It was way back in January, 1999, that I awoke one morning to the tragic news that one of Hethersett's youth footballers Lee Thompson had been killed following a night out in Norwich. Lee was walking home to Mulbarton when he was hit by a car and died from his injuries.
I believe our immediate thoughts at Hethersett Athletic Football Club was to call off all that week's games but, after careful consideration, we decided to go ahead as a tribute to Lee but with a minute's silence before every game.
Now over 22 years later, Lee's name lives on. Hethersett Athletic annually present the Lee Thompson Memorial Shield to the person or persons that have made an outstanding contribution to the club over the previous 12 months. I have been fortunate to win this award on two occasions.
Then there's a football match held on a semi regular basis that sees Lee's teammates and friends returning to play a memorial game. The result of the game doesn't really matter but that doesn't stop it from being fiercely competitive. Lockdown wiped the game out for the best part of two years but it returned yesterday at Mulbarton Wanderers' ground. Lee's brother Ben is joint manager of Mulbarton Wanderers.
Lee's father Ray who managed one of the teams summed it up when he described the day as "sad but full of fun." Brother Ben paid tribute to his brother saying that he thinks about him every day.
Included with this blog are a few of the photos taken on the day. It was good to see that Ian Harrison was able to make it and also manage one of the teams. Ian is a very special man who coached junior football in Hethersett for many years and who has been suffering from ill health for a while.
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This blog is tinged with a considerable amount of sadness as I have heard about the deaths of a number of important people recently - some of a national nature and some more personal.
Singer songwriter Nanci Griffith and German footballer Gerd Muller have both passed away.
Much nearer home we have lost Norfolk entertainer Philip "Peachy" Mead and our village has lost a stalwart with the death of Rosie Hubbard.
I came across Peachy quite regularly when I wrote a rock music/entertainments column for various Norfolk-based newspapers. He was an all round good egg who often appeared as an extra in films and, in particular, in the Anglia TV series Tales of the Unexpected.
Peachy was an extrovert and larger than life. I remember going round his house on one occasion and coming across the room of my dreams. It contained a pinball machine, an old fashioned one armed bandit and a jukebox. I vowed that one day I would have such a room but it just hasn't happened.
I remember Peachy with great fondness along with David Valentine who got me involved in judging music talent shows for a number of years. Valentine was his adopted surname after the British singer Dickie Valentine whom he idolised. I've no idea what happened to David - perhaps somebody can help.
Rosie Hubbard was one of those genuinely good people who immersed herself totally in village life and will be missed by so many local people and groups. Her cheery smile will be missed. I will always remember her riding round the village on her bike. chatting with everyone and generally rolling up her sleeves and getting on with things. I hope to produce a proper tribute for the next edition of Hethersett Herald but would love to hear from anyone who has memories of Rosie.