A LIFETIME of selfless voluntary support to Camp Hill Rugby Club has seen Graham Scutt from Shirley presented with a national award by HRH the Earl of Wessex.
Graham was one of 19 volunteers from across the country who were recognised for their commitment to community sport by the charity the Torch Trophy Trust at the British Olympic Association headquarters in London.
Graham’s commitment to the cause was described in a citation by the RFU, which read:
“Graham Scutt has been a member of Camp Hill Rugby Club for over 75 years and, for virtually all this time, has held a voluntary position of some description.
“From the age of eleven he has, except for a period of National Service spent mainly in Germany, been ever present at the club, providing whatever support necessary to assist in the successful running of the club, providing opportunities for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds from the local community to engage with and participate in sporting activities.
“For around 30 years he was a rugby referee, who was well respected both on and off the field of play. Currently the Match Fixtures Secretary, a role which requires seemingly endless telephone calls and negotiations, “Super Scutty” as he is known, is fantastic at ensuring all teams get a game.
“Even with Friday night call offs, he can be relied upon to pull a game ‘out of his back pocket’ to ensure players can have a game on a Saturday.
“Today, Graham still turns out in all winds and weathers on Saturdays, putting out flags, supplying oranges and tea for the players, welcoming visiting referees and providing the social link after the games have ended for those officials to socialise within the club.”
Paying tribute to Graham, Torch Trophy Trust Chairman, Paul Dimond said: “There is no doubt that Graham has done some outstanding and selfless work over a very long period and fully deserves this recognition.
“Every year, the Trust sets out to acknowledge outstanding volunteers who offer priceless support to their chosen sport and local community and Graham is clearly a terrific ambassador and an outstanding contributor.
“The Trust has been recognising outstanding sports-focused volunteers since 1962 and I’m delighted Graham is now recognised as part of a distinguished group that dates back more than half a century.”
About the Torch Trophy Trust:
In 1948 two Olympic torches were made for the last leg of the Olympic relay – one presented to the International Olympic Committee, the other presented to the Honorary Development Secretary to the amateur Athletic Association, Commander Bill Collins RN.
In turn, Commander Collins presented it to the Torch Trophy Trust.
Commander Collins believed the Olympic ideal, symbolised by the torch, could also be an inspiration for men and women working quietly in their own small corners of the world of sport.
The torch became the Trust’s symbol and represents the ideals which blend sport with culture and education within local communities across the United Kingdom.
The first Trust meeting was held in 1962 and a message of encouragement was received from The Duke of Edinburgh.
Since then, the work of the Trust has gone from strength to strength in recognising outstanding achievement and providing support to hard working volunteers in sport.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance has provided the day-to-day support for the Trust since 1999.
