TAVISTOCK THISTLES F.C.

History

Tavistock Thistles Football Club

The Thistles began back in the 1983/84 season with Plymouth man John Bardens signing up a local boy Mark Lovell, to play for the Plymouth Beaumont FC. 

He asked Mark if he knew any more players in the Tavistock area and such was the response that in no time at all he had six more players.

Eventually the Tavistock and district players with Beaumont were helped by John to form their own team and Tamar Valley Thistles came into being.

Frank Dyer was appointed chairman, Mrs Hazel Lovell, assisted by Mrs Jean Dyer, became treasurer and Mr Walter Meek was secretary.

With financial assistance from Tavistock Town Council, West Devon Council and Tavistock Rotary Club, the little club flourished.

They began with two teams, under 12’s and under13’s. The Thistles had their own field at Chip Shop lent by David and Wendy Soper and in time a changing hut provided and erected by a number of parents led by Frank Dyer.

The above article appeared in the Gazette back in 1986

We are slowly building the history of Tavistock Thistles FC as it is known today. We would welcome any more facts or anecdotal information that can help us continue to build the picture of our past.

Our special thanks go to all those above and those not named who gave up their time to establish a club that is still going strong today.