IT was an emotional afternoon in Budock Water on Sunday as people turned out in force to the village’s football legend Tony Kellow as a memorial stone to him was unveiled adjacent to the Trelowarren Arms.

Exeter City football club were represented in the large gathering along with a strong representation of Tony’s family, to remember one of Cornwall’s most famous footballers, who died suddenly earlier this year aged 58.

Rex Sadler led the speeches and he set the tone by opening with “Tony was a true Cornishman who made thousands of Devonians happy”, to warm applause.

Rex a former South Western league footballer, who played many times against Tony as well as becoming a firm friend went on to thank Keith Rashleigh for his considerable input. Keith was a lifelong friend of Tony’s, who had played football against him in the old South Western League and spent thousands of hours practising with him when they were growing up on the village playing field. Thanks also went to: John Bastin, the chairman of the village council, and all the village councillors for their support; Terry and Marie, Coleman of The Granit Worktop Factory, who generoustly donated the stone; Steve ‘Ernie’ Duckham, of Mylor Building Company, who generously supplied labour as well as many locals who pitched in with willing hands to finish the memorial situated beside the old village pump.

Rex went on to give an inspired speech mixing stories of Tony’s career along with information on how the stone went from an idea to reality. And when Lucy Kellow-Jary (Tony’s eldest) unveiled the memorial, by removing both the Exeter City and Cornish flags, the applause could be heard all around the village.

Steve Darke and Dave Bennett representing Exeter City followed by both recalling the impact Tony made on their club saying he was still the club’s top goalscorer and the record purchase when he came back from his successful spell at Blackpool.

They had great memories of Tony Kellow leading them through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1980/81, before narrowly losing to the eventual winners Tottenham Hotspurs, at White Hart Lane, who included midfield greats such as Ardiles and Hoddle. In previous rounds Exeter had knocked out top flight clubs Newcastle United and Leicester City, against who Tony scored a hat-trick.

It was the same year Tony won the Football League’s Golden Boot for being the highest goalscorer in all four divisions. Steve and Dave both described Tony as a ‘true great’ for Exeter City. Rex Sadler said earlier Budock Water should be very proud of that.

Following the memorial service a celebration of Tony’s life took place in the Trelowarren Arms where a special portrait of Tony Kellow was presented by Exeter City and now hangs proudly on the wall.

The management and staff of the Trelowarren Arms then laid on a buffet for everyone who attended.

For pictures from the memorial unveiling pick up a copy of this week's Packet.