Ernie Pyke, one of the senior statesmen of Worcestershire football, has been honoured at a ceremony in London. He was presented with a replica of the 1948 Olympic Games Torch by HRH Princess Alexandra. Ernie has made a lifetime contribution to football in honorary capacities
He played in the Kidderminster and District Football League from age 16 to 22 then became a referee, rising to Football League Linesman status in 1976. He served as an Officer of the Kidderminster Referees’ Association for 23 years and was Secretary and Chairman of Worcestershire/Hereford County Referees’ Association before becoming their President, a position he still holds. He became involved with the organisation of the Kidderminster and District F L in 1969 and is currently their Secretary and Chairman. In 1980 he became a Council Member of the Worcestershire Football Association and still serves the County as a life member.
HRH in congratulating Ernie said it was a remarkable record of service.
Ernie said that he still enjoyed being a referee and helping to run local football.
Sir Bobby Charlton (President of the Trust) in congratulating Ernie said sport owed so much to honorary volunteers like him.
Ernie was nominated to the Torch Trophy Trust by The Football Association.
Among the other well known trustees attending the ceremony were the chairman Roger Uttley (former England and British Lions international rugby star), Christine Janes (formerly Truman) from tennis, Alan Pascoe (from Athletics), Derek Ufton (former Charlton footballer and Kent cricketer)
The Torch Trophy Trust was founded in 1962 by the late Commander Bill Collins RN Retd., the organiser of the 1948 Olympic Torch Relay from Olympia in Greece to Wembley in London. The Torch Trophy Trust is a charitable organisation, whose main aim is to encourage voluntary work in sport and other related outdoor activities within local communities.
In 1948 two Olympic Torches were made for the final runner, designed by Ralph Lavers, made by E.M.I Ltd and donated to the Organising Committee of the XIV Olympic Games. After the 1948 Olympic Games one Torch was presented to the International Olympic Committee for display in their Museum in Lausanne and the second Torch was presented to Commander Collins, who in turn presented it to the Trust. It is this Olympic Torch that is the Trust’s symbol.
Commander Collins believed that the Olympic ideal symbolised by the Torch could also be the inspiration for men and women working quietly in their own small corners of the world of sport. Among them was Sir Arthur Porritt, who became the Trust’s first Chairman, Sir Stanley Rous and The Revd. David Sheppard.
Leading sporting bodies are supportive of the Trust that helps to focus attention on voluntary officials and workers.