LAST Wednesday, members of Radcliffe Probus Club visited the National Football Museum, at Preston. The visit was organised by past president, Ken Jubb. Our coach left Radcliffe library at 10am with 21 of our members. Shortly after our arrival at 10.45am, we had coffee. Afterwards, we were allowed to stroll around the museum and see a collection of football memorabilia that was truly fascinating.

We saw the oldest international shirt in the world, dating back to 1972. This shirt was worn by an English international, a gentleman who was also a talented hurdler. He later went on to represent Scotland. The football from the first ever World Cup Final in 1930 was also on display, together with the Jules Rimet trophy, the FA cup and a magnificent bronze statue of the great Tom Finney.

Gary Lineker invited visitors to sit down and commentate on "Match of the Day". Jim Rhodes, one of our members took up the challenge, did an excellent commentary but sat in the wrong chair, and when we say the playback, Jim's head was blocked out.

There was also a special room where you could place the ball on the penalty spot and see if you could beat the goal keeper.

In addition, there was a section covering ladies football and I noticed a programme with the little Dick Kerrs ladies, what a shame the programme wasn't open, I feel sure that I would have seen

Radcliffe's Nellie Halstead's name amongst the ladies team.

We all sat down to lunch at 1pm and afterwards we were allowed a further hour to look at more memorabilia upstairs.

At 3pm, our coach party left for home and the driver returned to Radcliffe by the scenic route over Tockholes and Belmont, arriving home at 4pm.

Thanks to Ken Jubb, this was a truly enjoyable day out. Ken is hoping to arrange a further trip some time in the new year.

Our next meeting will be on November 30, when our guest speaker will be Rev Derek North, his subject, Poland.

Christmas lunch is on December 7, at Unsworth Cricket Club, 12-12.30pm. Please book your lunch with the secretary, Joe Sowden, on 0161 280 6754. TN