Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch Committee Member

On Friday 15th Oct 2010, Hundon Plough was the venue for a meal put on for Betty as a thank you for all the work she has put into the Branch for over 25 years until forced to retire as secretary because of health problems – although thankfully she is staying on the committee in an advisory capacity. 29 people joined together to make this a night that Betty would not forget. As well as Branch members we were also joined by Simon Clegg from Ipswich Town FC and Liz Edwards representing the Clubs Supporters Branches with her husband Tim.

As we all settled down for coffee the Branch Chairman – Eddie – collected a bouquet of flowers and a Rose Plant from out of the air and presented it to her on behalf of the Branch – it was nice to note that the rose itself  was named Elizabeth. Eddie told a few stories about Betty and how many years she and he had worked together and how much she had enjoyed it. As he sat down up came Liz Edwards and presented Betty with a large bunch of flowers to go into the very beautiful engraved glass vase she also had on behalf of all the Supporters Club – this Vase was also beautifully engraved to Betty. Was that it thought Betty – No – Up stepped Simon Clegg and in front of all present he praised and thanked Betty on behalf of Ipswich Town Football Club for all the work she had put in on behalf of the club.

He then presented Betty with a picture on a shin of Ipswich Town football stands,  pitch and players framed with a plaque on it for Betty.

This must be it thought Betty – but no – having returned to his seat he came back to Betty “saying over 25 years’ service is worth more than a picture so what I suggest you do is that tomorrow you give your Season ticket away to somebody and bringing a friend along – you both join me in the Directors Box for the game as my guest.”

Betty had a great time along with Eddie Last for the afternoon under the wings of John Wark, meeting several players from the past and being treated like Royalty – in fact as she entered the stand she was greeted with a tannoy message welcoming her to the game and congratulating her on her service and efforts. It was good to see she even managed a Royal Wave to the 19000 people there who had turned up to greet her.

Betty was a very happy person after the weekend’s events.

Here are some photographs taken during the evening.