A tribute to Tom Jarvie
WHEN Tom Jarvie gently passed away earlier this month it ended an amazing life which began in the middle of World War One, saw him become a Clydesdale sporting hero of the 1930s and then inspire one of the most popular book and television series of the 20th century.
Indeed, if it hadn’t been for the many twists and turns of fate during Tom’s 94 years on earth, we might never have heard of All Creatures Great And Small nor of its author, James Herriot.
His own origins were about as humble as you could get, being born in the almost notorious Glasgow Rottenrow Hospital in 1916, his mining engineman father soon moving the family to the Douglas Valley coalfields.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut he went on to play for Hamilton Accies, become an in-house vet for Blue Peter and inspire James Herriot.
To find out more about Tom’s fascinating story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.