Hampton FC pays tribute to former player (From Your Local Guardian)

Hampton FC pays tribute to former player Bob Tomlin following his death aged 93

12:13pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Richmond By Christine Fleming

A former Hampton footballer has been fondly remembered by the club where he made his name more than 70 years ago, following his death aged 93.

Bob Tomlin, who was living in Tunbridge Wells when he died on Thursday, January 19, played for Hampton FC in the early 1940s and 1950s, when the club was based at Hatherop Recreation Ground.

Hampton FC expressed their deepest condolences to Mr Tomlin’s extended family.

Hampton FC historian Les Rance said he had fond memories of Mr Tomlin.

He said: “Bob was regular at the club [even when he retired] and you would find him standing by the programme hut on match days. He would talk to anybody about the history of the club.

“From the time he started playing to helping run the club to retiring and finding a niche to make money for the club he helped to keep the club going.

“The club became a focal point for Bob, as it has done for a lot of people, and he was always available for a chat and had tons of stories if you had the time to listen.”

Mr Tomlin, who played for Hampton up until 1955, left a lasting legacy at the club.

After he retired he was appointed the club’s honorary secretary and had the responsibility of taking over negotiations with Twickenham council’s town clerk to arrange the lease, which saw the club’s training ground move to the Beveree.

Apart from helping instigate the club’s move to a new home the enthusiastic sportsman, who was honorary secretary for 23 years, also helped design the Hampton FC badge that is still used today.

A life member of Hampton FC, Mr Tomlin was also a keen fundraiser and helped the club raise money through a Waste Paper Collection Service that he set up on behalf of his beloved Hampton FC.

Mr Tomlin, who suffered from dementia in his later years, attended games at the Beveree until November last year, when he decided to move to Tunbridge Wells to be nearer his family.

Mr Tomlin was due to have his funeral service at Kent and Sussex Crematorium in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday, February 2.