The following article is an appeal on behalf of a lady who wishes to trace
a photo of her father who lived in Kirkby back in the 1940's. The ladies father
was injured playing football in Kirkby on the 20th of Sept 1947 and his name was
Archibald Woodford. Archie played in midfield and wore a No 10 shirt. His nickname
was 'Killer'. A nickname, which no doubt, reflected his enthusiasm on the field of
play. Do any readers recall football games back then in Kirkby?
Bevin Boys
Archibald Woodford was a 'Bevin Boy' who worked down the mines from 1944
to 1947. The Bevin Boys were the young lads who had to work down the mines during
the Second World War. Bevin was the Minister of Labour and National Service at
the time and the scheme was NOT voluntary. A good number of ex miners live in
Kirkby, not so many now, but there may some ex Bevin Boys here who may recall
Archibald.
Photo in Local Paper
Apparently there was a photo of Archie Woodford in a local newspaper as
the injury he sustained on the 20th September 1947 was fairly serious and
Archibald was hospitalised for a total of some 9 months. Archie would
have been 21 at the time. At the actual game there were 'spotters' as
they were known at the time, looking for talent for football league
clubs. Perhaps the injury Archie sustained put a stop to his hopes of
playing professional. It is likely that the photo appeared in the Echo
or Daily Post, if so the archives should quickly determine if this is the case.
The Gent family?
Can any older readers recall a family called the
'Gent's', apparently Archibald stayed with this family in Kirkby
and they had a son who also played football. The Gent family may still be around.
Archibald's date of birth was the 18.11.26.
Please ask around your family and friends in case someone here still
remembers Archie or the Gent Family.
As an act of philanthropy I will pop into Liverpool City Library
and hopefully be able to spot the original article which has the photograph
of Mr Woodford IF it is in the Echo or Daily post which has archives on microfilm.
If you feel you can help, please contact Kirkby Times at the
usual email address and we can forward your email to Mr Woodford's
daughter who has made this appeal.
Thanks, in advance, to anyone who may be able to help. If the photo
is traced we will report back.
