More than 100 people crowded old Shildon Workmen’s Club on Saturday for the launch of an exhibition to mark 125 years of the town’s much-loved Dean Street football ground, writes Mike Amos. The ongoing exhibition, organised by the Durham Amateur Football Trust, also celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Hackett and Baines store in Main Street – still in Tarry family ownership.
The exhibition which continues on a number of dates throughout July, was officially opened by former Shildon player Eddie Swift, who later became club chairman. Billy Roughley, another former player with the Railwaymen, brought one if his England amateur international shirts – and a cap. “It’s incredibly well done, a great host of memories for everyone” said Eddie, who still lives in the town.
Shildon mayor Shirley Quinn, a football club volunteer, also praised the organisers. “The exhibition should be a focus for the whole community over the next few weeks” she said. A highlight was the wonderful buffet, compared to the Feeding of the Five Thousand, provided by Shildon Alive and sponsored by Michael Hardy of MS Hardy Contractors. “Both Michael Hardy and Old Shildon Workmen’s Club have been incredibly generous and supportive” said DAFT chairman Clem O’Donovan.
Formerly a cycling track, the Dean Street ground was taken over by the footballers after a previous ground – at Coppycrooks on the West Auckland road – was deemed too uneven, too far from the town and far too cold. The exhibition includes many photographs and artefacts spanning those 125 years but also memories of Shildon United, including a derby against the Railwaymen played on the Scouts Memorial Field. Another snippet records that 8,625 people – paying £325 between the lot of them – watched an Amateur Cup replay between Bishop Auckland and Shildon in 1947.
Admission to the exhibition is free and includes a copy of am illustrated 20-page large-size brochure telling the story of both the football club and of Hackett and Baines. Visitors are, however, invited to become a Friend of the Durham Amateur Football Trust, an annual membership which includes a regular newsletter and – to mark the exhibition – a chance to win a framed print by Shildon-born artist Eric Thompson of 1950s kids in short trousers bunking over the Dean Street fence.
In the coming week the exhibition will be open on Friday July 7 from 3-6pm, Saturday July 8 12-4pm, Sunday July 9 12-3pm, and Monday July 10 5-7pm.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
