Stalwarts take a second bow

Matlock Town have held a special presentation to surprise their trio of long-service award winners who were recognised by the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

The winners - Chairman Tom Wright, Safety Officer Stuart Else and Committee Member Hazel West - have all been honoured after each completed 38 years of loyal service for the Premier Division's Gladiators.

Matlock Town Chairman Wright was presented with his award at the Northern Premier League's Presentation Night in Blackpool by League Vice Chairman and MTFC Club Secretary Keith Brown. Else and West were also surprised to hear they'd been honoured by the Evo-Stik NPL earlier this month and are pictured being presented with their accolades before a management meeting at Causeway Lane alongside Brown and Wright.

Matlock's Chairman and safety man originally got involved with club by setting up the Gladiators Social Club in a wooden building next to the changing rooms back in 1975. Over many years the pair raised significant funds for the club and organised a host of activities. Both have now held their current positions for a number of years.

West joined the committee in the same year as her fellow stalwarts, joining her dad, Walter, and brother, Keith, who were already members of the committee. She helped organise the boardroom refreshments for many years before taking over the running of the club's matchday tea bar. The volunteer also ran the ‘200’ Club, a fantastic source of income for the Gladiators over many years.

A Matlock Town spokesman said: "None of the recipients were aware that the awards had been made by the NPFL and all were delighted that their long service had been recognised."

Image courtesy of Stephen Greenhough