The Memorial Service of Jeff Thomas, founder of Tally Ho Farm – Thursday 25th June at 6pm, RCBPC
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
It is a mark of his true enthusiasm for both life and the outstandingly successful family business that he created that there are few, if any in the polo and equine world in Berkshire and beyond, who were not familiar with Jeff Thomas – founder, owner and Managing Director of Tally Ho Farm, Winkfield – the leading polo supplier and Equipment Sponsor of the England Team. Personally, whenever I walked into the store I always admired the passion he had for his business, as he strove to change and improve the layout, move with the times and yet never losing sight of the values and personal touch which are such an essential part of a family business.
Moving into a rather run down Tally Ho Farm (which included a small farm shop) in 1986, Jeff started to lay down the foundations for what was to become the business of today, promptly removed the older buildings and erected two large horse barns to house the fifty horses which are now stabled in the riding and livery yard. Using his expertise gained as a rider and trainer of point-to-point and National Hunt horses, he then turned his attention to the farm shop which was run from the garage, looking to create a specialist equestrian outlet with strong emphasis on feeding and nutrition. Coincidently, across the adjoining fields in the previous year another family business – The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – had begun to establish itself, and knowing from personal experience the importance of ‘giving customers a reliable and friendly service’ Jeff began to supply polo as well as non-polo customers.
Within a few years space was becoming an issue at Tally Ho Farm, so in 1992 Jeff built a 5,000 sq. ft. agricultural barn to house the growing stocks of feed supplements, stable equipment and veterinary material and in 1997 Tally Ho Farm extended its range to include tack, polo and equine clothing and equipment. Over the years, Jeff and his family worked closely with many polo clubs, generously sponsoring tournaments – donating prizes for players and grooms alike, firmly establishing Tally Ho Farm – the brand. Today, it would be far to say if you were to visit any yard in the extended Berkshire area you would be guaranteed to spot either a brush, feed sack, or indeed a mate packet proudly sporting the blue Tally Ho Farm ‘fox’.
Jeff’s sudden death on Friday 12th June came as a shock to all who had known him within the polo and equine world and beyond – particularly in the motorbike and horse racing community of which he was such a large part. Hopefully in some way, his family can draw strength from how truly he inspired so many and the legacy he created amongst the polo and equine community where he will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service, which is open for all to attend, will be held for Jeff at 6pm on Thursday 25 June at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.
The Thomas family’s chosen charity is Marie Curie. Any cheques should be made out to Marie Curie and posted to FG Pymm & Son, 65/67 Moorbridge Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8LT.