Archived News from April 2007
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OLDEST SURVIVING PLAYER HITS 100
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Ex-Stags' star hits 100
CHAD website, 18 April 2007 STAGS oldest surviving player Mr Thomas (Tom) Stimpson, pictured, of Mansfield Road, Skegby, has crowned a lifetime of achievements by celebrating his 100th birthday on Easter Monday. Friends called at his home during the day to help him celebrate. Among the many cards he received was a congratulatory one from the Queen. His friend, Eleanor Greaves, has compiled a book of photographs and press cuttings about his life. The occasion was further celebrated by a special service at St Andrew's Church conducted by the Vicar, the Rev Dr Richard Kellett. Born at Fackley Road, Stanton Hill, Mr Stimpson later moved with his family to Healdswood. He was educated at Stanton Hill Day, Healdswood Boys' and Hucknall National schools before going for teacher training at St John's College, York. He began his teaching career at Healdswood Boys' School, later moving to Hillocks Primary School, Sutton. He was then appointed headteacher at Eastbourne Secondary Modern School, Sutton, from where he retired aged 62. In 1940 he was called up and served in the Army with the Royal Signals, in Europe and for two years, in the Falklands. He was demobbed in 1946. In his younger days Mr Stimpson was a member of Sutton Harriers and played for Skegby Cricket Club. As a semi-professional footballer he had a trial for Wolverhampton Wanderers, then played for a season for Scunthorpe United. He then had two seasons playing for Mansfield Town before a knee injury put paid to his football career. He married Ada Bacon in July 1933 and they moved to his present home, which he now shares with their only son, who is also called Tom. He and Ada celebrated their diamond wedding in 1993. She died in March 1995. A committed Christian, Mr Stimpson did a reader's course which he passed in 1938 and he began taking services at All Saints' Church, Stanton Hill. He was also secretary for St Andrew's Church, Skegby. After the Second World War he was a reader at St Andrew's Church and other local churches, speaking at a service as recently as 2003. After his retirement Mr Stimpson became involved in local government and was chairman of Sutton Urban District Council twice. After the national reorganisation of local government in 1974, he was Ashfield District Council's first chairman. For a time he was secretary of the Ashfield Parliamentary constituency, serving with MPs William Warbey and Frank Haynes. Mr Stimpson was appointed a JP, sitting at Mansfield Magistrates' Court in August 1964 until retiring aged 70. As a member of the Skegby branch of the Royal British Legion, he was its treasurer for a time. Interviewed for the local parish magazine Mr Stimpson was quoted as saying that other than football, the most important thing in his life was people. |
Latest | April 2007