Memories flooding in
Widnes weekly news – June 2005
Memories are made of this! Widnes Rugby league heritage group members display some of the memorabilia they have unearthed as part of their on-going quest to open a museum for the game in Halton. In March, the group outlined their plans to celebrate the local history of the sport. And at the same time they appealed for loan or donation of artefacts.
There has been an encouraging response with items from the end of the 19th century through to the present day offered. Debbie Townsend, from the heritage group said ‘We have had photographs from as far as 1890 of different players and teams which are very interesting. We also have flags, ticket stubs, programmes, scarves, ties, a bowler hat, rattle, scrapbooks, signed shirts and souvenir brochures of different players’ One of the more unusual items discovered so far is a Widnes gnome. Debbie added ‘ We have had promises to lend or have donated items including a 1984 Premiership winners medal, rugby boots from a current player who used them in Toulouse, a 1930 rose bowl with stand that dates back to 1900, a world club champions mirror and several rugby shirts’
The imitative is being supported by the Widnes Vikings board, the rugby football league, and amateur clubs and Halton Borough council. “We have spoken to some directors of Widnes Vikings and they have promised to lend trophies and memorabilia to us once the centre opens” said Debbie. The boroughs community development team and culture and leisure services have been helping in the search for a location for the museum. Debbie said “We have given permission by Halton Borough Council to get signatures of support from fans at the next Vikings home game on July 17. We need this help for our business plan and for bids we make” All aspects of the game both professional and amateur will be celebrated. And the group is delighted to announce former Widnes and St Helens star Ray French, now a BBC television and local radio commentator has agreed to be the museums patron.
Anyone who has interesting memories, memorabilia or souvenirs no matter what size and is willing to loan or donate them to the museum is encouraged to get in touch. Debbie added ‘it’s likely that which artefacts form the very early years have not survived, memories surely have. If your father or grandfather played rugby league in the borough, for example then we want to hear from you.
Contact Debbie on 0151 510 2986, Richard 0151 510 0448 or George on 0151 424 1416 or email wrlheritagegroup@hotmail.co.uk
