[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Saturday’s Matchday Sponsorship is a special and very fitting one indeed. Here’s the story. Fans of both Cinderford Town and Bristol Manor Farm will fondly recall great recent memories of Lewis Bamford flying up and down the wing during his stints as both a Forester and a Farmer too, often electrifying crowds with a neat turn of pace and eye for the spectacular goal or two. A popular lad with fans in both camps.
Like so many of the proud parents and families who travel to every game in unstinting support for their kids, we were lucky that Lewis had his grandparents Nigel and Audrey Bamford along as fine examples of this unique and often unsung breed of football supporter.
During Lewis’ time here both of them soon became regular travelling companions on Manor Farm awayday coaches where they made many friends including Dave & Alison Adams who were likewise following their son Jamie to wherever, whenever Bristol Manor Farm were playing. Their cheerful presence and sharing of fine foods gave those journeys something of a family picnic vibe.
Saturday’s game is sponsored in the memory of NIGEL BAMFORD, who sadly for everyone passed away last year. Our own Tony ‘The Scarecrow’ Parsons was one of those great friends that Nigel made and we thank him for both the idea and for sponsoring this particular home fixture in his honour and memory.
Speaking in the week to LIFE ON THE FARM, Tony added: “He was a family man who was loved by many. He took a real interest in people and was very down-to-earth. Full of love and compassion. He made many friends at The Farm. Nigel also spoke through his eyes when making conversation and like they say ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’. His soul was a good and honest one and his spirit lives on in his beautiful wife and soul-mate Audrey and the family who we welcome back to our ground today.”
Thanks for those kind words Tony, echoed by many we’re sure. Nigel is doubtlessly enjoying looking down on Lewis playing football now in the much sunnier climes of Australia where he is as popular a player as ever for Werribee City FC of the National Premier League of Victoria.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]