Border Telegraph | Sport | Humbled Tom lifts highest honour

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 1st November, 2005 10:41

Humbled Tom lifts highest honour

By Border Telegraph Sport

WHEN Tom Purves arrived at Netherdale on Friday night, he had no inkling that he was to receive one of the highest honours in Borders sport.

The former chairman of Ettrick and Lauderdale Sports Council held his breath in shock and almost shed a tear as Drew Tulley announced him as the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils/sportscotland winner for his contribution to sport in the District.

Mr Tulley said that Mr Purves was one of the key people to keep rugby going in the town during the War Years.

He captained Gala YM and was also president from 1953 to 1979 before becoming a life member in 1980. He was head hunted to be vice-president of Gala and went on to become president from 1981-83 and then was honoured as a life member.

But he never played for the side despite being selected three times in the side. The first game was cancelled; the second he was injured; and on the third occasion, he was called up to war the same week.

Mr Purves served on the South District Union, the Gala Junior Rugby Council, and did sterling work with the Gala Sports Lottery.

His other sporting love is bowling, and as a member of the Gala Bowling Club, where he was president and also on the committee.

Mr Purves has also given 27 years of service to the Sports Council, as a member, vice-chairman and then chairman from 2001 to 2004. He helped to set up the sports awards and sat on a number of groups promoting sport - and fought a hard battle for better financial support and commitment by the Council.

Mr Purves, who was also presented with a Border Reiver from the local Sports Council, admitted: `I am speechless. I feel very humble and honoured. Thank you.`

Social Bookmarking What are these?