FA Cup Semi-Final Anniversary Celebration

Wow, what a day at the LNER last Saturday. Junior Reds Day, Hinsh Appreciation Day, and of course the much anticipated 70^th Anniversary Celebration of City’s 54-55 FA Cup Semi Final appearance.

Thirty-six guests from that day were in attendance, eight accompanied by a family member or friend for safe passage. Six table sponsors, eight YCST Board Members, YCFC Club Historian Paul Bowser and Secretary of York City Past Players Association, Graham Bradbury meant a total of sixty guests. Three further tables were at capacity including a group of City fans holding their annual remembrance day for the much loved, larger than life John Catton.

Feedback from our guests was 100% positive, they all had a lovely day. Many had never met before but were soon happily swapping tales and Iain Dunn entertained the room by getting a number of guests to share their memories of that great day. It was lovely to hear them all reminiscing like the semi-final was played only yesterday, and really brought the semi-final to life for those of us not there!!

We would like to give a final thank you to our table sponsors, Barnitts Ltd, York Pullman Bus Co Ltd, Mike Haffenden (2 tables), and John Pratt.

Thanks also to all those contributing to the wine and drinks package, Alan Almond, Russell Cleaver, Chris Crowcroft, David Dansie, Mike Haffenden, Jon Rawnsley, Kathleen Turner (formerly Bembridge), Simon & Rob Turner, Anonymous (in memory of Raymond Hewitson), Anonymous.

The celebrations weren’t just about entertaining our guests, Paul Bowser and Mark Comer produced a fantastic commemorative matchday programme. The montage on the big screen with highlights from the cup run was superb as was the round of applause on 54-55 minutes, thanks to all fans for taking part.

The whole event was covered superbly by Radio York, York Press and we even had an appearance by BBC Look North

The whole day was a resounding success, enjoyed by all, and was a fitting tribute to the heroes of the 1954/5 season.