Football reunion and Ruby wedding celebration score for St Catherine’s!

Footballing friends from yesteryear raised £600 for St Catherine’s Hospice when they came together for a 50th anniversary reunion.

Amateur players and officials from the 1960s and ‘70s reunited to mark 50 years since English Martyrs U18s played St Joseph’s Martyrs U18s in the 1965 Catholic U18 Cup final at Deepdale, Preston.

Many players from both sides were in attendance at the ‘Golden Football Gathering’, along with members of the Ribbleton Avenue Methodists team which won the Hunt Cup in 1975, as well as ex-PNE star George Ross, who officially opened the event and led a moving tribute to all past players.

The grand total for the Lostock Hall charity was boosted further by a caring couple who asked for donations to St Catherine’s rather than presents, when they celebrated their Ruby wedding anniversary.

John and Susan Atkinson wanted to support the fundraising event, which was held at The Ale Emporium in Fylde Road, Preston, as John’s claim to fame is that he refereed the 1992 Preston Guild football tournament at Deepdale.

Reunion organiser Wilf Riley, who played for English Martyrs in the final, said: “Around 75 former players and officials attended the event, to chat over previous footy games of the 1960s and ‘70s.

“It went down really well. Even though we hadn’t seen some people in 40 to 50 years, we still recognised each other.

“We had all of the famous Preston Soccer Cups there including the Guild Cup, so it was a really special occasion.

“It is hoped we can hold another bash later this year for anyone who couldn’t attend this one.”

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