by Deb Phillips
November 2024
Since my last newsletter article I have reached another birthday milestone. Some of you have been very kind when I’ve said how old I became last month. “No way” some of you have said. Although I’m sure I saw your tongue showing through your cheek!!
I had a lovely surprise being whisked off to Dublin by my family and we were booked in on the Guinness Museum and tour. Now I’ve never in my life ever tasted the Ruby red stout and yes you’ve read that correctly, Ruby red and not black. We were taught this in the Guinness academy whilst also learning how to pour the perfect pint and subsequently being taught how to drink it too – split the G with your first gulp – no lady sipping!
It soon became my favourite drink over the weekend and even toasted a fantastic Stanley away win at Gillingham. Thank you boys for an added bonus birthday pressie that weekend. I tried to get a signed Seamus photo but apparently I’m too old to be in the Junior Redz Club – aah well no harm in trying!
However just imagine my surprise when I got a personal video call from Jesse McClure on my birthday. He rose to fame in the TV programme Storage Hunters. Some of you will remember Jesse visiting the Wham some years ago now, testing himself with the half-time crossbar challenge. Some of you may even have bought the Jesse talking doll!!
On a more serious note last Sunday was another honour and privilege to conduct The Act of Remembrance and Dedication of Plaques in our Memorial Garden. It was very well attended and those who weren’t able to attend there is a link of the Order of service elsewhere in this edition of the newsletter and actual printed copies in the Arndale Shop/Remembrance book table at the Club shop/reception. Also Murray Dawson kindly recorded it too. Thanks to Peter Leatham for agreeing to read a poem and also to Andy Buckel who sorted to PA system in wet conditions once again! Several local business leaders joined us by laying wreaths in the garden too.
The Memorial Garden looked in tip-top condition once again and I must thank Yvonne Wilson for her tender care of the garden.
Please may I ask once again that the scattering of ashes must only be conducted by myself as we have strict protocol of how and where this can be done – thank you.
After the ceremony, approximately 90 people packed into the 1968 Lounge to watch an unearthed film on the Accy Pals. It was a very poignant and moving film showing all those who “went over the top” and sacrificed their own lives without hesitation.
Thank you again to Murray Dawson for organising this event. It certainly gave me a lot to think about and how grateful and proud I felt for those young men.
This coming Saturday sees quite a number of fans who will take part in the annual Jack Barrett Sponsored Walk – me being one of them. One group is running and walking from Deepdale to the Wham and the other group will be walking from Ewood to the Wham. This group will be joined by the “Let’s walk to the match” initiative, a programme to get the people of Hyndburn moving and getting fitter.
This year, once again, it will be in aid of Hyndburn Food Pantry, who are situated on Broadway in Accrington Town Centre. This group gives an invaluable service to those in need in Hyndburn who benefit greatly from it.
If you wish to donate to this worthy cause, people taking part have been posting on social media, there is a Just Giving page, or there will be people around the ground prior to the Swindon match with buckets for you to chuck in some change – thank you in advance.
Also prior to the Swindon match will be the Act of Remembrance observed before kick-off, being led by the Accrington Pipe Band and the RBL. It is usually impeccably observed and I’m sure this will be no different this year.
It has been really good to see that the lads, John and Ged, have started to see a bit of success from getting through to the next round of the FA Cup to moving away from near the bottom of League 2. There have been some excellent football played so let’s continue to get behind the lads and give them our 100% support.
As always I will finish as I always do – let’s look out for each other and keep the faith.