It's not everyday you bump into the 1954 FA cup final referee.
Whilst walking the coast path from Fitzroy to New Plymouth we stopped off to use the conveniences, whilst I (Ruth) double checked the map, I was approached by an elderly gentleman asking if I needed directions. He was a lovely old man and spoke with the 'Queens English'. When he heard me speak he was keen to know where I was from, when I told him Scarborough his face lit up. He was from Leeds but was in the RAF during WW2 in North Allerton, as was his wife, and they were granted 3 days leave to get married and go for their 2 day honeymoon to Scarborough. We felt quiet spoilt when telling him about our wedding and honeymoon but he thought it was brilliant!
He went on to tell us that after leaving the RAF he had become a football referee and had refereed in the top flight for 18 years, including the 1954 FA cup final. He came to New Zealand soon after that for his retirement after living through 2 world wars he was in need of a rest, and at 93 he looks well rested, his secret to his youth is strolling along the coastal path each morning for his morning coffee.
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