Thomas Burman

Thomas Burman joined the family motor accessory company Burman and Sons Ltd of King’s Norton in 1886. He spent 70 years with the company and became managing director in 1897 and, following the death of his brother in 1941, became chairman.

Birman died in 1956 and left over £380,000 in his will. In recognition of the poor pay received by Church of England clergy, he left £10,000 to two local churches to pay vicars’ wages, and left a similar sum to a local church school.

A hockey umpire for many years, Burman was the honorary secretary of the Midland Counties’ Hockey Association from 1896-1903 and was also a member of the Hockey Association from 1903 until his death. Burman served on the international selection committee, and in 1910 was elected on to the International Hockey Board and within two years was its chairman, and later a vice-president. He officiated in four matches at two Olympics, 1908 and 1920.