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Stories from famous netball courts
Amateur sports enthusiasts from the past are being asked to pen their favourite memories to mark the anniversary of one of Leyland's famous clubs.
The Leyland Motors Netball Club celebrates its 40th birthday in July and trustees Carol Metcalf and Cyril Foster want to compile a commemorative book of tales and photographs from anyone who has graced the well-known courts.
The Leyland Motors Sports and Social Club touched on thousands of people's lives in its pomp and is still thriving in its new form - Leyland Sports Association - producing talented young sports stars for the future from its base on Thurston Road.
Founder members Cyril and Carol want the public to send them their memories, plus a 5 donation to fund the initiative to ensure their name will be recorded in the history of Leyland.
The intention is to hand over the document to a museum in Leyland, with all proceeds after production expenses going to Christie Hospital in memory of Pat Greenwood.
Pat managed the netball league for many years and also coached Lancashire U18s to England Champions and a tour to South Africa.
She recalls: "I was invited by England Netball chief executive to the O2 Centre to watch England Netball v Jamaica at the recent test series.
"Who did I meet up with but the very first PE teacher at Worden Secondary School - now Worden Sports College - Margaret Sharples, now Margaret Seed.
"She was an inspiration to all the girls more than 50 years ago and was the inspiration for the formation of netball at Leyland.
"Many must remember the technique of changing the batten, hockey, athletics, swimming and netball.
"George Grimes took care of the boys, including many who went on to join the various clubs at LMSAC Cricket, football etc.
"Everyone will have memories of the gala days always held annually the first Saturday in July, which hosted many school competitions for athletics and greasy pole for the foundry boys.
"Did you see those rosettes proudly worn by the chairman and hon secretary and the committee and 'Uncle Tom Cobble'?
"They were so big it took a whole ream of material from Brook Mill to make them."
Were you amongst 1,000 netball girls who wrote to John Major asking for Sir Robert Atkins to be knighted after he helped obtain lottery and sports and arts grants to retain and develop sport at the motors club in 1992?
Write, send your pictures and 5 to Carol at 27 Parkgate Drive, Leyland, PR25 1BU, write to the Guardian at 32a Market Street, Chorley, PR7 2RY, or email sam.chadderton@lep.co.uk
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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