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Jul 2021

Community

1966 World Cup final memories: Tannoys at Birstwith Show and replays at the Odeon

Published: 11 Jul 2021, 10:00 BST

by Thomas Barrett

The Stray Ferret asked for Harrogate residents who were old enough to watch the game what their memories were, which included some surprises.

The whole of the Harrogate district will be glued to a TV screen on Sunday night to hopefully watch Gareth Southgate's men make history.

It's only the second time England has reached a major final.

Fifty-five years ago, Wembley hosted the 1966 World Cup Final, when England beat West Germany 4-2.

The Stray Ferret asked Harrogatonians who were old enough to watch the match what their memories were, which included some surprises.

Did you know that the Odeon cinema on East Parade put on a replay of the game a week later so fans could see the action in full colour?

Gail De Pru said:

"I was 15 at the time and had my German penfriend, Heike Will, staying with us. As you can imagine the atmosphere was slightly strange and muted!"

Sean Beggs-Reid said:

"I was nine, watched in black and white at home in Harrogate! When it was all over, it seemed like everyone was out in the street singing and playing football. I think it was about a week later that my dad and I went to the Odeon cinema to watch in full colour!"

Christine Hemming said:

"I remember it well. I watched it at home with my mum and dad. Dad was a signalman on British Rail and was working at North Rigton. He should have been leaving home to go on shift when the game went into extra time.

"Dad thought that old Bill, the chap he was taking over from, wouldn't mind if he was late. So Dad promptly sat down again to watch the rest of the match. No phone at home in those days to let old Bill know what was happening."

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Jan Marble said:

"My gran and I were at Birstwith Show and they played the radio coverage over the Tannoy."

James Prince said:

"My Saturday job was at Burtons on Market Place/Cambridge Street. My boss Mike Collins from Leeds wouldn't let me go until bang on 5pm. So using my dad’s car (white Ford Consul Classic - for the enthusiasts) I almost flew home to Bilton Lane, 50 yards short of the level crossing, to catch extra time.

"I couldn’t speak after, my voice was so hoarse from cheering England on. My dad worked near Frankfurt at the time as a stovepipe welder, so he had loads of German mates and came in for a lot of ribbing when he came back!"

John Russell said:

"I was at the final in 1966, aged 19, behind the goal in which Geoff Hurst planted the fourth goal. I had bought a season ticket for England’s group and knockout games at Wembley and the White City, for the princely sum of £7.10s (including 12/6 for the final!)."

Sylvia Wilkinson said:

"We watched with our friends in Otley Road and their two little boys were frightened when we all jumped up and celebrated!"

Moira West said:

"Watched at home with my mum who was German but there was no issue with patriotism, she was very much for England. I still have my homemade World Cup Willie who will be watching the England vs Italy game on Sunday!"

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1966 World Cup final memories: Tannoys at Birstwith Show and replays at the Odeon

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