Recognition for 'tireless' David (From Gazette Series)

Recognition for 'tireless' David

THORNBURY referee, umpire and dedicated sportsman David Parry-Jones has won recognition for his tireless voluntary work in the community.

The retired teacher was among scores of sportsmen and women from across South Gloucestershire who were rewarded for their achievements and dedication at a recent awards ceremony hosted at Filton by sponsors Airbus UK

Mr Parry-Jones, who was one of ten winners of the Sports Volunteer Award, was nominated by Thornbury mayor Jeanette Ward and her husband Mike who paid tribute to his 36 year record of giving his time freely to help people of all ages enjoy sport.

A former Welsh Rugby Union referee, he still referees youth rugby regularly for Thornbury Rugby Club. A long-time supporter and club secretary of Almondsbury Cricket Club, he still coaches, manages, umpires and organises youth cricket teams and is a Bristol and District cricket umpire.

Also a qualified hockey umpire, Mr Parry-Jones gives much of the 'spare' time left to him to umpiring not just locally for Thornbury teams, but also in the old East Gloucestershire and the University leagues in the Bristol area.

After retiring this year after 38 years of teaching at Patchway High School he is now playing a central role with Thornbury Rugby Club, raising money to improve facilities and opportunities for both male and female players

"He never asks for recognition but he has been, and still is, a dedicated sports volunteer, giving so much of his own time for the benefit of others of all ages," said Mr Ward.

Around 120 people joined-in last week's celebrations, organised by South Gloucestershire Sports Forum.

Cllr Shirley Potts, South Gloucestershire Council executive member for community services, said: "These awards are a great way of recognising the achievements of people who dedicate so much of their time and energy to sport. It's particularly important we recognise the efforts of the coaches and volunteers who help our young people develop with little or no reward."

The awards evening featured 11 categories with trophies and certificates presented by council chairman Sue Walker and BBC Bristol sports presenter Geoff Twentyman, a former Bristol Rovers player.

The winners were: School Sport Award School - Cadbury Heath Primary School; Sports Link Award - Memorial Tennis Club (Mike Thorne); Sports Coach Award - Mark Singer; Commitment to Sport Award - Courtney John-Lewis; Young Sports Man of the Year - Jacob Bates; Young Sports Woman of the Year - Jade Ellans; Disability Sports Person - Kristopher O'Conner; Sports Person of the Year (two winners) - Andrew Davies and Laurence Godfrey; Disability Sports Volunteer ( two winners) - William Rodman and Ken Lloyd; Young Sports Volunteer Award - Joseph Lee; Sports Volunteer Award (ten winners) - Dave Tanner, Geoff Smith, Colin Harris, Jackie Matthews, David Parry-Jones, Gillie and Hedley Hance, Martin Davies, Julie Smith, Vic Cater.