Three generations supporting Hunslet - in more ways than one
And he had further cause for celebration when he was presented with a cheque for £5,000 to bolster the Parksiders’ finances in readiness for the 2021 season.
Bill Birch, who hails from Wolverhampton, has been a regular at Hunslet since moving to Leeds in the early 1970s.
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Hide AdHe said: “I fell in love with the club at the Greyhound Stadium and have been a supporter ever since. Hunslet is a great family club that gets in your blood.”
Son Matthew is also a season ticket holder, while grandson Nathaniel has already attended a number of games. “He is not a regular yet, but he will be!” confides Bill, a mining engineer by profession who is a director of Blast Log Ltd.
During his time with British Coal he was the mining expert involved in the construction in the mid-90s of the South Leeds Stadium, Hunslet’s ground.
And he jokingly insists: “Please don’t blame me for the coldest stand in Rugby League! I actually advised that it be built on the opposite side of the road, where it faces the sun and is much warmer.”
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Hide AdSykes said: “We are extremely grateful to Bill and his family for their donation, which makes a big difference to us, not just in financial terms but in lifting everyone at the club as a reminder that we are all in this together.”
He added: “Whilst fully understanding the position a small number of supporters have found themselves in, I have been overwhelmed by the number of members and season ticket holders who have waived the option of a refund due to this season’s cancellation through the impact of Covid-19.”
Hunslet, meanwhile, continue to seek new investment. Companies - or individuals - that would like to get involved can email [email protected] or telephone 0113 271 2730.
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