Published: 16/09/2008 00:00 -
Updated: 29/01/2010 12:39
I WAS fortunate enough to be invited to the grand unveiling of the shrovetide monument on Waterside Park last Saturday. I went with a little trepidation having only seen small photographs in the paper and having read conflicting letters on our letters page.
Players and local dignitaries gathered, some tightly clutching their prized leathers and Ashbourne Town Band serenaded the crowd.
It was, I know because he told me, a very proud day for Ashburnian and Shrovetide follower Gordon Dawson - accompanied by his wife Beryl - who unveiled the commemorative plaque.
The Statue was eventually revealed to the expectant masses, my fists clenched in anticipation, and my mind wondered if I would like it... I DID!!
I think it is the perfect summation of our great game, the light becoming through the figures really impressed me firstly at the skill and expertise of the artist, and secondly I REALLY could tell that this WAS indeed shrovetide!
No 'modern art blunder' ran through my mind, no thoughts of 'oh no' entered my head... I could physically put names to the figures depicted in this statue.
Another moving experience of the day for me was the bench rather, I felt, beautifully dedicated to players past.
I wondered what my ancestors and past stalwarts Joe Burton and Redvers Wibberley would have felt to be remembered in this way, also countless others who are no longer with us.
I also think that this is a fitting dedication to our ancient tradition and certainly adds interest and beauty to a rather forgotten end of town... And I must add, being hopelessly partisan, I see it as a good omen for the down'ards, who.. may... this time... get the goal they finally deserve!
Players and local dignitaries gathered, some tightly clutching their prized leathers and Ashbourne Town Band serenaded the crowd.
It was, I know because he told me, a very proud day for Ashburnian and Shrovetide follower Gordon Dawson - accompanied by his wife Beryl - who unveiled the commemorative plaque.
The Statue was eventually revealed to the expectant masses, my fists clenched in anticipation, and my mind wondered if I would like it... I DID!!
I think it is the perfect summation of our great game, the light becoming through the figures really impressed me firstly at the skill and expertise of the artist, and secondly I REALLY could tell that this WAS indeed shrovetide!
No 'modern art blunder' ran through my mind, no thoughts of 'oh no' entered my head... I could physically put names to the figures depicted in this statue.
Another moving experience of the day for me was the bench rather, I felt, beautifully dedicated to players past.
I wondered what my ancestors and past stalwarts Joe Burton and Redvers Wibberley would have felt to be remembered in this way, also countless others who are no longer with us.
I also think that this is a fitting dedication to our ancient tradition and certainly adds interest and beauty to a rather forgotten end of town... And I must add, being hopelessly partisan, I see it as a good omen for the down'ards, who.. may... this time... get the goal they finally deserve!
