In Memory of Tom Cook

Tom Cook - April 8, 1929 – September 21, 2013

For the first time since it was opened, Carrick Sports Club was the venue for a funeral recently. Appropriately, it was for Tom Cook who was the driving force behind the Club being created. Originally named the Carrick Speakers Social Club, it was opened by Jim Sillars MP in June 1975 and the town owes much to Tom for his foresight. His funeral service was led by Rev Brian Hendrie and Tom’s grandson Lindsay Smart was first to pay tribute to Tom with some fond memories, humorous anecdotes and verses from Robert Burns.

Born on April 8, 1929 at 1 Greenside Maybole, Tom married his wife Isobel in November, 1950 and they had two children, Angus and Ann. He worked in the mines at Dailly for most of his life and when the coal board closed he purchased and ran a mine as a private venture keeping him very busy over the next few years. A very determined man, Tom seldom gave himself credit for any achievements.

Lindsay remembers his grandfather as a bit of a musician. He said, “He liked to unwind in the evening playing tunes on his chanter and occasionally the bagpipes much to the annoyance of his neighbours. He was always singing and had a love of Scottish music and poetry, in particular Robert Burns. He played in the Maybole Pipe Band from the age of 14 until only recently when his years started to catch up with him. He was very proud of his country and yet was very understanding of others and their opinions."

The Maybole Pipe Band. 1946. Tom Cook is the third from the left.

He finished by reading Tom’s favourite Burns poem “Ae fond kiss”. Club secretary Bill McCubbin added his tribute, saying how much the Club and the town owe to Tom for his foresight in providing the facility for the people of Maybole over the past 38 years.

Describing Tom’s character he identified his determination and his ability to persuade others which led to the Club being created.

“These premises have served the town so well,” he added. “The Club has been the source of employment for many of our young people in their university years and others who were in need of a part time job. “It has been the base for his beloved pipe band, the golf club and recently the Carrick Rugby Club. However its most important function has been as a social centre for friends to meet and enjoy good company. “In his days as Convener, Tom revelled in organising St Andrew’s nights, Burns Suppers and, of course, Hogmanay with the full involvement of the Pipe Band.

“The Club has also played host to guests from overseas with Maybole’s European connections through the town twinning and ex patriot Maybolians returning home to visit old friends and to make new ones here. “Tom was a Maybole man through and through and it can truly be said of Tom that he has left his mark in our wee toon. “Our thoughts are with Angus, Ann, Lindsay and Alison.” In 2007, Tom was the first winner of the Matt Dunnachie Award (photo above) which is presented annually for services to the community. He will be sadly missed.