Peter Thorne named Life President of Wendron United FC

To mark the occasion a celebration evening was held with a reunion football match, line-up of players, presentation and a ‘This is Your Life’ to mark his many achievements.

The evening finished with music from Peter’s favourite band, The Jets, who travelled across the country to be part of the occasion.

Peter joins with friends and family in the clubhouse (Image: Emelia Langton) While Peter loved getting involved with all sports at the club, his passion was football.

In 1986 a football team was formed at Wendron and, together with others, Peter has played a key role in its achievements and successes from the start.

He also helped with the formation of youth football and ladies’ teams, willing to help out wherever required.

In December 2018 Peter was recognised for his work in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours, with a British Empire Medal.

Peter with some of the players who took part in the reunion match (Image: Emelia Langton) Club stewardess Emma Langton said: “Peter is never one to stand still, always looking ahead and nothing is impossible.

“Everyone at Wendron is in awe of his continued passion, determination and great vision for this club.

“Peter is a man that never asks for thanks - all he asks is that any Wendron player represents the club how it should be represented, respects the club and lends the occasional bit of help now and then.

“Peter has inspired so many people throughout his time at Wendron with nothing to gain but just wanting to make people feel good about themselves.”

Peter is presented with a 'This Is Your Life' (Image: Emelia Langton) On Friday, past and present players at Wendron gathered on the pitch for a reunion football match, before a presentation making Peter Honorary Life President.

A huge number of people joined the event, both on the pitch and watching from the sidelines, and once word got out about the reason behind it local businesses agreed to sponsor the match.

An additional surprise came inside the clubhouse, where a special video message was played from his daughter Corrina and grandson Evan, as well as many speeches given by various people that have known or worked closely with Peter over the years.

A line up of past and present players in the reunion match (Image: Emelia Langton) Emma joked: “Peter’s eyes and ears are everywhere at Wendron, but we managed to keep this surprise from him! He was overwhelmed with emotion, especially when he realised The Jets were back in Wendron once again.”

Indeed, Peter’s first association with Wendron was in fact not sport related but music. Peter and his wife Debbie loved rock and roll, and together with friends they set up the Cornish Rock & Roll Confederacy Club – travelling to seeing live bands like Shades, Matchbox, Crazy Cavern, Flying Saucers and his favourite, The Jets.

Peter needed a venue to bring the band to Cornwall and Wendron was the place - 40 years ago to the day they returned for his surprise celebration.

Peter with his favourite band The Jets (Image: Emelia Langton) People from the community have been sharing their own tributes to Peter, with club president Joss Bray saying: “Peter deserves all the awards that have come his way and I have been present for most of them, including the BEM. He fully deserves Honorary Life President of Wendron United FC.”

Enjoying the evening (Image: Emelia Langton) Claire Williamson, a player and daughter of the late chairman Kevin Williamson, said: “Wendron is a home to so many of us, and that is largely because of you. Thank you for being such an advocate of women playing cricket and football; your encouragement and enthusiasm has shaped me personally, as well as women’s sport generally in the local community.

“You are a special person and I’m grateful that you have been part of my life for so long.”

And Mike Curtis said: “Pete is a real legend and works tirelessly for the club and the local community. How he finds the time to do so much is beyond me.”