Slightly self indulgent RIP

I hope this is ok, just wanted to share the news that my Grandma Beryl, a life long City fan, passed away this week at the age of 88.

For me, its a hugely poignant time of life. My father was in the army so we moved around a lot when I was younger, eventually settling in Essex, and I didn't have the closest relationship with my parents growing up.

However, I spent every Easter and Summer in Hull with my dear Grandma, who lived her whole life within sight of the Boothferry Park floodlights (well, you know what I mean, until they knocked them down!). For me, summers in Hull were blissful happy times. I have great memories of holidays there and its always a hugely special place for me. Even now, my wife and I still visit every year and she also loves it now as well - as a city its got is knockers but if you give it a chance you wont find a more friendly and hospital bunch, in my view. Although I am a Colchester fan, my first live football matches were at Boothferry Park, where I was taken by relatives when visiting (I just about remember the days of Alan Fettis up front!).

One of the things my Grandma loved to talk about was her beloved City. She had fond and happy memories of watching in her youth. Her and her life long friend Olga went to games together for years until both got married - unfortunately in those days once you were married football tended to stop and you stayed at home and kept house. Her lifelong friend Olga (who is still very much alive and kicking) was a nurse at the Infirmary and used to get a lift to games on the back of a doctor's motorbike after her shift - my Grandma used to wait for her and because they were usually late as a result, they would get passed down to the front of the terrace over everyone's head to the front. She was also very fond of telling me how much she fancied Raich Carter!

Even though she had to stop going when she got married my Grandma always listened out for the scores and got the Hull Daily Mail to read about the game. Every Sunday on the phone we would discuss how City had done (usually badly) and Colchester had done (also usually badly!).

I've added below some memories I dug out this weekend. A photo of my Grandma and her friends going to a game in 1949 (we think the Man United FA Cup game - complete with tiger rattle!), and a programme she gave me, on which you can still see where she scribbled the score! Hope these are of interest.

 

Interesting stuff.

There used to be a Colchester fan who posted on CI in the days when you didn't have to register. Was that you?

 

Catkin, condolences for your loss, what a lovely, touching story. A Colchester supporter hey, we'll forgive you for that, some things are bigger than football, we all agree on here I'm sure, we're a friendly bunch on here, well most of us anyway!!

Good luck with Colchester, the way things are going for us unfortunately, we could be meeting you soon.

RIP Beryl.

 

Thanks for sharing Catkin. Your grandma sounds lovely. May she rest in peace mate

 

Think that may well have been me - I used to post more back in the day but marriage and kids have slightly put a brake on my posting!

 

Thanks - yes, my Grandma and I never fell out over football even when Phil Parkinson was pinched and our clubs had a bit of a set to over it. There’s something about both supporting a largely underachieving side that brings you closer together - a shared solidarity!

 

Whereabouts in hull did your grandma live mate?

 

Seem to recall the name Viking Egil's Saga or something similar. Used to have some good discussions/arguments with that poster.

 

Condolences to you and your family Catkin. Thanks for sharing your memories. Our 5 minutes of fortune have shuddered too a halt under our ****wit owners.

RIP Beryl

 

Nothing self indulgent about that, we are privileged that you chose to share your fond and loving memories with us.

RIP Beryl, it seems you will be missed.

 

Condolences Catkin, thanks for sharing
RIP Beryl

 

Rest in peace Beryl............ Shes one of out own............. Shes one of our own....

Interesting stuff mate

 

I know just how you're feeling now mate.

R.I.P. Beryl

 

RIP Beryl.

Lovely words Catkin.

 

Your nan sounds great , so sorry she has now gone . The memories you gave us will always be with you and hopefully a great comfort too . Layer road was a proper footie ground , small yes , but full of character and I never saw City lose there . Remember your Grandmother with pride , she was City through and through .

 

What a lovely story and many thanks for sharing this with us, deepest condolences for your loss, and may your grandma RIP.

 

RIP Beryl

Thank you for sharing your story, Catkin x

 

Thanks for sharing this not overindulgence at all. RIP Beryl

 

Sad news but a good interesting read. RIP Beryl.

 

We are a decent bunch on here and stories like this bring out the best in people. You are welcome on here any time. Thanks for sharing your heart felt story. Your gran sounded like a salt of the earth kinda lady.

Thanks for sharing mate.

RIP Beryl.