Jimmy Hocking, barrow boy and oldest Ball-boy in Cornwall

[cornishteddyboy]

All at Penzance are saddened to hear of the passing of their First team ball boy, Jimmy Hocking, a Life-Long supporter and friend to us all.

Jimmy passed on Friday evening aged 95. Many might not know him but if you spoke to him about the building of Penlee Park in 1951-2 his eyes would light up and he would talk for ages about how it was built with hundreds helping including himself, spending days moving earth and rubble with just a wheel barrow. He was probably the last link with the building of the ground and anyone alive.

His other claim to fame was to claim to being Cornwall's oldest ball boy. Up to a couple of years ago if a ball was kicked down the road, Jimmy would go chasing after it. At 93 he was still active. 

He will be well remembered locally and the club send their condolences to his family and many friends.

[Dave James]

Another sad loss at Penzance FC , I have many memories of chatting with Jimmy during my time refereeing matches or latterly flag waving for the club for a few seasons when my grandson played there .

I hope the club give him the send off he deserves .

[Tommy Matthews]

Sad loss for the club. My condolences to his family and friends.