Didsbury legend gets due recognition for outstanding service

JOHN Walker (pictured) has been a member of Didsbury Golf Club for the past 45 years and as well as serving on various committees he has also been Captain and President of his beloved club.

John is a true sporting icon having also put in 70 years with Wythenshawe Amateurs FC and played a big part in the club development that now sees them playing in the North West Counties League with an excellent new soccer base on Gatley Road in Northenden.

John, who is the club President, received well deserved recognition for his outstanding services to the club as on the 70th anniversary of his time with the Ammies as they named the main stand on Hollyhedge Lane as The John Walker Stand.

The stand was unveiled by the High Sheriff of Manchester and a proud Wythenshawe man, Eamon O’Neal joined by the club’s Ultras, board members and John’s family.

Ammies chairman Carl Barratt said: “John Walker has been an integral part of this football club for 70 years- he has held almost every position at the club and has been a real driving force behind the club getting where we are today.

“To name a stand after John is a great tribute to immortalise all the work he has done over the years and I’d like to place on record on behalf of all at the club our thanks to John for everything he has done and continues to do at our great club.”

John had no idea what was happening, he was both surprised and delighted, saying:”It’s brilliant, I had no idea what was planned and I was really emotional when I first saw the stand.

“I’m really proud that all my mates within the club were here and I’d like to thank Carl and everyone at the club.

“I am also glad that my son Alan, who lives in New Zealand, also got to see the news and I am thankful that my family got to share this moment with me.”

John no longer plays golf at Didsbury but still meets up there each week with some of his old friends to continue his long connection and affection with the club.

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