22 Comments
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Rob's avatar

Beautifully written and very moving. Many thanks.

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T Obrien's avatar

Thanks for that. Funny thing, I wrote this intending it to be a funny little story but the feedback I have got has been about how emotive it is. I suppose this should have been obvious to me given the subject matter but it wasn’t.

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Rob's avatar

You have a rare talent of painting a very vivid picture with words. I think a lot of us, as children through the 60s and 70s, can relate to your story and that's probably why it resonated with me. Looking forward to your next piece.

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T Obrien's avatar

Thanks Rob, that’s great to hear, particularly as it’s the first creative thing I have written since I was at school. If creative is the right word for this kind of thing! I have to thank Sam from The Pinch for his suggestions on changes and improvements.

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Hazel Little's avatar

Oh my goodness. My mum worked at Bramall Lane during the time your mum was there, but in the office and my life was certainly so much different to yours.

An inspirational read and your mum was certainly one of a kind, a true fighter and survivor.

Thank you for sharing…..not sure about the worms tho….😂😂😂😂😂

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Sue's avatar

A fitting tribute, indeed, Tom. Thanks for sharing your memories. I was going to say you've weathered the storm to come out as a well-rounded chap, but then I remembered you're a Blades' supporter . . . !! 😉 No, seriously it was a good read and an interesting look at the social history of the time.

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passinginterest's avatar

Beautifully written and funny

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Clarence Boddicker's avatar

Great read.

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Lombardo's avatar

Fantastic little read that.

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this is Bracewell's avatar

Good stuff.

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Remi's avatar

Fantastic article Tom, loved it!

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Simon's avatar

I used to go regularly in the early 1970s, moved away about the time your Mum started working there, always followed the Blades from afar but only saw the odd game at BDTBL during visits back. I remember the ersatz Bovril and the pies - don't worry I didn't get worms. Thanks for this evocative piece - funny and moving by turns and really well written. May your Mum's memory be a blessing.

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Dan Devon's avatar

Tremendous words, sad yet reflective, and those moments all moulded you into now, and alongside the Blades through it all - thank you for sharing.

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Jonathan Ping's avatar

simply luvly

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peter rogers's avatar

i remember those days well, great article

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Jane's avatar

Brought tears to my eyes

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Caty's avatar

Great piece

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Adam Davidson's avatar

This is a really nice piece, and a great tribute to your mum. Thanks for sharing your story.

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Bobby D's avatar

Such wonderful memories, forged in extremely difficult circumstances with the love for your Mum shining through

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