A museum has paid homage to 100 years of Wisbech Town Football Club by putting together an online exhibition.
Wisbech and Fenland Museum got in touch with the Fenmen’s supporters' group to mark the club’s #FENtenary year in 2020, which was dampened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sarah Coleman, project officer and Robert Bell, curator, then contacted club secretary Spencer Larham and Fenmen historian Gordon Smith to find out more.
“Research into the history of the club began in early 2021 and continued through lockdowns and the museum being closed due to building works,” said Sarah and Robert.
“In 2020, we received a collection of scrapbooks and programmes collected over 50 years by fan Alan Balding, and these helped us to unlock stories in the photos the museum had already.”
The exhibition is part of the New Conversations project, which looks at developing how the museum tells stories and creates engaging co-curated content for the community.
From Wisbech Town’s birth in 1920, to the success of its walking football team, the exhibition boasts cuttings, photos and videos for Fenmen and general football fans to see.
“In the 100 years, I think we’ve had an interesting journey,” said Spencer.
“As it’s online, the exhibition can change and evolve and hopefully it’s something people will enjoy.
“Even those of us who thought we knew all there was to know have been surprised by some of the items.”
Spencer added: “Look out for the Paul Gascoigne hoax, and the letter from the Mayor of Manchester thanking the club in the year of the Munich air disaster.”
Famous cup runs, including when Wisbech played in the FA Cup first round three years running in the 1990s, and Eastern Counties League wins are also documented.
Details from books that Gordon Smith wrote were used in the exhibition, which according to Sarah has “unearthed some amazing stories.
“So many people have helped us, from members of the public, the Wisbech Standard and the team from ITV News Anglia and our community co-curators Gordon and Spenny.”
Sarah added: “We cannot thank them all enough.”
To mark the launch of the exhibition, we will be publishing more photographs in a series of articles marking a century of Wisbech Town FC.
Do you have any memories of Wisbech Town FC during its history? If so, get in touch with us.
Send in your memories by email to: Daniel.Mason@archant.co.uk or through the Wisbech Standard Facebook page.
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