This picture of
Jean Beagley with The Duke of Gloucester (Recipient nominated by The British Judo Association)
is from the 2010 Awards presentation.
Please click any previous year you wish to view 2009 : 2008 : 2007
Muriel has been an outstanding volunteer for Tennis Scotland and the North East of Scotland LTA for more than 20 years, giving selflessly of her time in many different areas of the game. Although Muriel had to retire from her roles at the LTA when she reached 70, she has continued to contribute to the work of tennis in Scotland and the North East LTA and she is currently President of Cults Tennis Club. In this role she has recently helped to steer the Club to achieve Clubmark.
Muriel has also guided Tennis Scotland through the foundation level of Equity and Diversity, in addition to her many Committee roles and responsibilities. She has always supported tennis in schools and brought the voice of Scotland to the British Schools Tennis Association. Muriel referees a variety of tournaments in Scotland and is currently involved with the Scottish Vets Indoor Championships and the Scottish Vets Open Championships.
The LTA state that Muriel's energy, wisdom and commitment to tennis in Scotland has been, and remains, invaluable and they were delighted to have the opportunity to nominate her for an Award.
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Pat joined Don McFarlane in 1995 to start a club for children and young people at grass roots level, who had a disability, to learn to develop their swimming. Pat and Don both recognised there was a dearth of opportunities for young people with a disability to practice and improve their swimming, as their development did not mirror the progression routes available to mainstream swimmers. Through Pat's effort and determination the club has flourished to allow young swimmers with a disability to reach their potential.
Pat coaches two or three times a week to support her local club and when a gap was identified at the next level to allow simmers to progress Pat was instrumental in establishing the Lothian Regional Disability Swimming Squad eight years ago. Pat is central to scheduling and planning the squad sessions and draws up individual coaching programmes for squad members. Pat's ability was soon recognised at national level and she now coaches the Junior National Disability Squad.
Pat's real success, however, is nurturing unconfident and hesitant swimmers to improve and gain confidence in their swimming and in life generally. Pat's success comes from recognising the ability rather than the disability of each of her swimmers and her enthusiasm, dedication, commitment and skilled, participant-centred coaching style is appreciated by all who come into contact with her. Acknowledging DAKS' support, one of the Awards is linked to their sponsorship and it was agreed to recognise Pat in this connection, noting DAKS' strong links with Scotland over many years and their recognition of the importance of sport for disabled people.
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Les has worked tirelessly for climbers for more than 46 years. As a 16 year old in 1964 he began to collate information on climbs in the North West from as many sources as he could draw on, exhaustively exploring the potential of quarries, outcrops and new climbs. In 1967 his first article was published in The Climber entitled ‘The Unrealised Climbing Potential in Lancashire'. This provided the impetus for his next two projects: the publication of the first pure rock climbing magazine ‘Rocksport' in 1968 and the first edition of ‘Lancashire, A Guide to Rock Climbs'.
Since 1995 Les has been the Access Representative for the North West Area Committee. Such posts are often unsung and require much lengthy diplomacy, negotiation with landowners and other vested interests, including large organisations such as the RSPB. Les has secured unlikely access agreements, including access to climbing and protection of sites with delicate fauna and flora. A member of the BMC Access, Conservation & Environment Group, Les has also been instrumental in the purchase of two quarries for the benefit of climbers and recreation.
Les's contribution to the BMC and climbing has been unique in its longevity, consistency and single-mindedness. He is one of the great characters of climbing, who has led by example for more than 40 years and in recognition he was made an Honorary Member of the BMC in 2006.
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Laurie epitomises what the hockey family is all about. Within the Midlands Region he is known as ‘Mr. Hockey' and he has carried out a tremendous amount of work in so many different hockey capacities, at all levels of the game, for over 50 years. He is classed as a gentleman by his peers, colleagues and all involved in the sport in the Midlands Region. He is well respected and trusted by people of all ages and communicates effectively with them all.
At the Midlands Mini Hockey Championships he worked with the Youth Panel who are tasked to deliver the Festival and was on hand from dawn to dusk each day to oversee and assist where he could. His colleagues say that in every role he undertakes Laurie offers the same – tireless commitment, expertise and an unassuming manner. In his own town of Cannock he has been instrumental in seeing the club achieve success regionally, nationally and internationally.
In summing up the views of his colleagues, the current President of European Hockey Federation and past President of England Hockey, Martin Gotheridge states “As someone who has worked closely with Laurie over 40 years I would simply like to endorse all that has been said about him. As a volunteer his contribution to Cannock, Staffordshire, Midlands and England Hockey has been immeasurable and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Award”.
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Tim has been involved in volleyball for 20 years. He joined Spalding Volleyball Club with very little experience of the game but, within three years, due to a number of departures, was running it. He gained a Level 1 Coaching Award and, working part time at Spalding Youth Centre, he encouraged the young people attending the centre to participate. Some of these went on to join the adult Spalding Volleyball Club. Tim subsequently achieved his Level 2 Coaching Award. Identifying a need for a separate club and with support from the youth service, Tim established Spalding Youth Volleyball, which has seen well over 100 young people pass through the club in the last ten years.
Tim worked to ensure Spalding Youth Volleyball achieved Clubmark status and in doing so became the first Volleyball Club to achieve this award. This led to the Club being nominated and receiving the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership Community Club of the year award in 2004.
Tim didn't sit back and realised the need for a separate younger section. After taking responsibility for arranging finances, he applied for funds from various sources with a degree of success. This led to the new Spalding Junior Volleyball for 10-12 year olds being created. All three Clubs are still running successfully and Tim remains an integral part of both junior clubs. Currently, due to time availability, Tim is working in a number of primary schools to introduce volleyball to young people.
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Jean took up Judo in 1964 at 30 years of age when her 3 sons were members of the local Club and within two years had gained the prestigious 1 st Dan (black belt) and became a British Judo squad player. A few years later Jean became a referee, refereeing both at home nationally and abroad. Jean then decided to become an examiner in 1975, so that she would be able to help others in all areas of the sport.
Jean started her coaching career in 1970 and during the last four decades has dedicated her time to developing and encouraging young players. Throughout this time Jean has continued to coach at her local Club. When Jean became Treasurer the Club had £4 in the Bank Account but this did not deter Jean who thought the Club should have its own facility. At that time they were practising in a Church Hall due to be demolished. She staged a ‘sit in' at the local council offices until they gave her land to build new premises. The parents, coaches and children, through various fundraising events organised by Jean, raised all the money required for the new facility. Jean remained Treasurer for 30 years.
After suffering a stroke in 2004, Jean used Judo as a therapy to regain her mobility and fitness. Jean is an exceptional individual who has shown true dedication as a volunteer to the sport of Judo with the different roles she has taken, to ensure that many people from different walks of life from her local community have had the opportunity to be involved in the sport that she loves.
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Malcolm joined Brixham Archers in 1988 and soon became involved with the running of the Club as a committee member, in the role of social organiser. He has served continuously on the committee in various capacities since that time and is currently Club Chairman. Malcolm has competed in different archery disciplines and has achieved Bowman classification in both Recurve and Compound. He also enjoys shooting Longbow and taking part in both Field and Target archery.
Malcolm successfully applied for a Millennium grant of £5,000, which enabled the Club to purchase new sets of beginners' equipment. He organised and ran the “Millennium Month of Archery” in July 2000. This attracted 594 attendances by 366 people and gave them the opportunity to experience archery free of charge, which resulted in several new members joining the Club. Over the last decade Malcolm has been instrumental in raising additional funds for the Club through various grant applications, to enable the Club to purchase essential equipment. Malcolm has always believed the Club should have their own permanent base and in the last two years has been deeply involved in a new development project which, if successful, would mean that Brixham Archers would become part of a multi-sports complex.
Malcolm has been an active Coach for many years and has devoted much time and effort to help others in the Devon & Cornwall area to become Coaches. Malcolm is always willing to help others and archery generally has much to thank him for.
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Deborah is currently Chair of Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) and was instrumental in setting up the Union in 1984. She took on the role of Treasurer for three years before spending the next three looking after Press and Publicity. Deborah took on the Chairmanship of the Committee to organise the first ever Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991 in Cardiff. Returning in 2002 to be Finance Director of the newly incorporated RFUW, Deborah took over as Chair in 2005.
Deborah also sits on the Board for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 and has now been appointed as the female representative to the RFU Council, recognising the success Deborah has achieved in her various roles.
Deborah started her competitive rugby career at University in 1977 and went on to captain the first English club side at Finchley WRFC. Her long and successful domestic career spanned ten years, during which she also played for Richmond WRFC and was a key player in establishing the first ever women's rugby national tournament and the first overseas tour. Deborah lives in Twickenham with her two teenage children and is a member of Richmond RFC and a Harlequins season ticket holder.
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Brian is described by a Sport England Officer as ‘a remarkable man and one of the most dedicated volunteer coaches and administrators I had the honour of working with”. His major achievement has been to tirelessly represent the sport he loves among Regional and National policy makers, while still remaining committed to practical coaching for the lifters in his Club. Brian never lost sight of why people were involved in the sport in the first instance – the love of weightlifting, as participant, coach and administrator – and he has successfully combined all these roles in a way which has truly made a difference to British sport. A world ‘Masters' champion, coach educator, coach, adviser and advocate of weight sport, Brian has been an ambassador for Olympic weightlifting for over 40 years.
Olympic weightlifting was Brian's passion and he battled policy makers and the education establishment to have it accorded the respect it was due as a key Olympic discipline and a cornerstone of conditioning for sport. Despite his many administrative roles, Brian was coaching most nights of the week at his own Woking Club. In addition, he saw the need to train new Coaches in good exercise habits and body management.
Brian is a truly exceptional man who has been an inspiration to friends and colleagues over half a lifetime. His achievements are many and his record second to none and he deserves the admiration of all those who love the sport and who admire, above all, the commitment of the volunteer in British sport.
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Jamie has been volunteering within the equalities and inclusion department at the Foundation for nearly three years and has completed over 500 hours of voluntary support during that time. He has also been able to successfully complete Level 1 Courses in football, cricket and basketball, as well as completing his community sports leader award.
Jamie volunteers on a wide range of projects which involve him supporting the delivery of multi sports sessions within many local special schools. He also volunteers within a local community club, building the confidence and ability of young people with autism and works very well with a Foundation coach who has cerebral palsy. The time that Jamie gives to the Foundation projects is highly valued and he adds so much to the special schools work. Jamie himself has a learning disability and proves to be a great inspiration to many local young people with similar levels of ability.
Each year the Premier League identifies one recipient to receive an award sponsored by their “Creating Chances” programme. This year they have selected Jamie as an outstanding individual who gives so much time on a voluntary basis to help other young people in his local community.
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Two years ago Richard became the head coach for the Harrogate ladies team and the juniors. He was heavily involved in volunteering with the club before this but, due to its sudden growth, the club was re-structured and training sessions went from being men and women's to women's/juniors and a separate men's session. Richard plans his sessions after identifying areas of weakness within the teams and spends over an hour every Thursday (including school half terms and holidays) coaching the women's/junior sessions. He then supports the men's coach whilst training as a player himself. He arranges friendly fixtures and organises teams to send to tournaments. Richard attends all of the women's Yorkshire Premier League matches and gives constructive feedback and praise during time-outs and between sets. Having entered the League for the first time in ten years, the women's team came 4 th .
Richard is a very enthusiastic person who has a great rapport with the juniors. He is very proactive in promoting volleyball in local schools and has achieved great success in this area.
Richard will be involved in the new weekly fitness training programme at the club and currently holds the position of Vice-Chairman of Harrogate Volleyball Club. Having recently become a father for the first time, Richard still manages to give considerable voluntary time to the club, whilst holding down a full time job. His time, effort and personality is a tremendous asset to the club.
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John has served as a volunteer of RDA NI for over 30 years, giving unwavering dedication to the Fort group in Maghera. A photographer by profession, his introduction to RDA came when he was invited to take photographs of some children by the original organiser of the South Derry group, Mrs. Gann. This led to him becoming a volunteer with the group. When Mrs. Gann left the area for personal reasons, the South Derry group came to a complete halt.
John then took it upon himself to ensure the continued running of the RDA in the area. Taking a pony on loan from a family, John arranged rides in a nearby field. A short time later they moved to an indoor arena. However, never being “master of their own house” proved a problem and, following several venue changes, John made an application to the Department of Education for a grant to build their own home. In the early 80's they received £80,000 and constructed a basic indoor school. Since then it has been added to and, after a successful application to the Sports Council and the National Lottery, the group has added a significant extension to their indoor arena.
The Fort group is now twinned with a riding centre in North America and, coincidentally, the family running this centre are also called McCloskey! His commitment has ensured that the Fort group has progressed over the years and RDA NI would like to thank him for his years of impressive hard work.
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Henry has been playing and coaching Basketball in the Liverpool area since the 60s and has taken the Toxteth Tigers to the top of the English game. Enjoying a long and successful career in the Fire Brigade, for 50 years Henry has also been involved as a volunteer in setting up and developing many community organisations, such as a local black organisation, Muslim groups and African and Caribbean organisations. He has also helped to develop sports and education programmes for excluded children, as well as young men and women who were on probation or in trouble with the police.
Henry has guided groups in developing strategies, recruiting quality staff and board members, securing resources and creating employment opportunities for local people, whilst assisting them in successfully applying for grants and funding so as to promote sustainability and community ownership. Henry has used sport and particularly Basketball as a vehicle to inspire positive change, creating pathways for many young men and women from deprived communities of South Liverpool to achieve sports scholarships in colleges and universities in the USA.
Henry's work with Toxteth Tigers led to a partnership with Everton FC through which he developed youth programmes and Saturday clubs to enable young people to participate and achieve in sport. The projects Henry is involved in through the Foundation are too numerous to mention here but his ongoing contribution to the communities of South Liverpool has been invaluable; he has been a true inspiration to thousands of people as a mentor, advisor, community leader and friend.
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For 38 years Julie has volunteered in gymnastics in various different guises at her own expense. Starting in 1972 as a parent, Julie helped collect money on the door and quickly progressed to setting up the equipment, cleaning the gym, managing fundraising activities, planning parties and assisting the coaches. Her interest in helping the coaches grew and she soon began to coach herself, working her way up the ladder until she became Head Coach of St Tydfils Gymnastics Club.
Julie as been part of a very successful coaching team, producing 17 Welsh Champions across the various competition levels, British Squad gymnasts and Commonwealth Games team members. She has also supported and mentored 57 coaches and 22 judges to obtain their qualifications and has set up a volunteer programme to encourage older school children to assist with various activities. As well as this, Julie still leads all the Recreational classes for children of all ages and continues to fulfil the many duties she undertook all those years ago. Throughout her years of involvement, Julie has always given 100%, never questioned her commitment and always has a smile on her face for all involved.
Each year a Trophy is dedicated to the memory of the late Lord Aberdare, a founder member of the Trust; Julie was selected this year in recognition of Lord Aberdare's strong links with Wales.
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Ron has been a great servant to football and has been an inspiration to so many in excess of sixty years. On being demobbed in 1946, he became Honorary Secretary to Old Varndeanians FC. Supported by his wife, Betty, they carried out various funding activities to keep the club going financially. In 1956 Ron was elected to Sussex County FA Council and quickly earned a reputation for his knowledge and ability. In 1957 he was appointed Honorary Secretary of the Brighton & District League, a competition of 132 teams in 12 divisions. He ran the League until 1968 when he was invited to become Secretary of the Sussex County FA. He continued in this role until 1988, when he retired as County Secretary and was appointed a Life Member.
Ron's work was not confined to Sussex; he held numerous other roles including Founder Secretary of the Southern Counties Competition, later becoming President, serving the competition for 30 years. He was a Committee Member of the National Conference of County FAs, where he made an outstanding contribution. He also represented his County on the South Western Alliance for many years and served on the Management Committee of their Championship for 16 years. He was elected President of the Championship in 1991 and held that post until his retirement in 2008.
Ron still attends Sussex County FA Council Meetings, making a valued contribution to the discussions and ensuring his successors maintain his extremely high level of commitment and dedication.
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Frank has been a volunteer at the core of swimming in Ulster for over 15 years, as both a leader and gala official. His role as Swim Ulster President from 2007 to 2010 has seen the organisation accepted by the NI Sports Council as a modernised, professional body. He achieved this by encouraging the membership to develop the infrastructure from within. The clubs were thus able to apply their commitment and expertise to the goal of providing opportunities for all our young people to reach their potential, both as athletes and as role models in their own communities.
There have been many changes during Frank's involvement and the lasting impact of people like him should not be under-estimated. He has ensured that the latent tensions that characterise inter-community relations never feature in Ulster swimming and has led the organisation in providing a neutral, non-political environment where participation and the pursuit of excellence in sport is the only benchmark. His efforts have produced today's Swim Ulster, where over 3,000 young swimmers are unaware of the difficulties of civil unrest faced by the previous generations of swimmers.
Frank has also devoted thousands of hours volunteering as Chief Referee at Swim Ulster galas. Currently 3,000 swimmers compete in their 10 to 15 annual regional galas. The numbers involved during Frank's time would be at least 10,000, fulfilling a sense of achievement at their own level.
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Gregory has been volunteering in Rugby for over 40 years and is currently the Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Eastern Counties. He began volunteering at Sudbury Rugby Club whilst still a player, when he became their Fixture Secretary. He then also took on the Fixture Exchange Secretary for Suffolk, organising fixtures for clubs in the County who did not have fixtures the following Saturday, a role he still retains. In his own Club he has held every role including Chairman and is currently President. He chaired the Committee that undertook to sell the old ground and buy a new ground which involved managing the funding and building a new £3,000,000 state of the art sports facility that now serves the whole community seven days a week.
Serving on numerous Committees over the years, Gregory has taken a particular interest in Grass Roots Community Rugby, bringing the game to towns and villages in Eastern Counties and offering advice on funding improvements to pitches and club houses for the ever growing young section of the game. In his role as Volunteer Co-ordinator, Gregory has been actively involved in recruiting young volunteers and now there are ‘Young Volunteers' throughout the Eastern Counties.
As the Chairman of Eastern Counties RU states “Gregory has played a key role in driving the recruitment, training, retention and rewarding of volunteers at all levels over many years. He is very committed, hardworking, well organised and much respected and his dedication to the sport is an inspiration to all.”
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Special Olympics is a sports organisation providing opportunities for people with a learning disability and Keith founded Skelton/Cleveland Special Olympics in 1982, which has supported over 100 individuals in East Cleveland. He is the Club's football coach and takes an active role in fundraising and encourages people to get involved. In 1987 Keith formed the Northern Region Special Olympics to create opportunities across that part of England. He is the Chairman of both organisations and has been instrumental in sending teams to the Special Olympics National Championships and to events overseas.
At a local level Keith has been involved with Great Ayton Cricket & Football Club for many years, taking on the role of Club Chairman, Football Secretary, Pitch Marker, Kit Washer, Fundraiser, etc. He has worked with other Committee Members to develop junior level involvement and within the club promotes inclusive opportunities for disabled people to be involved in sport
More recently, with Durham County FA, Keith has set up a North East Disability Football League. Now in its 5 th season, there are 5 divisions and 29 teams and Keith has taken on the role of Honorary Secretary, organising fixtures, venues, referees, league tables, etc. He readily acknowledges that he could not have taken on all these volunteering roles without the tremendous support of his wife and daughter.
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Tony began gliding 32 years ago at his local club, the Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club. He was hooked immediately, making very swift progress to become an instructor within 2 years and teaching others to fly – something he has been doing ever since. He has been the Club's Chief Flying Instructor for 7 years. The flying activities are supported by classroom theory lessons, formal training and qualifications for related licences and in recent years the Club has become one of a selected list of gliding clubs where instructor training courses are held.
In addition to the training of beginners and instructors, Tony has taken a lead in providing more advanced training in cross country racing. He has recognised that the training fleet available to the club is a crucial aspect of such training and has driven recent acquisitions of a motor glider and a high performance two seat glider, both of which are invaluable in training pilots in cross country racing.
Throughout Tony's time at the Club he has assisted with upgrading ground equipment including grass cutting and winch launching machinery. Mandy, Tony's wife, estimates that he has spent at least 30 hours a week for the last 32 years supporting the Club's activities in various ways. In short, Tony has been a formidable driving force within the Club and his infectious enthusiasm and practical encouragement has kept the Club alive and helped countless pilots to make the most of their abilities.
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Top of page : 2008 : 2007
Rick has worked tirelessly with tennis events held at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, on behalf of the LTA, The Tennis Foundation and The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust. When putting forward his nomination, The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust wished, in particular, to acknowledge Rick's work as Head of Volunteers at all the Disability Tennis events held in Nottingham over the past 17 years. Included in these events are the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships, 3 World Team Cups, two British Deaf Open Championships and the annual Notts. Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. Many of these Tournaments attract in excess of 130 players – a logistical challenge but Rick is always there to cope with whatever arises.
Rick finds and heads up a wonderful team of volunteers and it is testament to his leadership that they all return year after year. Without Rick and his helpers many of the events could not have taken place. His energy, drive, commitment and organisation are remarkable and it is nothing for him to rise at 4 a.m. to drive to the airport to collect overseas players and to still be working at 11 p.m. taking players to airports for departures, clearing and preparing the courts each night and morning, or delivering water for the players on court when late-night matches are still being played.
The Trust describes Rick as a volunteer par excellence who contributes enormously to the County LTA, as well as to the LTA and to all disability groups.
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Norman ‘Nobby' Clark has recently been elected a Life Vice-President of the Bradford Amateur Rugby League in recognition of his 45 years service to the game.
Norman, now 79 years of age, played for Victoria Rangers for all of his rugby career and, on retirement, took up the whistle with the Bradford Referees Society 50 years ago this year. He was a Grade 4 Referee with the RFL and ran the line at first team level for many years. Norman finally hung up his boots in his late fifties but continued to mentor new officials, a task he still performs today.
Norman is a valued member of the Bradford League Management Committee, where his experience and guidance are a shining example to any volunteer who has amateur rugby league at heart. The Rugby Football League describe Norman as truly one of the games unsung heroes, still fully dedicated to the game at grass roots level and found manning the gate, no matter what the weather, at the Bradford League Cup Finals, even finding time to produce the match programme.
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Mick's lifelong involvement with Holt Cricket Club would alone make him a worthy recipient of a Trophy, but it is due to his unstinting service to the Holt Playing Fields Association that Fields in Trust nominated him. A Committee Member for the last 30 years, for the last 20 years Mick has, single-handedly, looked after the cricket square and field, spending untold hours mowing, rolling, watering, feeding, seeding or marking out the boundary. Hugely knowledgeable, Mick is a stalwart committeeman, willing to turn his hand to all sorts of labouring tasks, from decorating the changing rooms to raking the shingle on the car park.
An active sportsman, having played cricket for Holt from the age of 15 until 67, Mick also played football for Holt from the age of 15 to 43. His involvement with the cricket club continues today as Treasurer, having previously held the posts of Chairman and Secretary, and Mick also found time to serve as Secretary to the football club for 12 years.
In recent years Mick has suffered poor health but this has not prevented him from taking an active part in maintaining and running the Kelling Road Playing Field and Fields in Trust were delighted to have the opportunity to nominate Mick for an Award.
In 2001 Rochelle began attending School and County fixtures when her son began fencing and immediately undertook numerous small jobs that needed to be done. As time went on Rochelle became more involved as a volunteer at various fencing competitions, locally and regionally.
In 2005 Rochelle was elected Chairman of Southern Region Fencing and took over the development grant application for England Fencing. She instigated the first Southern Region Development Day, running short courses for fencers, coaches, armourers and referees. In 2006 Rochelle reinstated the Southern Region U14 and U18 foil team competitions, whilst continuing with the Southern Region Development programme and expanding the Development Day to include Club welfare, Competition Organisation and Safe Guarding courses. In 2007 she was responsible for the expansion of the Southern Region U14 and U18 team competition to include epee and foil as well as adding Sports Psychology, First Aid and Coach Education to the Development Day programme. Further expansion of the programme took place in 2008, resulting in a Weekend Programme and now courses throughout the season.
In addition, over the last four years Rochelle has become increasingly involved as Regional Representative, attending England Council Meetings. This year saw Rochelle attend the Cadet and Junior World Championships in Belfast to manage over 100 volunteers. British Fencing state that for the last 8 years Rochelle has given unstinting support, particularly to young fencers and is an outstanding volunteer.
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Brian has been involved with Sherwood Colliery Swimming Club for 64 years, having begun swimming for the Club at the age of 10 and was invited to join the Club's senior polo team when he was 13. In 1958 as a result of an industrial accident Brian lost all the fingers on his left hand but, following his recovery, his enthusiasm for the sport was as strong as ever and he returned to play Water Polo regularly.
Brian joined the Club's Committee in 1967 and also qualified as a swimming teacher. He was Chairman of the Committee for many years and has been a Life Member for over 30 years. Brian has held the position of Club President for 10 years and has been the Polo Secretary for 15 years. His main input within the club has been to encourage every swimmer to achieve their full potential in a fun environment. Many of the parents at the Club today remember Brian as their swimming teacher and have consequently brought their own children to the Club. He has also actively encouraged dozens of parents to train as teachers and officials.
For over 40 years Brian taught swimming every night of the week and attended Gala's on Saturdays. He became a qualified timekeeper and starter and officiates regularly at the Club Championships. Brian's commitment to the Club continued long after his children stopped swimming, only retiring from teaching last year due to ill health. However, he continues to visit the Club on training nights and attends almost every Committee meeting, providing important input for the progression of the Club.
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Although only involved as a volunteer in Volleyball for 5 years, Jennifer - or Jen as she is more commonly known – has given an enormous amount of time and energy to the sport through the Scottish Volleyball Association and the British Volleyball Federation. She heads up a team of 5 people who are responsible for the planning, organisation and delivery of various events within the Scottish and British Volleyball calendar. This involves a vast amount of time and travelling and, in addition to the event days, Jen is heavily involved in the days, weeks and months prior to an event, working with the Professional Staff of the Scottish Volleyball Association and the British Volleyball Federation and recruiting and training suitable volunteers.
A wide range of people in volleyball benefit from Jen's work as she is involved in events for the Olympic level athletes in the Great Britain Teams through to young players starting their volleyball career in the Junior National League.
Many people attend events without understanding the amount of time that is spent organising and preparing behind the scenes and assume the day will run smoothly. The Scottish Volleyball Association stress that without people like Jen these events would not happen and commend her for her tireless work before, during and after events, always with a cheerful smile, to promote the sport throughout the country.
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Nicola has been the Head Coach for Reading RFC U15's Girls and U18 Girls rugby teams for the past 4 seasons. Under her guidance all the players have become confident, strong, young women who love rugby and will go on to achieve higher things in their lives, having learnt so much from Nicola. She has a policy of teaching clean, fair, rugby, never crossing the line into foul play in a hard contact sport. Consequently her teams are respected by all other clubs and, because Nicola has the highest principals and insists on the same from her players, it reflects well on the Club, the RFUW and the sport in general.
The teams Nicola coaches have achieved considerable success. For example, in the last season the U15's won 11 matches, drew 3, lost 8 and scored almost 500 points. In the same season the U18's scored 216 trys which, including the conversions, accumulated to 1,302 points, only conceding 164. They won 33 matches and lost 3, a 92% winning record and an average of 36 points per match.
Thanks to Nicola, Reading RFC have 20 U18 girls playing for their County, 15 girls playing at Regional level, 6 girls involved in the High Performance Academies, 4 girls involved in the Talent Development Group, 2 girls with England U20 caps and 2 further girls have been invited to the England Talent Camp. All these achievements underline Nicola's dedication, motivation and strength and despite her tremendous commitment, Nicola has had a baby during this time.
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John has been involved in athletics for at least the past 45 years, first as an athlete and then as an official and administrator. He was instrumental in the founding of Lagan Valley Athletics Club, some 20 years ago. The Club has become one of the most successful in Northern Ireland and John remains a major driving force in the Club.
An active middle/long distance coach, John has maintained a large training group over the years, one of his most recent successful athletes being Suzanne McCormick, who represented Ireland in the 2008 World Cross Country Championships. John has also worked for the past 30 years in various capacities for Athletics Northern Ireland including being a member of ANI's Track and Field Committee for over 25 years (he is presently Chairman), a member of ANI's Management Board and a UKA accredited Road Race course measurer (Level 2 – the only one in Northern Ireland), measuring most of their top Road Race courses, including the Belfast Marathon.
For the past 30 years John has been ANI's honorary statistician, working tirelessly to keep the performance and records lists for all events in Northern Ireland up to date. More recently he has established his own website to publicise the statistics and has just written a booklet on the history of the Marathon in Northern Ireland. John remains one of the backroom stalwarts of Athletics NI.
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Maggie is both the coach and secretary for the Colchester Phoenix ASC, a swimming club for disabled swimmers. Maggie was instrumental in forming the Club in 1993, at which time there were no organised opportunities for disabled people to swim in the area. Since starting with a couple of people who wanted to swim ‘'seriously' she has built the Club's competitive swimming squad into a force to be reckoned with.
Maggie introduced a structured programme that would allow every swimmer to attain the limit of their personal ambitions and abilities. Specialised swimming tuition for non-swimmers was set up, followed by the next step, the improvers group. Maggie arranges for appropriate swimmers at this level to participate in a local gala as an introduction to competitive swimming. Maggie's approach to coaching is an innovative mix of traditional training programmes and hands on coaching in the water. An amputee herself, Maggie is able to empathise with disabled swimmers, often to be found in the pool simulating a swimmer's disability in order to explore a solution to their particular problem. This results in an excellent rapport with them.
Maggie's unending work and commitment has moved the Club to a well respected and high profile competitive force, nationally and internationally. The Club is well represented at all major national and international events and squad members swam in the Paralympic Games at Sydney, Athens and Beijing, returning with a number of gold, silver and bronze medals. Maggie's sights are now set on London 2012 but still finds time to coach those who will never make the top grade. She is unstoppable.
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Bob has been a grass roots cycling volunteer continuously since the early 1960's. Although never a champion cyclist, he is one of those sports volunteers without whom grass roots sport would not be able to function.
Starting in the Birkenhead St. Christopher's CC, Bob soon progressed to the Larkhill Wheelers, starting to lead the club runs on the weekends, ensuring that young and new riders could participate at a pace and on routes that were suitable for their abilities. Throughout this time Bob was also involved with the organisation of local events in Merseyside and continues to volunteer at events throughout the North West. Bob has also undertaken training to keep himself up to date with best practice in connection with the new initiatives identified by British Cycling. He has also designed and manufactured a special gear checking device to ensure that all young competitors and parents alike feel confident that competition is being undertaken fairly.
Bob also helps riders to successfully attack various long distance time trial records, e.g. Lands End to John 'O' Groats and, when asked what motivated him to keep volunteering in the sport he said simply “I like to see more people involved with the sport”, which is surely the point of any sports volunteer.
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For 25 years Steve Keates has given his passion, people skills and planning abilities to help North Dorset Rugby Club thrive and grow into a community club of the highest standing. Steve first became involved in the Club in 1985 when his son played in the Under 7s. In that year he arranged an inaugural Minis Tour for all grades U7 to U12 and took 2 double decker buses full of children and parents to Cornwall, where he staged a Festival with local Clubs. Ever since North Dorset have followed that tradition and the Mini Tour to the South West is a major inspiration for participants.
As Steve progressed with his son through the age grades he created or strengthened committee and management structures for each section, laying the foundations of the structure North Dorset RFC has today. In the late 90's, having obtained sponsorship, Steve took the first North Dorset Youth Team on an overseas tour to Spain, a precedent that has been followed in subsequent years.
Over the years Steve has been instrumental in creating a membership and marketing structure for the Club, becoming Chairman in 2006 and developing various fund-raising initiatives as well as taking on the role of School Liaison. The result is the Club now fields 20 junior teams in 6 well organised sections and a constant stream of talented and confident youngsters are stepping into the senior team. Steve now combines the role of Chairman with that of Volunteer Co-ordinator, supporting over 120 volunteers, his philosophy being to ensure everyone enjoys their role in support of rugby.
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Pat has been a hockey enthusiast all her life, originally playing hockey for many years in Dublin before moving with her family to Fife in 1977. Having a young family at that time Pat was not able to play but instead took up the whistle and umpired for Madras Ladies HC. Being fully involved in the Club, it was not long before Pat became President, taking to leadership like a duck to water. Pat led the club activities, ensuring it was well run and encouraging increased participation.
Having umpired for a number of years, Pat took on the role of Midland Umpire Convenor and then became President of Midland Hockey Union, overseeing the district activity including leagues, umpire development and representative teams. By this stage Pat's two daughters had reached High School and she then helped by umpiring for the school and then University. Shortly afterwards Pat was elected to the Fife Sports Council, eventually becoming its Chairman, where she encouraged the development of sport, especially at grass roots, getting more young people involved.
In the following years Pat continued to undertake numerous roles in Scottish Hockey, including Ladies National Competitions Organiser, Manager of Scotland Ladies Indoor Hockey Team, Scotland U18 Girls and the Ladies Senior Team. Most recently Pat has been appointed Youth Convenor for Scottish Hockey. She has worked tirelessly for 32 years for Scottish Hockey and it will grow stronger as a result.
Norman has given a life of service to football and has been a fine influence at all levels of the game in Lincolnshire. He is highly regarded not only in Lincolnshire but in many other counties for his administration, knowledge and sportsmanship. After completing his teachers training, Norman did National Service in Egypt, playing against other service teams and an Egyptian team. He played for Lincoln City School Old Boys and soon became Club Secretary. When injury forced him to retire as a player he took up refereeing but was told he could not be a Referee and Club Secretary. He decided to concentrate on refereeing and served at several levels, including the Football Combination and The Football League.
A member of the Referees' Association, he became their representative on the Lincolnshire County FA and was instrumental in bringing the two bodies closer together, while encouraging many young men to become referees. Norman served in a number of capacities on the Lincolnshire FA, in particular at the grass roots level. In addition, he was an invaluable member of local leagues. Norman has been a member of the Lincoln Saturday League for 35 years and recently, at the age of 82, became Vice-Chairman.
Norman's positions on various midlands leagues are too numerous to mention here but, having served as Vice-Chairman of Lincolnshire FA and subsequently Chairman for 10 years, in 1996 he was appointed President. Norman is the epitome of all that is good in football and the sport is richer for his great contribution.
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Ken has served Badminton in particular and sport in general over a number of years, both during his playing days and subsequently. He continued playing into his veteran years at a national level. Ken has served on the South West Sports Council for more than 25 years and North Somerset Community Sports Network for more than 5 years.
His contribution to Badminton in the area has been exceptional and, with a passion for the game that could not be outdone, Ken has sought to promote the sport at every opportunity. In 1987 he was awarded the meritorious service award by Badminton England for his contribution to the sport. Ken has represented Avon Badminton Association on the Badminton England Council since 1974 and his reports on the meetings via the Avon BA website are legendary.
Ken is devoted to the game and brings to it a rare enthusiasm. He was appointed Chair of Avon from 2005 to 2009, when he stood down due to ill health. During that time he was instrumental in driving forward the objectives of the County, including the appointment of a Development Officer. He is tireless in assisting the Officer in many ways and his leadership has been an inspiration to the other volunteers on Avon BA Council. Under his stewardship the County has developed in many ways and he remains actively involved in promoting the development of Badminton in the are
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Helen founded Durham Schools' LTA in 1986 and has worked tirelessly for the benefit of Schools' tennis ever since. She has worked closely with the County LTA and the Schools are still benefiting from sponsorship obtained in the early days. Durham Schools LTA organises a full competitive structure and Durham is one of the most active of the Schools' Associations in tennis. Helen has been the elected member from the British Schools' Council onto the Management Committee and her wide experience of sporting matters in the North East has been invaluable.
Helen's dedication and commitment to sport in her region and to Schools' tennis in particular are inspirational – she has a great knack of making things happen and persuades others to help alongside her. Thousands of children have benefited from her drive to provide tennis playing opportunities at primary and secondary schools. Helen is currently on the Steering Group of the Durham Sports Partnership and has always promoted sport in schools in her roles on the North East Regional Sports Board and as Chairman of the North East Federation of Sport.
Helen has a busy job but combines this with so many voluntary posts as a Governor of Durham School, Chairman of Governors of Bow School, as well as all the sporting posts outlined above. She does, without question, meet the often-used saying “Ask a busy person…..”
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It can truly be said that Alan has devoted his life to football. From 1958 to 1981 Alan played for York Athletic (a Saturday team) and was also the Club Secretary. From 1953 to 1958 he played for his works team (a Sunday team) and was also the Club Secretary. In 1958 with others he formed the Norwich and District Sunday League, which in 1960 was officially affiliated to the County FA. He was a Committee Member from the formation of the League and in 1981 was appointed Secretary and Treasurer. He resigned as Treasurer in 2006 and as Secretary in 2009 and is now a Life Member of the League.
Alan has also been a member of the Norfolk County FA Council since 1975 and Match Day Co-ordinator for the County's Under 18 and Women's Football Teams from 1999 to 2009. He has also served as Executive Member, Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the County Football Association during this time and is now a Life Vice-President. A referee for many years, Alan was the first referee to be awarded Class One after only refereeing on Sundays.
Dedicated to the well-being of football in Norfolk for most of his life, Alan has earned a reputation for being one of the best administrators in the game, serving it across a number of different areas and The Football Association had no hesitation in putting his name forward for a Torch Trophy Trust Award.
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Top of page : 2009 : 2007
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.
Return to the Awards page
Top of page : 2009 : 2008
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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