Birthday surprise for park groundsman

A Nuthall park groundsman got more than he bargained for when he turned up for work and found a birthday surprise waiting for him.

Tom Lockyer, who lives in Bestwood Village, was ‘overcome and gobsmacked’ when he discovered a crowd of well-wishers to help mark his 65th birthdday.

Tom has worked for Nuthall Parish Council at Basil Russell Recreation Ground for the past 12 years, including the past three as head groundsman.

It was council clerk Sue Stack, in collaboration with others including Tom’s wife of 31-years, Andrea,who had planned a get-together at the Maple Drive park.

An eye-catching banner with the words “Tom’s 65th ‘not retiring yet’ birthday, greeted him and the presence of work colleagues past and present,councillors, police officers and representatives of local groups and sporting organisations which have benefitted from his expertise, were present to share in his special occasion.

Police representatives, Paul Maltby and Neil Reddish, Jim Dymond from Kimberley Cricket Club and Nuthall Parish Council chairman Derek Burnett all greeted Tom, together with his young work colleague, Leon Hall, and his former ‘boss’ Bill Greathead, who he said ‘taught me everything’, helped to make the birthday surprise all the more memorable.

“I never expected such a wonderful celebration and I am grateful to everyone who has turned out to make the milestone event a memorable one,” said Tom.

“I have no intention of retiring and I really enjoy playing my part in keeping this lovely community recreation ground in good order.”

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