Memories of Douglas Number 14

FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES

My late husband Douglas collected football programmes. Whilst he was interested in any programme he particularly wanted to collect one from each team in the Football League by letter of the alphabet A to Z. Think he managed it.

My blip today shows on of his " A " programmes. Arsenal v Newcastle United played on 3rd Feb. 1951 ( before I was born ). The final score was 0 -0. Don't recognise any names on the Arsenal team but Jackie Milburn, George Robledo and Joe Harvey were playing for Newcastle. ( We had good players back then ! )

Couldn't find any " Z " programmes - obviously - so I have included a programme which brings back memories for me. My own village team, Whickham, at Wembley. The F A Vase Final in 1981 - Willenhall Town V Whickham. 5,000 fans made the trip to Wembley and the village was decked out with black and white striped streamers ( we wore the same colours as Newcastle United ). After 90 mins the score was 2 -2 but Whickham scored a goal in extra time to win the F A Vase.

Douglas would look out for football programmes in any second hand shop or charity shop as well as in programme shops. One tale he used to tell was when he was in a charity shop rummaging around and found a few football programmes. There was one he was interested in and he asked the old dear behind the counter how much it was. She said " 5 ". He was quite interested in the programme but didn't think it was worth £5. The old dear saw his hesitation and said ....... " last of the big spenders - wondering whether to spend 5p or not". He quickly got out his 5p and made the purchase.

***** For anyone who is interested this message appeared on Facebook from my son Neil.........

"Arrived safely in Thailand. Bangkok is absolutely crazy, getting on it now! "

Glad he has arrived safely - not sure about the rest though.