Derbyshire FA president celebrates his 100th birthday with party at the Proact

The president of Derbyshire Football Association has celebrated his 100th birthday at the Proact Stadium.
Tom Brocklehurst celebrates his 100th birthday with family and friends at Proact Stadium, Chesterfield.Tom Brocklehurst celebrates his 100th birthday with family and friends at Proact Stadium, Chesterfield.
Tom Brocklehurst celebrates his 100th birthday with family and friends at Proact Stadium, Chesterfield.

Tom Brocklehurst, of Holymoorside, marked the milestone surrounded by scores of family and friends at Chesterfield FC’s home last Thursday.

His daughter, Jean Coxhead, said: “It was a wonderful celebration – the room was full of love.

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“Dad didn’t know about the party so it was a nice surprise for him and he absolutely loved it.

“We’d like to thank everyone who attended.

“It made dad’s day.”

Mr Brocklehurst, who has devoted his life to local football, was appointed president of Derbyshire FA in 2000.

A spokesman for Derbyshire FA said: “We hope Tom had a very happy birthday.”

He has also been involved with Holymoorside FC and the Chesterfield and District Amateur League.

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In 2005, Mr Brocklehurst was presented with a Torch Trophy Trust Award by Princess Anne in recognition of his contribution to football – a personal highlight.

The Torch Trophy Trust, founded in 1962, aims to encourage and recognise voluntary work for sport at club level throughout the UK and stages an annual awards ceremony.

Mr Brocklehurst – who travelled to The Queen’s Club in London to receive the award – enjoyed meeting the Princess and described the occasion as “out of this world”.

The award citation said of him: “Tom continues to show energy and enthusiasm for the game envied by men half his age.”

Mrs Coxhead said: “That was a day dad will never forget.

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“He loved meeting Princess Anne and even invited her to Derbyshire for a cup of tea, much to everyone’s amusement.”

Mr Brocklehurst worked at Markham works between 1930 and 1965, only having one week off ill during all that time.

An active part of the Holymoorside community, he was made an honorary member of Hardwick Probus Club on his 100th birthday.

Mrs Coxhead said: “He’s lived here all his life and is much-loved by everyone in the village.”

When he is not watching football, Mr Brocklehurst enjoys walking and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.