Evening Telegraph, 1973

Congratulations!

Eric, 80, walks two miles to see Barry Prime

Eighty-year-old Eric Tomkins, Rushden’s first international sportsman, walked two miles to find and congratulate swimmer Barry Prime on his selection for the Olympic Games.

“We have something in common. I have been following Barry’s career in the “ET” and I wanted to congratulate him” said Mr. Tomkins.

A football league veteran Mr. Tompkins was capped for England’s soccer and cricket sides.

He played for Cobblers and Southampton before becoming manager/coach of Notts County just before the war.

Since then Mr. Tomkins has done a lot of coaching for local schools.

“I wanted to congratulate Barry Prime. He is the first Rushden sportsman to go to the Olympic Games and only the third international. I am proud of his effort. I wish him all the luck.

Barry has received many congratulations from his friends and relatives.