Very special occasion was pure County
FOR years now County supporters have taken part in one of those original and distinctively heart warming events, that just screams ‘Only at Stockport County.’
The last Friday before the first match of every season, organised by Ian Lancashire, County supporters meet up at the Royal Scot in Marple Bridge to honour all supporters who are sadly no longer able to don the blue and white and cheer their team on.
The itinerary is a simple one. Meet at the pub from around noon, toast the deceased fans (circa 2.30pm) with the uniquely challenging mix of rum and whisky, head off to the graveside of John Hall (The Captain) in the nearby church yard to lay a wreath and salute not only John but all County supporters, players and officials no longer with us!
Last Friday was no exception and the first arrivals were seated outside the pub well before noon.
Not long after this Caz Burt, Independent Secretary to the Stockport County Supporters Cooperative turned up with the wreath from the supporters organisation, as slowly the numbers started to build.
Among the numbers on the day was County Mascot Peggy the piglet, who made headlines in last week’s Stockport Express upon debuting as County’s mascot.
Peggy was accompanied by Steve Bellis, County’s special adviser to the club board, and it was great to see them both again.
All the 90 who turned out were required to sign the book of condolence, and Mr Bellis made every effort to ensure that the diminutive porker conformed to this County tradition!
At around 2.30pm the annual salute to those passed took place inside the Royal Scot with glasses being raised to the accompaniment of a rousing rendition of the County Anthem.
Job done. Every one set to go home? Not a bit of it as the whole party set off up the nearby hill to the graveside of The Captain.
It was quite a slog but no one ducked the challenge, although some chose the easier gate entrance rather than climbing the wall, but enough said of that!
Arrival at John’s graveside was a suitably solemn occasion. A few moments of contemplation were followed by some suitable words in tribute from Pete Towey from the Supporters Cooperative , Steve Bellis and Ged Gibbons.
Then a candle was lit , followed by a minute’s silence nicely observed by all! It was time to drift on back to the Royal Scot around 3 o’clock and for the proceedings to continue but I drifted off to pen this article, with a really good feeling having again been part of a truly memorable County occasion!