Friend of the blog, Mark Cameron is a member of the John Thomson memorial committee. He tells us about what the next few weeks is all about.
I’m sure I will see a few of you in Cardenden next Sunday.
John Thomson 80th anniversary
The atmosphere promises to be buzzing within Moorside Park, home of Dundonald Bluebell in Cardenden on Sunday September 4th, when it hosts the 28th annual John Thomson memorial primary schools football tournament which is organized in memory of the former Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper.
For members of the John Thomson Memorial Committee (JTMC) the tournament will be the highlight of a weekend of events celebrating John’s life.
However the accidental collision between John Thomson and Sam English in a league match against Rangers in September 1931 still haunts the former mining village and the whole of Scottish football, even 80 years since the incident.
Primary school children from Cardenden and surrounding villages will compete for the much coveted John Thomson tournament. With over 3000 school boys and girls having already taken part, the tournament is a major event in the Central Fife area.
The tournament is followed by a prize giving ceremony in Bowhill War Memorial Club.
To coincide with the 80th anniversary the memorial committee and Celtic Graves Society are arranging a Pilgrimage walk from Celtic Park to John’s graveside in Bowhill.
Starting on the morning of Friday 2nd September the 60+ walkers aim to reach Fife in time to attend the football tournament. The Pilgrimage walkers have a charitable aim while completing the 55 mile route. They aim to raise funds for JTMC’s ambitious plans to build a multipurpose sports and recreational centre which they hope to build on behalf of the community as a permanent tribute to the Prince of Goalkeepers.
The culmination of the Pilgrimage walk and the day’s events will take place where a wreath laying ceremony will be held at Bowhill Cemetery.
On Saturday 3rd September a John Thomson memorial dinner will be held in nearby Lochgelly. It is expected that Celtic FC will be represented along with several former players. Again all proceeds will be donated to the sports centre project.
JTMC welcome donations in the following formats:
Online – Just Giving
http://www.justgiving.com/johnthomsonmemorialcommittee
Text donations
Text a donation by texting ‘JOHN31 £amount’ to 70070 (example: JOHN31 £10)
For more information on the work of JTMC visit their website www.johnthomson.org.uk
John Thomson 80th Anniversary Commemorative events
Pilgrimage Walk
Friday 2nd September – Sunday 4th September
Celtic Park – Cardenden
A group of Thomson admirers will re-create the walk many fans took 80 years ago to attend John’s funeral.
For more details www.celticgraves.com or www.johnthomson.org.uk
Commemorative dinner
Saturday 3rd September
Lochgelly Town Hall
Arthur McKenna Lochgelly CSC will host a dinner dance to celebrate the life of John Thomson.
For more detail email arthurmckennalochgellycsc@live.co.uk
28th Annual John Thomson Primary School football tournament
Sunday 4th September 11.00 am. – 2.30 pm at Moorside Park, Dundonald
followed by prize giving ceremony from 3.00 pm in Bowhill War Memorial Club.
Primary school children from Kinglassie, Bowhill and Cardenden area compete for the John Thomson trophy.
Wreath laying ceremony
Sunday 4th September 4.15 pm (approx)
Bowhill Cemetery
Wreaths laid at John’s graveside.
