William Thomas Hulatt died of a heart attack on the 21st May 1990 at the relatively young age of 59. Older parishioners remember Tommy and his athletic achievements especially in regards to 1954, which was arguably his best season. Many saw Tom run at the annual Tibshelf Horticultural Show and Sports which for many years was the focal point of the village year. They also remember him as a son of the village, always approachable, a down-to-earth character, quietly enjoying a drink in the local taverns, yet always willing to share his experiences of that event with anyone who asked. For the younger generation growing up in the village, however, the name Tom Hulatt would mean very little and there is no local memorial to his achievements.
Through the efforts of Cyril Leason from the nearby village of Pilsley (a life long friend of Tommy and fellow athlete, having himself competed nationally at 880 yds) and Rob Platts (a resident of the village and three times Derbyshire Half-Marathon Champion), an idea was kindled to commemorate Tom's role in this historic run and provide a lasting memorial to him in the village coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Roger Bannister's record breaking run.
In November 2003 the Tom Hulatt Commemoration Committee was formed in the village. The aims of this committee are to provide a lasting monument to Tom Hulatt and to instigate an athletic event celebrating Tom's role in the first sub-four-minute mile. Support has been forthcoming from His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, Tibshelf Parish Council, Tibshelf Community Association, Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire County Council, Blackwell and Tibshelf Community Sports Action Group, the Infant and Junior Schools at Tibshelf and Pilsley and Tibshelf Community School. A book has also been published entitled "The Four-Minute Mile and Tom Hulatt of Tibshelf" by Peter and Paul Stanley ( Descartes Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0 9541718 1 0 ) covering Bannister's race and Tom's lifetime achievements.
Tom was an inspiration, and source of encouragement, to many athletes in the area during his life. If his story and the events planned in May are an inspiration to others to strive for personal achievement and make the best use of their natural ability regardless of background, then this will be a fitting and long lasting tribute that Tom would have appreciated.
The actual programme of events in the village on the 6th May 2004 can be found by clicking "THE EVENT" link below or by surfing to Tibshelf Parish Council's website at www.tibshelfparishcouncil.gov.uk .