This season may be over but Nantwich Town football fans can indulge their passion with a visit to Nantwich Museum on Pillory Street, writes Jonathan White.
Supporters can look back through the club’s colourful 140-year history thanks to a fascinating new display put together by Kerry Kirwan, the museum’s learning and engagement officer.
Historic FA Cup ties against Liverpool in 1892 and, more recently MK Dons, are showcased with a mix of memorabilia tracking the ups and downs of the club’s history since 1884.
Local heroes of the 1933 Cheshire Senior Cup winners jostle their medals with the famous 2006 FA Vase winning side.
A mounted photo of the proud first winners of silverware in 1896 takes pride of place alongside a season ticket dating back to 1888.
There is also the match ball from the Dabbers last game at their old Jackson Avenue ground.
The eye-catching display is accompanied by a folder delving deeper into the archives, including cuttings and photos of the FA Youth Cup encounter with Manchester United’s early Busby Babes in 1952 (the Red Devils won 23-0!) when fluorescent shirts had to be worn under primitive floodlighting.
“Kerry and the museum have done a fantastic job shining a light on the club’s rich heritage,” said Dabbers’ historian Michael Chatwin, who has collaborated with the museum.
“The past has been brought alive with a display that will excite the interest of all footie fans.”
The exhibit forms part of the Nantwich Life section at the museum, which was voted Ambassador of the Year at the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards.
“Football has been a big part of our community life since Victorian times,” added Kate Dobson, museum manager.
“And I hope we’ve done justice to the tapestry of footballing lives woven into the town’s history.”
Admission to the museum is free.
Visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk for opening times.
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