Former Wycombe Wanderers player and long-time High Wycombe resident
Currently the oldest living person to have scored a goal on live television
Biography
The life and career of a notable Wycombe sportsman
Richard H. Tunmer – known as "Dick" – was born on 18th April 1929 and educated at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. Throughout his life, he has been associated with the town of High Wycombe, both as a sportsman and professional.
As a footballer, he played as a right half for Wycombe Wanderers in the early 1950s, representing the club in the Athenian and Isthmian Leagues. After his playing career, he established himself as a chartered surveyor in High Wycombe.
By 2025, at the age of 96, Dick Tunmer is among the oldest surviving former Wycombe Wanderers players, providing a living connection to the post-war era of amateur football in the town.
Personal Information
Full Name
Richard H. Tunmer
Date of Birth
18th April 1929
Age
96 years (as of April 2025)
Position
Right half (midfield in 2-3-5 formation)
Education
Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe (1941-47)
Teams
Wycombe Wanderers (early 1950s)
Dulwich Hamlet (mid 1950s)
Profession
Chartered Surveyor (RICS)
Notable Achievement
Oldest living person to score a live televised goal
Early Life and Education
Dick Tunmer attended the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe from 1941 to 1947, where he demonstrated exceptional sporting ability. School records indicate that he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling particularly in rugby and cricket.
During his time at RGS, Tunmer captained the 1st XI cricket side in 1947, showcasing his leadership abilities. He also later recalled fond memories of playing rugby and cricket with future England international Ted Woodward, demonstrating the calibre of sportsmen he associated with during his formative years.
His all-round sporting prowess at school laid strong foundations for his later involvement in amateur football, highlighting a natural athletic ability that would serve him well on the football pitch.
Football Career
A journey through the amateur football leagues of post-war England
Wycombe Wanderers (early 1950s)
Dick Tunmer played for Wycombe Wanderers in the early 1950s, appearing in match programs as a right half in the first team. A contemporary match program from 7th February 1953 confirms his position in the team, showing he was an established player for the "Chairboys" at this time.
During this period, Wycombe Wanderers were a strong amateur side competing in the Athenian and Southern Leagues. Tunmer would have participated in home and away league fixtures as well as local cup matches at Loakes Park, the club's home ground.
While detailed statistics from that era are sparse, his association with the club has been well-documented, with Wycombe Wanderers noting him as one of their oldest surviving former players. After the death of Johnny Brooks in 2024, Tunmer – then age 95 – was referenced as "the Wanderers' oldest living playing survivor".
It later came to light that Richard McQueen was alive surpassing Tunmer by 5-years and celebrated his 100th birthday in the week commencing 27th January 2025.
Wycombe Wanderers colours
A Typical Match Day
As a right half in the traditional 2-3-5 formation of the era, Tunmer would have played in the middle of the pitch, helping to link defence and attack. His role would have involved both defensive responsibilities and supporting attacking moves.
The club's local status meant most matches were played in front of modest crowds at grounds across Southern England. While there is no record of television appearances during his career, Tunmer would have been part of the strong amateur football tradition that flourished in post-war Britain.
Notable Matches
8th January 1955
Dulwich Hamlet vs. Hendon FC
Dick Tunmer holds the distinction of being the oldest living person to have scored a goal on live television. During a match against Hendon FC, Tunmer scored what would become a historic goal, broadcast live by the BBC as part of their experimental football coverage.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy as television coverage of football matches was still in its infancy at this time, making Tunmer one of the early pioneers to score in front of television cameras.
The commentator that day was Kenneth Wolstenholme, who gained greater fame in the sixties through Match of the Day and the 1966 Wold Cup Final, which England won. He made famous the quote, "They think it's all over. It is now!"
The goal came from a well-timed run into the penalty area, with Tunmer finishing confidently past the Hendon goalkeeper to the delight of the Dulwich Hamlet supporters at Champion Hill.
Unfortunately Hamlet lost 2-4 after extra time, which must have messed up the Saturday afternoon television schedule somewhat.
This match was attended by 4,356 spectators.
12th March 1954
Wycombe Wanderers vs. Kingstonian
In what is remembered as one of his finest performances, Tunmer scored twice and provided an assist in a crucial 3-1 victory against Kingstonian, helping secure Wycombe's position in the Isthmian League standings.
Local newspaper reports from the time praised his "tireless running and intelligent distribution" throughout the match.
26th December 1953
Wycombe Wanderers vs. Marlow
Tunmer played a pivotal role in the traditional Boxing Day derby against local rivals Marlow FC. Despite difficult winter conditions, he delivered an outstanding performance in midfield, helping Wycombe secure a memorable 2-0 victory.
The match program from the return fixture later that season specifically mentioned Tunmer's "commanding presence in the festive derby".
1st November 1952
Wimbledon vs. Wycombe Wanderers
This match was played at Plough Lane with an attendance of 5,539 people. The match result was a 6-1 to Wimbledon.
4th October 1952
Wycombe Wanderers vs. Wimbledon
This match was played at Loakes Park with an attendance of 7,000 people, which is one of the highest crowds recorded at Loakes Park. The match result was a 1-1 draw.
Surveying Career
A successful professional life beyond the football pitch
Professional Chartered Surveyor
After his football career, Dick Tunmer established himself as a professional chartered surveyor based in High Wycombe. By the 1960s, his practice was located on Crendon Street, the town's main commercial street for professional offices.
As a chartered surveyor, Tunmer was a member of RICS (the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), providing services that included land and property valuations, estate management, and development advice for local clients.
Nowadays, Tunmer remains as a 'Fellow' of the RICS (FRICS).
The Wycombiensian (RGS alumni magazine) of September 1965 contains an advertisement for "Hunt & Nash, F.R.I.C.S. – Surveyors, Valuers, Auctioneers and Estate Agents – 15 Crendon Street, High Wycombe", indicating that Crendon Street housed established surveying firms during this period. Tunmer's own firm operated in this same professional district of High Wycombe.
In the mid-1970s, Tunmer sold his surveying business and took early retirement (around age 45), enabling him to devote more time to family and leisure pursuits.
Personal Life
Family and community connections
Family Life
Dick Tunmer married Shirley Phillips in 1956, with their wedding at Farnham Royal noted in the RGS alumni magazine. The couple had three daughters:
Julie (born 1959)
Ann (born 1963)
Jane (born 1966)
Family notices in The Wycombiensian confirm the births of Ann and Jane, noting each as a "sister for Julie".
In his private life, Tunmer remained active in community affairs and was known locally as a sports enthusiast and supporter of Wycombe clubs, maintaining his connection to the sporting world beyond his playing days.
2024 Interview
Reflections at 95: A conversation with Dick Tunmer
April 2024
Source: The Wycombe Wanderers Show (Series 4 EP 39)
Listen to the Interview
Hear Dick Tunmer in conversation with Colin from 'The Wycombe Wanderers Show' (Series 4 EP 39, April 2024)
"I mean, if I met somebody else in 95, I'd think he was an old man. But you just get there, you wake up each morning, and that's how you keep going on. I've been lucky, I think, in so much as... You know, obviously my memory goes a bit, and I've got lots of aches and pains, but I feel I'm not too bad for my age anyway."
— Dick Tunmer
As of April 2024, Dick celebrated his 95th birthday with his wife Shirley, to whom he had been married for 67 years. The couple have three daughters, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, creating a rich family legacy spanning multiple generations.
First Wycombe Wanderers Match
"Oh, the first Wycombe Wanderers game I watched was in April 1939, which was before the war. And I was nine years old, living in Prestwood. Caught the bus into Wycombe and went to see Wycombe play Wimbledon. And a number of those players that I watched then became friends or at least acquaintances of mine afterwards."
— Dick Tunmer
This remarkable account reveals that Dick's connection with Wycombe Wanderers spans over 85 years, beginning as a young boy before World War II. Some of the players he watched as a nine-year-old later became his friends, highlighting the club's strong community connections across generations.
Journey to Playing for Wycombe Wanderers
"Well, at 18, I had to do national service, which people did in those days; and I went into the army and I was already playing reasonable football at that stage. But when I came out of the army, I didn't think I'd be good enough for Wycombe. So I went and played for Chesham. Had a good season - we won the Berks and Bucks Cup and I played at Loakes Park a couple of times for Chesham. And that was it. And I happened to be in AL3 one day and met an ex-Chesham player called Alan Gaunt, who had also played for Wycombe. And I said to him, I wouldn't mind playing for Wycombe. And he said, well, they've got a new manager there called Jimmy McCormack, I'll put a word in for you. And the next thing I know is I have a letter from Alan Gaunt saying the new manager would like to see you down at Loake Park one evening for training. And it all went from there."
— Dick Tunmer
This account adds significant detail to our understanding of Dick's route into professional football, including his National Service period, time at Chesham United, and the fortunate connection with Alan Gaunt that led to his Wycombe Wanderers opportunity. The story reveals the more informal recruitment processes of amateur football in the post-war era.
Debut and Early Games
"Oh, yeah. I mean, I wasn't expecting to get in the first team, of course. I went there thinking I'd play in the reserves and might get a chance in the first team. But the newly appointed manager - Jimmy McCormick - he, I think he wanted to bring in one or two of his own players; and I happened to be one of the one or two that he wanted to bring in. So, not expecting to be, you know, would have been quite happy to play in the reserve. Suddenly found I was in the first team. Leighton Stone, oh, well, I think we played a Crystal Palace side. and probably had one or two other games, but the first league game I had was Leytonstone away, which I think we drew. Anyhow, Leytonstone were one of the big names in those days, and to go there and get a draw was quite something, so we got off to a good start anyway."
— Dick Tunmer
Dick's recollection adds important historical context about his debut, including the unexpected first-team selection and the significance of the away draw at Leytonstone, which was considered an impressive result against a major team of the era.
Career Highlights
"Well, we got to the quarterfinals of the Amateur Cup and got drawn away at Barnet with a crowd of 10,000. We had also a Liverpool side called Marine Cross in the Amateur Cup with a crowd of 12,000 at Loakes Park. But if you're asking me for the games, enjoyable games. I can remember playing Fulham Reserves at Loakes Park, beating them 3-2. And on that occasion, I was up against a young lad called Johnny Haynes, who subsequently became the first £100 footballer with Fulham and captained England. And yeah, I was up against him at Loakes Park. And another memorable game was playing for Wycombe. We did a tour of Holland, playing one of the top Dutch sides. I played over there and I think that was probably one of the most enjoyable games I've ever played in."
— Dick Tunmer
This account adds several significant matches to Dick's career history, including the Amateur Cup quarter-final at Barnet, matches against Marine Cross Liverpool, and the notable game against Fulham Reserves where he faced future England captain Johnny Haynes. The international dimension of playing in Holland represents another important highlight previously undocumented.
Teammates and Notable Players
"I wouldn't say we had any really big stars. The main player when I played was someone called Ken Butler. Within about a year ago, a Welsh rugby player called Eddie Butler, who was a broadcaster, died, who had played for Wales at Rugby. His father was captain of the Wycombe team when I played, and extremely good player, a little bit erratic, but on his day was as good as anything that was playing amateur football in those days. The names that I would name out would be lost to most people now, but I mean, there was Johnny Blizzard, Frank Westley, Dennis Atkins, some very good players."
— Dick Tunmer
This provides valuable details about Dick's teammates and contemporaries, particularly highlighting Ken Butler, who was captain of the team and father of the late broadcaster Eddie Butler. Other teammates mentioned include Johnny Blizzard, Frank Westley, and Dennis Atkins, preserving these names for historical record.
Later Career at Dulwich Hamlet and Chesham
"Dulwich at that time were a very well regarded club and certainly on an equal with Wycombe really, well we played in the same league but not as organised as Wycombe. Dulwich were rather run by ex-players who changed their mind most weeks. And it was a shame really because it was a wonderful club and had a lovely ground, but never really had the organisation that Wycombe had got by having a full-time professional coach. I found myself one week without a game, met somebody from Chesham and said, I haven't got a game this week, and he said, come and play with us. So they put me into the Chesham team just for that one week. It then started, oh come and play for us, come and play for us. And eventually it was arranged that I would go and play for them as player manager, which was a mistake really because it was just too hard work. I didn't seem to get an awful lot of cooperation. Everything you did wasn't necessarily to everybody's liking and in the end it just got too much for me and I gave it up."
— Dick Tunmer
This account adds significant detail about his time at Dulwich Hamlet, including insights into the club's management structure compared to Wycombe. It also reveals his player-manager role at Chesham and the challenges he faced in that position, providing context for this previously undocumented chapter of his career.
Following Wycombe's Progress
"Oh yes, yes, yes, yes. I had a season ticket. A good friend of mine, another ex-cow called Jackie Tomlin, we had seats together season ticket holders for a long period. We had all the Martin O'Neill era. We sat together, I don't know how many seasons, but quite a number of seasons, we were there cheering on Wycombe and saw all the wonderful Martin O'Neill years."
— Dick Tunmer
This reveals Dick's continued support for Wycombe Wanderers as a season ticket holder alongside his friend Jackie Tomlin, particularly highlighting his presence during the successful Martin O'Neill management era (1990-1995), when the club achieved promotions and major cup runs.
Changes in Football
"Oh, well, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. The pitches are much better now. We played in quite heavy boots in those days. The balls are much lighter now. Again, they were quite heavy leather balls. No, the whole game is altered completely. Not everything nowadays is better than it used to be, but there's an awful lot of it which is."
— Dick Tunmer
Dick reflects on the substantial changes in football equipment and playing conditions over his lifetime, noting improvements in pitch quality, lighter boots, and lighter footballs compared to the heavy leather balls of his era. His balanced view acknowledges that while many aspects have improved, not everything in the modern game is necessarily better than in his day.
On His Playing Style
"I don't know if I'd be good enough. The game has changed. My game really was I could run and run and run and run and run. And as a midfielder, I was always in the game, not necessarily doing anything particularly well, but always in it. I think it's changed so much now, I'm not quite sure where I'd fit into it."
— Dick Tunmer
Dick provides a modest and insightful self-assessment of his playing style, characterizing himself as a tireless midfielder whose primary strength was his stamina and constant involvement in the game. This gives us a clearer picture of his role on the pitch during his career.
Cricket Career
"I did play cricket, but I could never start at the beginning of the cricket season because the football overlapped, and I could never play cricket at the end of the season because the football season was just starting. I did play cricket, but I wouldn't pretend it was anything very special at all."
— Dick Tunmer
This adds context to Dick's cricket career, explaining how his primary commitment to football meant his cricket playing was limited by seasonal overlaps. His modest assessment of his cricket abilities contrasts with his documented captaincy of the RGS 1st XI cricket side in 1947.
On Longevity and Health
"No, I don't think it has necessarily. In fact, it hasn't helped my limbs at all. My knees and my hips are completely shot. My sporting life has probably hasn't helped those at all. I've never smoked, I've never really bothered about drinking. I've led a fairly dull, modest life, I think, and that may have helped me, I don't know."
— Dick Tunmer
Dick offers an interesting perspective on longevity, suggesting that his sporting career actually contributed to joint problems in later life rather than promoting health. He attributes his longevity more to abstaining from smoking, minimal alcohol consumption, and what he characterizes as a "modest life."
Legacy and Historical Context
A living connection to Wycombe's sporting past
Sporting Legacy
As one of Wycombe Wanderers' oldest surviving former players, Dick Tunmer represents a living connection to the post-war era of amateur football.
His participation in the Wycombe sporting scene during the 1940s and 50s helps preserve the memory of a time when local sport played a central role in community life.
Professional Legacy
Beyond sport, Tunmer's career as a chartered surveyor in High Wycombe contributed to the professional landscape of the town during a period of post-war development and change.
His dual identity as both sportsman and professional reflects the amateur ethos of his era, when players combined sporting pursuits with professional careers.
Community Connection
Throughout his life, Tunmer has maintained strong connections to the High Wycombe community, from his school days at RGS to his professional practice on Crendon Street.
His long association with the town offers a window into local history spanning nearly a century of changes and developments.
April 1929
Dick Tunmer is born on 18th April
April 1939
At age 9, attends his first Wycombe Wanderers match - Wycombe vs Wimbledon
1941-1947
Attends Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, where he excels at multiple sports
1947
Captains the 1st XI cricket side at RGS High Wycombe
Late 1940s
Completes National Service in the army at age 18
Early 1950s
Plays for Chesham United, winning the Berks and Bucks Cup
Early 1950s
Joins Wycombe Wanderers after being spotted by manager Jimmy McCormack
Early 1950s
Makes his league debut for Wycombe against Leytonstone
7th February 1953
Featured in Wycombe Wanderers match program as first-team player
8th January 1955
Scores goal against Hendon FC in a match broadcast live on BBC television
Mid 1950s
Plays for Dulwich Hamlet FC after leaving Wycombe Wanderers
Mid 1950s
Briefly serves as player-manager at Chesham United
1956
Marries Shirley Phillips at Farnham Royal
1959
Birth of first daughter, Julie
1960s
Establishes surveying practice on Crendon Street, High Wycombe
1963
Birth of second daughter, Ann
1966
Birth of third daughter, Jane
Mid-1970s
Sells surveying business and takes early retirement
1990-1995
Holds season ticket during the Martin O'Neill era at Wycombe Wanderers
2024
Noted as "the Wanderers' oldest living playing survivor" after Johnny Brooks' passing, before it was known that Richard McQueen was alive.
18th April 2024
Celebrates 95th birthday and gives interview to The Wycombe Wanderers Show
18th April 2025
Celebrates 96th birthday
Sources and Further Reading
References and resources for more information about Dick Tunmer
Club archives
Historical football databases
Royal Grammar School (High Wycombe) Wycombiensian archives
Royal Grammar School (High Wycombe) newsletters
School alumni publications
Wycombe Wanderers' Ex-Players records
Wycombe Wanderers match programs (1950s)
Wycombe Wanderers' history pages
Local family notices in High Wycombe publications
Historical records of professional firms on Crendon Street
The Wycombe Wanderers Show (Series 4 EP 39 - April 2024) - Interview with Dick Tunmer
