by Nicola Girling | Nov 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Bishop Auckland Football Club Remembers
This year marked a first for Bishop Auckland St Mary’s Junior Football Club. And so profound was this change, that they will continue to do this until it is steeped in tradition.
Bishop Auckland football club had their Remembrance Ceremony prior to their match against Crook Town on Saturday 13th November. Due to the commitment of both the club and Ruth Wright of SSAFA, this was a well rehearsed and very poignant service.
Harry Rose, a 14 year old who used to play for Bishop Auckland St Mary’s was outstanding with his rendition of The Last Post in front of over 500 people.
The Last Post is a sound that is enshrined in history and respect, and resonates with all of us deeply. However, this particular moment went deeper than most for Lucy Martin.
Lucy Martin is the Safeguarding and Welfare officer for Bishop Auckland SMJFC. And in this moment, she had the absolute certainty that the same service should be repeated the day after, for the Junior Football Club on Remembrance Sunday.
When we spoke to Lucy, it was very clear how impactful this had been for her. She was struck with the knowledge that children all over the country are simply having a 2 minute silence before a football match or wearing a Poppy , with often no real idea what it was for. Lucy knew The Last Post and its significance would be insightful for the Juniors.
Remarkably, when Lucy took this idea to Steve Coulthard- Chairman of BAFC and BASMJFC , they swung into action a very last minute plan with the full support of Ruth from SSAFA.
Bishop Auckland Juniors Really Feeling Remembrance
As Ruth arranged the SSAFA members and Harry Rose the bugle player, Lucy was contacting all of the Junior players parents and coaches along with the opposition teams to mobilise the first full Remembrance service the Juniors had ever seen.
Not only was Harry Rose once again fantastic in his role playing the bugle, absolutely everyone in attendance was floored by how much more moving it was as opposed to their traditional silence before kick off.
“Harry Rose is a cracking lad. We have to teach our kids so many things in the Juniors and one of them has to be Remembrance, we cannot let this fade out” Steve Coulthard
Several parents commented on how different it felt, this year. Lucy recounted their feedback. “Wow” “Powerful” “Unbelievable” “Brings the realisation back”
“There are 21 teams within BASMJFC and therefore a number of players have parents, grandparents or even great grandparents connected to the forces. In addition several players have gone on to serve in various roles in the armed forces” Lucy Martin
Our attention here at Terraces and Troops was drawn when we spotted a video the team posted on Twitter. And we absolutely loved it. Moving, powerful and humbling. We contacted Catherine Pearson a Director of BAFC and the Club Secretary of BASMJF who was so supportive and we thank her for her involvement in this article.
Remembrance Has Changed For Grassroots Team
You can follow BASMJFC in Twitter HERE and watch the Remembrance Ceremony HERE
Both SSAFA and Bishop Auckland JFC are always on the look our for volunteers and are very grateful for any donations or fundraising events that benefit them.
Should you wish to become involved with either of them please contact SSAFA via their WEBSITE .
Bishop Auckland Football Club can be reached HERE and the Junior Club HERE
Find out how we help to fund grassroots football by READING THIS
by Nicola Girling | Nov 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group- BWRG
BWRG is a dedicated Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group that was created to support the families of BWFC fans no longer with us, and to honour the memories of their loved ones. Established for over 2 years now, their commitment to the local community was recognised when they had the honour of laying a wreath at the Bolton Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
Part of the the original Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group committee, James Derby is also a 35 year member of the Bolton United Veteran Association. He joined as his Father In Law was a Veteran and member.
When James’s Son’s Ashley and Sam reached 11 years old they started to march with the group with their Dad and Grandad. James feels it is of the utmost importance to educate young people about the significance of Remembrance Day and hopes his children will go on to do the same with future generations.
“They prioritise Remembrance Sunday and refuse to make any other arrangements on that day”
Amongst the many families BWRG has offered support to there have been a number of Armed Forces members and these are the losses and families that the BWRG community honoured with their wreath on Sunday.
Their memorial flag contains the names of several people that have served in the forces who were in the thoughts of BWFC fans and BWRG members.
Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group Honours
Chris Houghton, Son of Bob would ask anyone with Naval connections in the Bolton area to visit the Bolton RNA website HERE for help and support
Allan’s ashes were spread at the stadium in 2018 and his memorial brick is under the Nat Lofthouse statue. Give him a nod when you pass and thank him for his service.
Terraces and troops contacted QRH for their input for Jacks memorial and they kindly provided the following statement.
Jack Stanley, the Queen’s Royal Hussars, known by many as Stan, died in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on Sunday 8th April 2012 from wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast which occurred during a patrol in the Pupalzay Kalay area, east of Lashkar Gar city, Afghanistan on Friday 3rd February 2012. Aged 26 from Bolton, he was an avid Bolton Wanderers supporter. Jack was a much-loved son, a beloved brother, a cherished boyfriend, a trusted comrade, a loyal friend, and excellent soldier and highly respected commander. Jack made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country; he will never be forgotten by his family, friends, and colleagues alike.
Jim Austin- Retired Major and current Regimental Secretary- Mente et Manu
We are able to add more veterans from BWRG simply contact together@terracesandtroops
BWRG Drop In Centre
Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group created a drop in centre recently for the local community and has been helping veterans access services for several months. We went along to The Vulcan Inn, Deane in Bolton to find out what happens and what is available for both the football community and veterans, who are often one and the same.
Whilst there we spoke to Mark from Whysup- a local organisation that enables people to break free from addiction and also supports people suffering with mental health issues. Whysup offer a support line 4 nights a week. You can book call session with them via their website WHYSUP
Meeting Veteran, Hughie from Pheniks was a real insight into how the armed forces community often needs additional support transitioning into civilian life. The free boxing lessons provided by Pheniks are available for all Veterans in the Bolton community.
You can reach Hughie via their website PHENIKS
If anyone would like to reach the Bolton Wanderers remembrance Group they can do so via their WEBSITE or their FACEBOOK PAGE
You can highlight stories that involve football and the forces by contacting us here at TERRACES AND TROOPS
