Saint Billinge

Just been flicking through the Media Petition book and in particular the first basic edition of Open Rugby. One article suggested Tours should stay. Here is the first part of Harry's piece that he kindly penned for the book. It is over a quarter of a century that the first issue of 'Open Rugby' magazine was born out of the same feelings and frustration that I'm sure compelled Ray Gent to undertake his petition. In that first edition - in the very first paragraph ever written in the magazine - I made the comment, that whilst rugby league couldn't be beaten as a sport on the field, off the field "it has suffered from such an appalling lack of good publicity it is still a minority sport in most parts of the world - it has suffered from a smear campaign by a few sick-minded patrons of a rival code, and has suffered from its own inability to promote its own assets."

Captivating and amusing.

Grocery store magnate Sir Thomas Lipton sponsored as well as provided a trophy for an international football competition in 1909 and played for again in 1911. West Auckland won the four-team tournament both times, with the last one by defeating Juventus 6-1 in the final. It said that the villagers needed to auction personal possessions in order to pay for first trip to Italy. The FA were approached initially to submit a team but declined. West Auckland kindly allowed me to reproduce a team photo displaying the cup for my football book.

I'm currently writing a piece for my website about discrimination relating to women's football and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experience on the subject? Their sport has made giant strides since being banned from FA affiliated grounds in 1921 but still faces prejudice today. Tam Cowan from the Daily Record took a huge swipe at their participation in an article written last September. As for junior football in Lancashire, the Lancashire FA are experimenting by asking supporters to remain silent during a match. This decision is to see if youngsters enjoy the game more without distraction.

Stunning indeed Dave.

Love the photo and Grassington.

Watched World's Weirdest Events and truly amazing. Lost on its migration, a walrus managed to get to a town centre where it attacked vehicles. How about a freshwater lake near to a golf course in Brisbane having a dozen Bull sharks in it! It seems they somehow arrived from the sea and then along a river, which may have been flooded because the lake is landlocked. And before you ask, they can survive in both freshwater as well as salt water. Fish were seen wriggling along roads and houses engulfed in ice that had been blown in from a lake. One guy was inside his house filming the mounting ice. One fish could raise its poisoned bones out of its back in order to protect itself.

I agree, but it did receive quite a lot of comment over scenes on the underground that were inaccurate.

There is a nice circular walk at Dunham Massey which takes you past a tearoom and then canal.

Just love the enchanting photo.

Watched Morecambe and Wise part way through and found the 'clips' still hilarious. How some guests kept a straight face heaven knows?

Shed some tears watching Garry Barlow in Afghanistan - and what a fantastic concert everyone enjoyed. The soldiers taking part will certainly have some great memories to tell in future years. One guy was very emotional after Garry presented him with a guitar. I'll be watching it again that's for sure.

Watched the new series on gardening which featured topiary and roof gardens: the one on the Birmingham library was amazing. As for the guy who shapes bushes, the herd of elephants that he'd done for a neighbour is quite a talking point and amusing for anyone passing by.

Just heard that football has now dropped down to fourth spot in terms of participation.

I've enjoyed watching George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.

He did indeed. According to records 22 matches. It's been said that he once snapped the crossbar when playing for Bradford City. Apparently, he swung on it during the taking of a penalty. It's also said that Chelsea became the first club to use ballboys conveniently placed behind goal to make Foulke look even more huge. He was certainly a character. It seems a similar ploy happened when entering the field of play. A tiny winger named Moran would walk behind Foulke, leaving the opposition in dread of confronting the huge man.

You are correct in what you say regards Foulke but does this make it right to ignore this type of bullying? What's not in doubt is that some children do commit suicide after being constantly bullied. We can't change the past, but we can try to help youngsters improve their attitude to one another. Respect today at all levels is on the decline: I can vouch for that personally!

Not according to records, although it was way back in time. He did win two FA Cup medals as well as a Championship one.

Attending an under elevens match on Saturday last, I found out later that some lads on our team had been verbally abusing a rather big lad playing for the opposition, saying he was too fat to play football. Our Stu is going to bring the matter up at training, as well as having my say on Saturday. Now I know things are said in junior football that aren't complimentary, but surely this is bang out of order? I just hope the lad goes on to continue playing the sport, but these things can be off-putting to say the least. Interestingly, William Henry Foulke was an outstanding goalkeeper for Sheffield United way back in time even though reputedly weighing 25 stone.

Sock it to 'em! Back in time, Soccus was a slipper type football boot.

Town Green under elevens of Ashton-in-Makerfield won a league match recently 16-1, only to suffer a 13-0 defeat the following week in a cup-tie. Football's ups and downs. Interestingly, only nine goals count in league games. I wonder what would be the result in the unlikely score of 10-9?

My lad's girlfriend's daughter is the only girl playing in an under-elevens for boys, and quite good. One guy on Saturday shouted out to his son "Yer playing like a girl". On pointing out that Courtney was playing well, he looked rather sheepish.

The lame excuse was men considered women's football a health hazard for the ladies. Furthermore, the women's game was gaining in popularity, much to the annoyance of those charged with running the sport. Women's football first took off in the late 19th century, only to be ridiculed. With women shedding the apron strings to help in the war effort, as well as many men on active service, it briefly took off again. Dick Kerr's Ladies actually toured France and North America. The FA at the time were not amused and sent out a strong message to the football authorities in Canada and the US not to play matches against them. Canada didn't offer as much as a cordial welcome, although the US did play three matches against Dick Kerr's Ladies. There was a shock in store though as all the US players were men. The ladies did put up a good show, winning one match, drawing another while losing one. That was that though and women's football then declined somewhat.

Indeed, women were banned from playing on all the FA's affiliated grounds for over 50 years.

Goodison Park once hosted a women's football match between St Helens' Ladies and the famous Dick Kerr's Ladies of Preston which attracted 54,000, with over 14,000 not able to get in.