A LIFETIME of selfless voluntary support to Camp Hill Rugby Club has seen Graham Scutt honoured with a British Empire Medal.
The 87-year-old from Shirley has been given the accolade for services to rugby.
Since joining the club in 1946 Graham has had a number of roles including match secretary, chair, referee, player and he still heads down to the club on match days and cheers the team on.
Speaking to The Observer about his BEM Graham said: “I was amazed obviously when the letter came through the post.
“All of the work I have done has been voluntary and I have enjoyed doing it and I have made so many friends along the way.”
This isn’t the first time Graham’s volunteering has been acknowledged by Royalty.
In April he was one of 19 volunteers from across the country who were recognised for their commitment to community sport by the charity the Torch Trophy Trust at the British Olympic Association headquarters in London and was given his award by HRH the Earl of Wessex.
Graham joined the club when he finished school – he simply turned up to The Old Edwardians, as it was known, and asked if he could be part of the team.
The following week he was given a chance and continued to play until he got injured in 1962 when he turned his hand to refereeing for the next 20 to 30 years.
David Maiden Chair said: “The BEM couldn’t have gone to a nicer man.
“I have known Graham for over 60 years and he has always been a perfect gentleman and willing to do anything for anybody and of course an excellent volunteer at Camp Hill Rugby Club.”
