Early 1940’s and the family are outside their house in Cockburn Street Lingdale.
Image courtesy of Maurice Grayson.
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 Yes the Lingdale lads again taken on the 2nd December 1936. The Archive asked: ”Can you name some of them please?” Dorothy Simms tells us: ”I have actually got the paper; Weekly Illustrated 12 December 1936. Lingdale played Canning Town, East End, London. The team combined ages were 1,000 years including 3 reserves: Skipper Harry Eaton aged 88, his wife Elizabeth Ellen 64, Foxy George 66 [the handsome one], Old Liz Saunders goalkeeper 84. That’s all I have but there are several photographs. Rules: no running, no charging. A quick walk and neat side step are what is needed. First ever match was on Jubilee Day. I hope you find this interesting. I have been in touch with someone about this match but never had a reply. They played 55 minutes; two halves of 20 minutes with 1/4 hour interval for a pint and pipe!” Michael Grange advises: ”My great grandfather was in this team (George ‘Foxy’ Grange), after the game each player was given a clay pipe in the shape of a football boot.”  Taken from an article in the Illustrated weekly dated 12th December 1936; headlined: “Who’ll Play The Old Boys?”, describing one of the oldest football teams in England or possibly the world. “Lingdale Grandfathers” had a combined age of over 1000 years (including the three reserves!); having issued a challenge with Canning Town responding. I wonder if they played Canning Town and who won; does anyone out there know?  The cutting included this image; with a notation: “Foxy Grange, the other full-back is a lad of 66, known as the handsomest man in the village. Uses his head to good effect.” We hope it wasn’t a wet day those case footballs were very heavy when wet. Michael Grange informed the Archive: “My great grandfather!”  Liz Saunders (and goal keeper for the Lingdale Grandfathers) is only 84 years old but still playing football.  Harry Eaton was the skipper a mere 89 years old. I wonder if any of the world cup players of today will still be playing at 89? I don’t think smoking and drinking would be allowed today. Image courtesy of Ruth White. |
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