Goldstone Ground Heritage Board

The Board newly erected  The Board about to be unveiled

On the morning of Saturday, 30 July, the mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Anne Meadows, and Albion life-president Dick Knight unveiled the new Goldstone Ground Heritage Board in the south-western corner of Hove Park.

It was, of course, a very special day for all Albion fans, being the official opening of the new Amex Stadium. Tim Carder, who oversaw the project, made a short speech in which he called it "the greatest day" in Albion's history, because the new stadium ensures the club's future throughout the 21st century and into the 22nd. Tim added: "As we leave this place for the final time today, 14 years after we last left, we now do so on our own terms and in our own way, leaving behind this heritage board which will tell our young fans and future generations something of the sporting venue that stood across the road."

Albion's poet-in-residence Attila the Stockbroker gave a most emotional recitation of his famous "Goldstone Ghosts" poem before the curtain was pulled back – Tim had offered a suitable prayer to Heath Robinson – to reveal the heritage board underneath. Around 120 supporters were in attendance.

Tim expressed his thanks to the city council for their assistance, especially Graeme Rolf, and also The Argus for help with pictures. "I really don't like public speaking but it all seemed to go well," said Tim. "The only hitch was that a dog had lifted its leg against the bubble-wrap overnight and left it in a rather damp state!"

The project was underwritten by the Supporters' Club, but the Albion Collectors' and Historians' Society also made a substantial donation and there have been many individual contributors. Anyone wishing to contribute to the project can still do so via Barclays Bank account 60937320, sort code 20-20-62, in the name of "Goldstone Heritage Fund". Cheques or postal orders should sent to John Kirkland, 32 Buchans Lawn, Crawley RH15 9NZ.

The Board unveiled  The Heritage Board

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