches in a fun but still competitive environment.
Having trained as a Teaching Assistant Doreen was designated to take responsibility for disabled children, giving her a deep understanding of their problems and resulting in her running a weekly club for people with disabilities, involving them in sport. In addition, Doreen is a very active fund-raiser for Cancer Research and, to date, has been responsible for raising over £100,000 for Churchill Hospital , Oxford . Doreen believes that team sport is an education in its own right, with its discipline, team spirit and respect for others and, over the years, Doreen has seen hundreds of girls grow up to become mature and caring citizens. She epitomises the word ‘Volunteer'
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Andy Winks has been involved in the sport of Judo for over 40 years. The vast majority of this time has been spent as a volunteer at Judo Competitions across the U.K. and further afield. However, it is within Scotland that Andy has made the greatest impact. His crowning achievements of his volunteering career have been his involvement in the Judo World Championships in Birmingham and the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester .
Over the years Andy has moved through all levels of volunteering in competitions to reach the position of Competition Controller and he is Scotland 's most experienced official. As the top tournament official, Andy has the honour of being the Competition Controller for the Scottish Open Tournament, the premier Tournament in the Scottish Judo Calendar.
Andy is also heavily involved in the recruitment, training and evaluation of competition volunteers. This is essential to the future of Judo in Scotland and his input can be in no way underestimated. Judo Scotland believes a Torch Trophy Trust Award is a very fitting way to acknowledge Andy's contribution as a volunteer to the sport.
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When Richard Bonehill joined Truro Fencing Club in 1987 membership had fallen to 4 regular fencers. The current membership stands at well over 100. Firstly as a Club Member, then Assistant Coach and finally Senior Coach, Richard has been the inspiration which has enabled the Club to become one of the most highly respected and successful Fencing Clubs in the United Kingdom.
In 2006 12 Club Members represented their country at international level. Richard’s organisational abilities and unflinching dedication have produced a string of successful international fencers in all three weapons. In 2005/06 Richard trained fifteen coaches to obtain their Assistant Coaches Qualification.
Richard’s infectious enthusiasm is a constant inspiration to every member of the Club and in 2006, with leading Members of the Club, he launched “TFC Gold”, an organisation to create a purpose built fencing centre, which will enable the youth of Cornwall to realise their own personal goals and dreams. British Fencing is delighted that Richard’s contribution to fencing in Cornwall has been recognised.
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Janet has been a volunteer Leader with Girlguiding UK for over 23 years, working with Brownies (7-10 years), Guides (10-14 years) and Senior Section (14-25 years), as well as being the County Water Activities Adviser for a total of 15 years.
More than 20 years ago Janet qualified as a Kayaking Instructor and went on to become a Coach. The majority of her Canoeing is undertaken with Girlguiding UK and The Scout Association and Janet runs numerous courses for both children and adults, as well as coaching adults from beginners through to Level 2 Coach so that they can share their skills with more children.
As the County Water Activities Adviser, Janet has given thousands of girls, young women and leaders the opportunity to experience water activities for the first time. She regularly plans, organises and runs water days including canoeing and kayaking for up to 300 girls at local venues, as well as organising training sessions for Leaders so that they can gain their British Canoe Union Awards. Janet is totally dedicated to her sport and, as a volunteer in Water Sports, she has played and continues to play a very significant role in providing the opportunity for girls and young women to participate in these water bases sports. Janet’s nominating body describe her as a true unsung hero!
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Jenifer has been involved with Lacrosse Scotland for over thirty years, both as a player and administrator.
As Honorary Secretary, Jenifer has organised and attended hundreds of meetings, whilst ensuring that communication, both nationally and internationally, is of the highest standard. In addition, Jenifer has organised the Home International Matches for many years and attended several International Conferences on behalf of Lacrosse Scotland. Somehow Jenifer also found the time to manage the Under 19 Women’s Lacrosse Team at the World Championships in 1999.
Perhaps Jenifer’s voluntary contribution to Lacrosse is best summed up by the fact that the shirts of all the National Squads were kept at Jenifer’s home and she insisted on washing and sorting them all herself.
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Robert “Basil” Dawkins set up Moberly Judo Club in Kilburn, West London in 1997, and it is now considered to be one of the best Junior Clubs in Great Britain, with many of the children Basil coaches coming from what could be described as ‘difficult’ backgrounds. Many cannot afford the fees so Basil puts his hand in his own pocket to ensure the children continue with the Classes. Basil has become a father figure and a mentor to the children and he has done all this whilst holding down a full time job and having a young family himself.
Moberly Judo Club embraces children from an entire spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds. Its members include boys and girls and young men and women from deprived backgrounds as well as those from more affluent backgrounds, across all ethnicities and Basil ensures the Club facilitates and encourages all to come together.
Players who Basil has coached have achieved considerable national and international success, including most recently European Cadet Silver Medallist Sinead Rothwell in the 2006 Junior World Championships in the Dominican Republic.
Each year The Premier League identify one Recipient to receive a Torch Trophy Trust Award sponsored by The Premier League and this year they have selected Basil as an outstanding individual who gives so much of his time on a voluntary basis to provide the opportunity for young people in an inner city area to participate in their chosen sport.
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In June 2007 Desi Dillingham retired as the Chair of British Dressage, the body representing the Dressage and Para-equestrian disciplines. She served in this role for 10 years, taking the newly formed organisation, with her Board of Directors, from its birth to one with its individual membership base doubled to 12,000, plus a doubling of the available competition and ensuring it had a solid financial base. Her sport now stands on equal terms with the two other Olympic disciplines of Eventing and Show Jumping.
In her time as Chair, Desi has overseen the complete integration of the Para-equestrian sport into British Dressage, as evidenced by outstanding results at the Paralympic Games in Sydney and Athens. In Athens our riders won 5 Gold and 3 Bronze medals.
However, Desi’s particular forte is in organising fundraising events, to assist those not able to make their own way in the sport, without which we would not have seen the successes that have been achieved in recent years. The BEF describe Desi as ‘larger than life, a natural leader, who makes things happen whilst not forgetting those less able than others’. She has brought dynamism, faith and commitment to her sporting discipline and to the wider Equestrian world.
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Iain Shaw, Regional Director of Scottish Squash, first came to know Ken Gibbs in 1968, 39 years ago, when he was a member of Bellahouston Squash Club. At that time Ken was providing coaching to the new members of the Club.
Subsequently, he moved to Newlands Tennis and Squash Club, where he continues as a member to this day. Ken has enthusiastically provided coaching to the junior members of the Club since becoming a member and has devoted many, many hours of his time and energy on a voluntary basis.
Although Ken was unable to compete at a higher level in squash due to injury, he did not lose any of his enthusiasm for the game and, in addition to his coaching, he undertook refereeing/marking duties, also on a voluntary basis. In this connection Ken has provided these services across the world as a Grade 1 Referee. Some 50 years after he first became involved in Squash on a voluntary basis, Ken continues to serve the sport with as much interest and enthusiasm as he did all those years ago.
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For many years Ronnie held a full time position within the Merseyside Youth Association, as a Sports Development Officer, with a brief to develop a comprehensive programme of sports and activities for young people within the affiliated youth clubs across the City. However, for more than 40 years Ronnie has also given most of his spare time voluntarily, particularly in his local community of Speke, assisting others at many different levels to provide opportunities for the young and the community at large.
Highlights of Ronnie’s early volunteering career saw the development of football leagues and also runs and races for all ages and abilities. Amongst other events, he created the Aintree Fun Run and the Liverpool half marathon, plus small community programmes through schools and youth clubs. Community sports days, swimming galas and festivals are Ronnie’s forté and his enthusiasm always ensures he has the many volunteers and helpers he needs to make these events work.
Many young people in Liverpool owe a life changing experience to the dedication of Ronnie. He has opened doors to participation through many sporting opportunities, not focussing on just one and has created pathways to ensure those with potential have been able to access appropriate routes for development. Although Ronnie retired some 3 years ago, Ronnie continues to volunteer on a full time basis and his enthusiasm and dedication ensure that hundreds of young people are able to take advantage of healthy pursuits.
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Douglas first became involved with volunteering in 1947 when he was a founder member and Secretary of Shaw Cross Boys Club, a position he holds to this day! Douglas is also a Life Member of the Heavy Woollen District League and a founder member of the Yorkshire Junior Amateur Rugby League. He was joint BARLA Manager of the first youth tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1977 and pioneered the Yorkshire Boys French Exchange, which started in 1970 and is still continuing to this day.
Douglas is well respected in Shaw Cross and in the rugby fraternity everyone knows him. He is known by all the children at Shaw Cross, which has teams from Under-8’s to Under-18 plus two Open Age sides. Douglas looks after the Youth and Open Age Teams. Just to run the Youth Section at his age is a remarkable achievement.
This year is the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the Shaw Cross Club and Douglas has worked voluntarily on behalf of the Club through these 60 years – another remarkable achievement!
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Peter’s involvement in rugby for many years has encompassed local, national and international levels, serving his Club, County and Country as a volunteer administrator and match official. Indeed, he has trodden the turf of most rugby clubs and many schools in Lancashire over the years.
Nearly 20 years ago Peter was invited to serve on the England Rugby Football Schools Union Committee, where he holds a unique position as the only non-school teacher to chair a Standing Committee. His many talents were quickly recognised and he became involved in numerous working parties which controlled the Schools’ game in England. In 2000 the Schools Union was restructured and Peter was unanimously elected to lead the new Committee and given a place on the Executive Committee. With his excellent organisational skills and enthusiasm, the care and safety of all players of all ages and aptitudes was ensured and was at the forefront of the Union’s programmes. In 2002 Peter played a very active role recruiting, training and organising volunteers to work at the Rugby Sevens during the Manchester Commonwealth Games
In recent years Peter saw the need for the Union to expand its horizons and embrace the changing world of rugby and has devoted much time not only to the traditional rugby schools, but also to assisting the development of the North-West’s emerging schools rugby programme, not least recruiting a female representative to his Committee! The RFU was delighted to have the opportunity to nominate him.
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Mandy began her voluntary work in swimming as a Swimming Teacher at Rykneld Swimming Club and, over a 5 year period must have been responsible for teaching more than 1,000 children and adults to swim. With her keen interest in swimming, Mandy progressed to the role of an official and took her timekeepers, judges, starters and referees exams, acting as an official at local galas, county events and national competitions.
Apart from teaching swimming and officiating at galas, Mandy has sat on numerous Committees at local and national level, as well as officiating at many international events in the United Kingdom.
Thirty Six years after first becoming a volunteer in swimming Mandy continues to help in whatever way she can and the ASA were pleased to have the opportunity to nominate her in recognition of her never ending enthusiasm for the sport and the many thousands of hours she has given freely to help both novice and international swimmers alike.
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Dick has been an outstanding volunteer for over 50 years. He was a founder member of Polo Farm Sports Club, which includes hockey, tennis and cricket sections, and the Canterbury Hockey Club is part of the parent organisation. Dick was successful in identifying the site on which the Sport Club complex now stands and has been President of the Club since 1993.
Dick first played for Canterbury Hockey Club in 1957, was elected to their Committee in 1958 and has been a member ever since. He was first team captain in 1962, a role he retained for 7 years, was elected Vice-Chairman in 1970-71, Chairman in 1977-78 when he began the search for their new ground, culminating in the move to Polo Farm Sports Club in the early 1990’s. Dick has also been closely involved with Kent County Hockey, representing Canterbury on their Committee for over 30 years and being President of the County Association in 1989/90.
Canterbury Hockey Club has some of the best facilities anywhere in the country and regularly hosts major national and international events in co-operation with England Hockey, as well as being an outstanding national Club. England Hockey says “Dick is almost unique in volunteering terms – that rare selfless individual who has spent his life serving others in a cause he is passionate about.
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Clive first opened Saltburn Gymnastic Club in 1973 and today, 35 years later, he remains the Senior Coach, coaching gymnasts of all ages four times a week at the Saltburn Leisure Centre. His enthusiasm for gymnastics began as a young man in the armed forces. When Clive married and had children they wanted to try gymnastics and he took coaching courses to enable him to start his own Club. His children are still involved in the Club, as are his grandchildren. The Club has always been based at the Leisure Centre and for 30 years Clive and his coaches have created a safe and child friendly gymnastic facility in a public sports hall, lifting, carrying and setting out equipment, including a full floor area, vaulting platform, bars and beams – four times a week.
Clive has not coached at the highest levels of international gymnastics but has always been a strong support to the organisation and management of regional gymnastics, holding a number of roles on Regional Committees. He has also tutored many coaching courses to support the development of coaches in his own Club and throughout the Northern region.
After more than 30 years Clive coaches as actively and wholeheartedly today as he did in 1973, all of it in a totally voluntary capacity. His reward is the pleasure he gains from seeing young people grow and develop their skills and confidence through the challenges that gymnastics provides. He wants them all to experience that wonderful sense of achievement that comes with ‘doing your best’ and ‘taking part’.
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Vibert has been part of Springfield Young Peoples Club in Hackney, man and boy. Springfield is situated in a particularly disadvantaged area of London, where unemployment is high and young people are increasingly at risk from high levels of crime and violence. The young people themselves can be difficult to deal with, often coming from broken homes and being exposed, from a young age, to a world of drugs and violence and lacking reliable and suitable role-models.
Vibert attended the Springfield Club as a youth and then became a volunteer. He moved on to become a Junior Leader and then Senior Leader and now is not only a volunteer but also Vice-Chair of the Springfield Board and a Member of the Management Committee. Vibert is also active in local community football initiatives, such as Hackney Football Partnership, where he is Chairman and works with a team of volunteers who aim to get young people involved with football, but also to develop them so that they can go on as volunteers in their communities.
For many years Vibert has worked at the heart of his community as a Teacher in a local Secondary School, while carrying out his voluntary work. In an uncertain world for many of the youngsters Vibert has been a rock upon which they can depend, being there for them at the club in the evenings, week in, week out, for the last 25 years. He has given his time to run not only the normal club activities, but also weekend residential events. His tireless work and good humour has been a major influence and motivation for the many young people who have come into contact with him.
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When Leeds & Broomfield Cricket Club (LBCC) began to decline, Bob responded by developing the Youth Section and, with guidance from the Kent Cricket Board, he started the juniors at Harrietsham in 1999. The juniors soon outgrew Harrietsham and the Club transferred to LBCC in 2004 and, through Bob’s efforts, achieved ClubMark and became a Focus Club.
He is a brilliant administrator, understands child welfare and loves to see children playing cricket. However, as well as the background work, Bob and his extended family can be found at the Club every Sunday morning, collecting money, organising the registration forms, preparing refreshments, talking to parents, etc. As he is also the Club Treasurer and Web-Site Manager, Bob is as busy in the winter months.
Bob has, single handedly, designed and managed the Monitoring System that records all Key Performance data for the ECB project ‘Chance to Shine’. More than 200 Clubs are now delivering on the programme and Bob has offered his support on a voluntary basis should it be needed. Bob has never asked for anything in return and is indeed an outstanding volunteer.
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Ken has been an active member of Buckhurst Hill Junior F.C. sine 1995, initially as a parent watching his son train and play at the Club, but gradually becoming increasingly involved as Assistant Manager to the team in 1997, after which they won their League in season 1997/1998. Ken’s constant enthusiasm and dedication came to fruition when he was voted in as Chairman of the Club in 2000, when he was determined to make the Club one of the best in Essex.
Shortly after his election the Club faced closure as a result of an arson attack on the ground. Ken immediately embarked on the enormous task of rebuilding and restructuring the Club by designating a significant amount of time and work to raise £500,000 from various Grants, Authorities and Foundations, to enable them to purchase the land and build a new Clubhouse. Thanks to Ken the Club is now recognised by the FA Charter Standard and has a gold accreditation given by The Essex Sports Clubs.
The Club has grown from strength to strength, with a membership of over 230 from ages 6 to 18, plus two senior teams. He is now a Level 2 Coach and Manager of the Under 10s. Apart from his involvement in the training and development of the players, Ken can also be found contributing as Groundsman, refereeing other local matches, sitting on various management and fundraising committees and being the Club’s Child Welfare Officer - a truly committed volunteer in every sense.
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Ken’s earliest cycling experience was as a 3 year old boy in the streets of Hornsey. Evacuated to Scotland and then Devon during World War II, whilst a schoolboy, he rode from his Plymouth Boarding School to Totnes and Newton Abbot and back one summers day and found himself in hot water for not returning before 9 p.m!
In 1950 Ken joined Torbay CTC to continue his love of long distance cycling. Whilst stationed at RAF Compton Bassett he often cycled home to Devon at weekends – 110 miles each way. Competing every year since 1950, Ken completed the Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers 50 mile time trial in 2 hours 20 minutes.
Over the years Ken has undertaken numerous administrative roles and is currently General Secretary of the British Cycling South West Region, covering Devon, Cornwall and Somerset , and Secretary of the South West District for Cycling Time Trials. Both these roles involve a considerable amount of liaison with other bodies in order to ensure the smooth running of the various events. Apart from this Ken takes an active part in the running of his own Club, having held a variety of positions from Sunday Club Run Leader to Media Secretary to Chair. In the last 5 years Ken has also participated in the Newton area cycling group, which promotes cycling as a healthy leisure activity rather than just as a sport.
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Jim has been the GB Marathon Team Manager for over 35 years but has now decided to retire from this post. Jim was one of the main instigators of the current International Marathon programme and it is generally considered that Marathon Canoeing would not be the same today without his contribution to the original meetings that took place in the mid-1970’s.
Jim took over the role of GB Marathon Team Manager in 1972, having been elected to the Marathon Committee a couple of years earlier. Previously, there was limited co-ordination and little or no funding. Jim changed all that and created a structure which co-ordinated entries, transport selection and the various other elements that are taken for granted today. The outcome was to lift the GB Team to the top of the international Marathon scene, which was in no small part due to Jim’s activities and enthusiasm.
He has been an active competitor, an active club member for the Wey Kayak Club and recently was the driving force for their magnificent new clubhouse. In addition, Jim has been an active member of his Regional Committee and has served continuously on the BCU Marathon Committee for even longer than he has been Team Manager. The effects of his activities in canoeing over the years will benefit the sport for many years to come – he is indeed a Marathon Volunteer.
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Donald first became involved with Peebles RFC in 1947, as a player, and became Secretary in 1948. He continued as a player and administrator through the 1950’s and early 1960’s and, when his playing days came to an end, he occasionally stepped in as a Referee at lower levels, to ensure that a game could be played. He was also heavily involved in the fundraising when the Pavilion in Hay Lodge Park at Peebles was constructed in the 1960’s.
Always the worker, Saturday afternoons saw Donald setting out flags, preparing oranges and balls for the game and, after everyone had left, sweeping out the changing rooms and washing the balls after the game. The Club progressed to having its own clubrooms and Donald was again to the fore in providing his services and advice. After a short spell in Aberdeenshire due to his employment, when he is reputed to have played his last game at the young age of 51 for Huntly FC, Donald returned to Peebles and it was as if he had never been away.
As Donald approaches his Diamond Jubilee with Peebles RFC he is as involved as ever, having in recent years become the club’s official cameraman videoing the first XV games to assist with coach analysis, in addition to his work as Treasurer and fundraiser after matches. Donald also walks 7 or 8 miles every Wednesday, as well as swimming 5 days a week - an excellent example to us all at the age of 81!
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Bryan was nominated for a Torch Trophy Trust Award by The Tennis Foundation in recognition of his long and outstanding contribution to tennis for the deaf. Bryan has played tennis for much of his life and has represented Great Britain in national and international competitions. He first became involved as a volunteer when he was still competing and, as a volunteer, has undertaken a number of different roles for over 30 years, including acting as Captain, Coach and Manager of the Teams.
A founder member of the British Deaf Tennis Association, set up to encourage more deaf young people to participate in tennis, Bryan has been President of the Association for 10 years. He lectures at TF/LTA Disabled Awareness Courses for Tennis Coaches and is an inspiring speaker.
Bryan has worked tirelessly over recent years to write a History of Deaf Tennis, the first International Competition having taken place in 1924. This has been a challenging task, but after all the hard work he has obtained Heritage Lottery funding in order to publish the History. Bryan’s contribution to tennis for the Deaf is incalculable and he richly deserves the recognition of an Award for more than 30 years voluntary service to the welfare of deaf tennis players.
One of the Trust’s annual Awards is dedicated to the memory of the late Rt.Hon. Lord Aberdare, a founder member of the Trust. The Trustees were delighted to identify Bryan in this connection, knowing the strong ties that Lord Aberdare had with Tennis over many years.
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Brian joined the Dorset County FA Council in 1953, representing Dorset Schools and season 2007-08 will see him achieving 55 years of continuous service on the Council.
Brian served in the RAF during the Second World War, after which he trained as a School Teacher, returning to Dorset to take up the position of Master in charge of football at a School in Weymouth in 1949, a position he held until 1957 when he moved to another School in Weymouth, shortly to become Second Deputy Head, until retirement in July 1985, when he was awarded the MBE for services to Education.
Brian has held numerous positions during his 55 years service on the Dorset County FA Council. In the early years he was Secretary of the South Dorset Youth League and Treasurer of the County Youth Committee. Over the years many other roles have fallen to him, including the Chairmanship of numerous Committees, Chairman of the Council from 1977 to 1979 and President from 1996 to 1998. Brian was also a keen player in his earlier years and in 1949 also qualified as a Referee, officiating for a number of years following a successful playing career. A truly impressive record as a volunteer in sport.
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