Tag Archive for: Tributes

Tributes Groundsman George Hay

/in , , /by

Tributes Groundsman George Hay: Tributes have been paid to a fixture of Clydebank’s sporting community who will be laid to rest at the ground that became a family home.

George Hay died on December 30 at the age of 69, just one year older than Drumchapel Amateurs. He lived his entire life across the street from the Glenhead Park grounds in Duntocher where he and his dad before him were groundsmen.

He is held in such high regard, a strip signed by the team and his family will be put in the coffin with him and his ashes will be taken on a tour of the grounds. “Gentle giant” George will be buried next to the Drumchapel Amateurs’ founder, Douglas Smith, behind one of the goals.

For the team’s next home game, they will be led out by the son of one of George’s nephews who plays for one of their youth clubs.

A minute silence was marked at the weekend when the team played St Patrick’s FP in Dumbarton.

Drumchapel Amateurs chairman Charlie Devlin told the Post: “His family asked for one of our strips for the kids and club to sign – anything they have asked us to do, we are happy to do.

“He has always been there. George was a big bit of the Drumchapel Amateurs family.”

George had struggled with diabetes for a number of years and one leg had to be amputated and there was a danger to the other. He later suffered a heart attack and had been in declining health.

A JustGiving page set up to support the family has raised more than £500 in George’s memory.

Speaking ahead of the funeral on Friday, his family acknowledged his health challenges, and in the eulogy will share the larger-than-life personality of the Duntocher fixture.

Born on November 20, 1949, George grew up with siblings James, Margaret and the late Charles.

He maintained a lasting interest in history, particularly the Second World War – assuming he turned up for school to learn it.

His family recount: “George’s teachers might not have been aware of his occasional unauthorised absences thanks to his lifelong pal Jimmy Murray.

George went to work at the local creamery, then as a machine operator in Singers and Adaapt and ultimately the groundsman and kit master for the Drumchapel Amateurs when his dad passed away in 1984.

His family said: “George was a real home bird, he wasn’t one for going out much. Even in his teens he preferred going to the football than the dancing.

“George was a well known face at the club where he was liked and respected by everyone he came into contact with be that the chairman, the players, the supporters, even the opposing teams. In fact many have been in contact with the club to pass on their condolences in the last week.

“It wasn’t just the grounds and the kit George looked after, he’d do odd jobs around the club too.

“When Dougie, the founder of the club, asked him to make a new trophy room, George asked Kenny to help him. Dougie gave George the plans of how he wanted it to look, we’ll just say that’s not how it turned out, George made a few alterations along the way.”

George was close to all his nieces and nephews and took each to London to see the sights as they turned 13.

He was more housebound after the loss of his leg, watching the History channel, documentaries or comedy, and, of course, football.

“But the most important ‘F’ to George was his family, his brothers, sister, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. He’d have done anything for them and given them the world if he could.

“They in turn just adore him and always will. How long will George Hay be loved? As long as the stars are above you.

“We thank George for being one in a million and for sharing his life with us all.”

The funeral for George Hay will be held on January 11 at 9.30am at Dalnottar Crematorium. The procession will leave Glenhead Social Club at 9.10am and all are welcome to the club after the service.

Click here to read the original article

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Tributes Paid To Popular Groundsman

/in , , /by

Tributes Paid To Popular Groundsman: Tributes have been paid to a popular football groundsman who has lost his battle with cancer, aged 87.

Adam Grant, of Tillymaud, near Udny, gave his tender loving care to the North Lodge Park pitch at Formartine United for more than three decades – despite losing a hand in a tragic farm accident, aged 31.

For his many years of dedication to the community, Adam was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s honours list in June 1996.

He travelled with loved ones to a Buckingham Palace garden party in 1997 – one of his proudest moments, said his son, Colin.

According to Colin, another of his dad’s best memories was enjoying a day out at the home of Manchester United for his 80th birthday.

“He wanted to go on the pitch to see if it measured up to North Lodge Park – like he had done with all the Highland League grounds – but he wasn’t allowed as it was a match day.

“We still had a great day though,” said Colin.

Mr Grant worked for many years as a farm grieve and suffered a horrific injury to his right hand in 1962 when it became trapped in a combine harvester.

After receiving medical care, he slowly recovered with the help of a false arm fitted with gadgets to help him work.

Colin said: “It was a horrible thing to happen, but my dad was extremely brave. The doctor gave him a scolding and said ‘you have to live your life’ and he went back to work.”

His dedication was such that, aged 66, Adam was given an MBE in recognition of his services to agriculture in Aberdeenshire.

“He found out through the post and couldn’t quite believe it,” said Colin.

“Going down to the palace was such a proud day.”

Upon his retirement in 1996, Adam turned his attention to tending land of a different kind, as a football groundsman. Colin said that, in an era of less high-tech equipment than now, his father would “beg, borrow or steal” machinery from farming contacts so he could keep North Lodge Park at its best.

He added: “The pitch was his pride and joy. He used to get irritated when players would do certain pre-match training drills and ruin the surface with their studs. He kept the pitch looking pristine.”

As a huge Aberdeen FC fan, Adam travelled with Colin to Gothenburg in 1983 to watch them beat Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final.

Adam passed on the groundsman role in 2014 and was sadly diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He died at Roxburghe House on October 30.

“It’s incredibly sad to have lost him, but I’m glad he is no longer in pain,” said Colin.

Adam, husband of the late Sheila, leaves son Colin, daughter Maureen, grandchildren Gordon, Craig and Russell and great-grandchildren Teigan, Raegan and Amerah.

Click here to read the original article

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Tributes Paid To Simon Tullett

/in , , /by

Tributes Paid To Simon Tullett: It’s sad to report that Simon Tullett, founder of STM Co Ltd of Warwickshire – a supplier of SCAG equipment, and a well-known member of the industry, died in hospital recently.

He had health problems for a couple of years and was awaiting heart surgery, but sadly succumbed to kidney failure.

Simon’s family have thanked the hospital where Simon was patient after it helped with arrangements for a wedding blessing to take place at his bedside for the marriage of his daughter Olivia so that he could give her away. It is a testament to the man that, despite his weak condition, he still managed to come out with “and I’m not having her back, either”.

Simon had always been involved in the outdoor machinery industry and spent a number years in Sales with Tony Turner at Turner International, then worked for Agria before taking the decision to set up on his own.

A successful trial venture with SCAG machinery led to a thirty year association, still thriving today under the ownership of the Dominic Mason, who originally came to the company as a young lad working on Saturday mornings, subsequently to be trained by Simon in Sales.

He made a mark in the industry and is greatly respected for the company he developed and his involvement in the groundcare industry.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Tributes Paid To Greenkeeper

/in , /by

Tributes Paid To Greenkeeper: Tributes have been flooding in to a multi-talented sportsman who has been described as “marvellous with people”.

Former Norwich City player and Thetford Golf Club member and greenkeeper Richard ‘Dick’ Scott died on February 11 aged 76.

Born on October 26 1941 in Thetford, on his 17th birthday he became part of Norwich City’s ground staff and played for the youth team and reserves. The right half made 36 appearances and scored three goal for the first team during his spell with the Canaries between 1961 and 1963, and was part of the 1962 League Cup winning team.

A spokesman for Norwich City Football Club said: “We are always saddened to hear of the passing of any former Canary. Dick was a local player that worked his way to the first team through the ranks.

“Our thoughts are with Dick’s friends and family during this difficult time.”

He moved to Cardiff City where he was honoured to play in the same team as Welshman John Charles and also had spells at Scunthorpe United, Lincoln City, King’s Lynn Town, and Thetford Town and Rovers.

Outside of football he was married to Judy for 56 years and had two children, Timothy and Veronica, and three grandchildren, Alex, Maxime and Robert.

“He was a great joker and was always making people laugh,” said Mrs Scott. “He was marvellous with people. He was a character.

“Everyone has got their own little funny stories about him. He was very strong minded.”

Mr Scott was a member of Thetford Golf Club from 1978 until 2005. He was head greenkeeper and was involved in planning and construction at other clubs in Norfolk.

The club’s manager Malcolm Grubb said: “Dick was a multi-talented sportsman and a very capable golfer.

“He represented Thetford in many inter-club county events with considerable success. He was also a very competent head greenkeeper, helping to build Thetford’s reputation as having one of the best-maintained golf courses in the area.

“He will be fondly remembered at Thetford Golf Club and will be sadly missed.”

A tribute from Mick Askew said: “I had the pleasure of his company for around two years as he built and designed Richmond Park Golf Club [near Watton]. A true gentleman and a very talented man in all aspects of sport.

“So sad to hear of his passing I have lots of memories of our time together. My condolences to his family.”

He and his wife spent 15 years of their retirement in Cyprus and returned to live in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, last year.

Mrs Scott added: “Richard always thought he was fortunate because he earned a living from sports that he loved. And on retirement he spent 15 years in the sun in Cyprus.”

A celebration of his life will take place at Bury St Edmunds Crematorium on February 27 at 10.30am. All are welcome to attend.

A get together will take place after at Thetford Golf Club.

Click here to read the original article

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Tributes Paid To Greenkeeper

/in , /by

Tributes Paid To Greenkeeper: Tributes have been paid to a father and golf club greenkeeper who was tragically killed in a tree felling incident.

Martin Davenport, 35, of Pasture Close, Kelsall, died instantly under a falling tree at an address in Brown Heath Road, Christleton, on Sunday, January 7.

A former Tattenhall resident, Martin worked as a greenkeeper at Eaton Golf Club in Waverton. He is survived by his eight-year-old daughter Isabelle, ‘Izz Bizz’, to whom he was devoted. He had remained friends with her mum Laura.

His long term girlfriend Megan Grindley is devastated, as are his parents Kathy and Shane and sister Sian.

Megan, who has created a sideshow of memorable images of their time together, wrote on Facebook: “Until we meet again, baby. Thank you for walking into my life and sharing all of these unforgettable memories with me. I will cherish every moment I spent with you for the rest of my life. Sleep tight, Martin.”

Craig Longton commented: “I lived in Tattenhall for over 10 years and worked with Marty on the fencing with Mave. I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss. He was such a nice, genuine lad and looking at your video, you made him very happy, so sorry again.”

Martin had worked as a greenkeeper at golf clubs in the area including Carden Park and Vale Royal Abbey but kept returning for stints at Eaton Golf Club in Waverton where he was affectionately known as their ‘prodigal son’.

In a message to members, secretary/manager Kerry Brown wrote: “He started with us in 2001 aged 18, having begun his greenkeeping career at Vale Royal Abbey GC. He has left Eaton more than once since then to try other careers, always involving work outdoors, but he kept coming back – to a genuine welcome.

“He has worked in agricultural groundwork and fencing, he ran his own gardening business for a time, and of course as a greenkeeper.

“Each role taught Martin new skills which he, as a hard-working and committed staff member, was able to use to great effect, whether that be operating a large digger; working up to his welly tops in liquid concrete; or carrying out all aspects of a greenkeeper’s role.

“Martin was a considerable and popular asset to the course team. He was also well-known to club members for his abilities as a freelance gardener. He frequently sported a knowing grin which always left one wondering what it was that he knew that we didn’t. Whatever it was, he had a rare talent to ensure that everyone was happy with the outcome.”

Kerry said it was ‘very hard to take in’ that Martin’s untimely death was caused by a falling tree while working as a private contractor. She told The Chronicle he ‘will be missed by us all’ and said the ‘thoughts and condolences’ of the club went out to his grieving family.

His funeral will take place on Friday, January 26, at Brown Knowl Church at 10.30am (Chester Crematorium at 12pm for family only). A gathering will then take place at Eaton Golf Club. Family flowers only. Donations are welcome for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Following the tragic loss of Martin, the club Captain and Lady Captain has invited members to join them in a collection for the benefit of Martin’s daughter ‘Izz Bizz’. The collection box will be located in the bar and close on Friday, February 2.

A Cheshire police spokeswoman said: “The death is not being treated as suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed of the incident.”

An inquest into the death was opened on Thursday, January 11.

Click here to read the original article

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters