Memories of Fife Flyers’ timekeeper Dennis

Dennis Nevey was timekeeper for Fife Flyers during that period, and his daughter Jane Ferguson said the love of ice hockey was a family affair.

“My dad certainly was a character along with my mum, who was secretary of Fife Flyers Supporters Club in the 70s and 80s.

“My brother I used to change numbers on the very antiquated scoreboard system, which sat under the clock, and Dave Manzie, our next door neighbour, was the penalty timekeeper then.

As well as volunteering at the rink, Dennis also worked for many years at Nairn’s linoleum factory and later on was a roadsweeper in the Hayfield area of Kirkcaldy.

Jane said: “Dad met the sport commentator, Alan Weeks, and also ran the BBC clock when matches were televised at Kirkcaldy Ice Rink.

“He was good friends with Kenny Horne’s mum and dad when they were managers of the rink – Jack Dryburgh knew him well.

“Dad would always have a new repertoire of jokes for them to listen to each week without fail!

“I still have his stopwatch that he’d have to use as the back up for the clock if it stopped working.

“I remember the time the ice rink was evacuated due to a bomb scare - turned out the clocks ticking had got louder and someone thought it was a bomb!

“Dad didn’t get paid for it, he got free entry and he loved it. I don’t think he ever missed a game and he took his responsibility seriously, even doing old timers’ games, Kestrels matches, international tournaments and friendlies.”

Dennis was laid to rest at Kirkcaldy Crematorium.