stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Mar 30, 2017 21:38:14 GMT
Thank you to all for the lovely comments and kind words. Popped up to Peasedown today( where he and mum both came from) -took dad his favourite flowers; cream roses, freesias ( mum's fave)-and stocks of course! Visited the cottage he was born in -the house he grew up in-and Peasedown football club-where it all started. Not a bad life for a miner's son...very proud.
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Feb 27, 2017 16:03:24 GMT
Better get best bib and tucker on then.....
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Jul 29, 2015 20:16:32 GMT
So pleased to see this happening. This disease has been pushed under the carpet for too long. As a carer -my husband was diagnosed 7 years ago- I know how awful this disease is. And it is quite noticeable how many footballers suffer from it ( although that's another issue!) Proud that it's our club taking the a lead in this - and sending my support to the Bowles family. Anything I can do to help, just shout.
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Jun 7, 2015 8:56:42 GMT
Took Dad over for the fiftieth anniversary-first time he'd been back since he was injured in the battle for Caen.(That's where he got the injuries that stopped him playing full time-and where his ears were damaged so he became quite deaf) Took me to the cemetery where members of his regiment were buried so it was very emotional. So glad we did this; prouder of what he did then than anything that happened later in football.
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Jan 27, 2015 19:06:57 GMT
stocky Sarah Stock Meeting John in March made dad seem alive again - so many stories. So grateful I got to know him.
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Oct 26, 2014 8:44:17 GMT
Still have my programme-with Matt Busby's autograph addressed to me. Plus the Man U team's signatures in my small autograph book. Putting those away for my son! Bittersweet day though-think it was the last game I went to where dad was still manager?
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on May 11, 2014 9:03:56 GMT
Although only 11 -was allowed to travel to the game in the supporters coach. Strong memories of cars flying past with Rangers scarves flying out of the window. Also my elder sister's 17th birthday-great present!
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Apr 17, 2014 9:00:50 GMT
Still missed every day. Thanks all. Sarah
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Mar 17, 2014 6:47:30 GMT
I think that was me being cuddled -happened a couple of times! I was in the middle with my two children either side - had a stinking cold so was grateful for drugs and makeup!
As to the reconciliation-yes is the answer for the family. As I emailed Ian Taylor, I now feel I can support the Rs again without feeling guilty.The club tried hard to make up for past errors-which were not down to the current regime;they couldn't do enough for us throughout the day. I did discuss a permanent memorial with PB - he knows that is what we would like - and he's very aware that the fans would like that as well so it is 'out there' as it were.
It was amazing - still a total blur-but it did feel like coming home. I know people on here were very much a part of ensuring Saturday happened so thank you all. Sarah.x
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Mar 16, 2014 12:48:37 GMT
Lovely to meet you too! QPR looked after the family really well - couldn't do enough for us. As for the betting...I remember reading somewhere that dad fancied being a bookie if the football hadn't taken off ( though I never remember this being said by him!) But, if true, maybe some of it rubbed off? Still didn't get my stake back from my son though....hmmm
Lovely to see some of the players -and John Smith who was so much a part of dad's set up.
Tired but happy today - hope he was looking down and approving. At last.Looking forward to the pictures!
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Mar 14, 2014 19:32:40 GMT
Wonderful! Wish I could bring all my memorabilia up in the car....but maybe another day! The two grandsons will love to speak to you; they are football men through and through-will be interested in your wealth of knowledge.
Just hoping I sleep... Sarah
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Mar 13, 2014 21:20:23 GMT
The plan as I know it: applause prior to the match with family/ex players on the touch line. (Although they are waiting for the OK for this from the League?)Half time-Q&A session on pitch with ex players -presentation to the family from both clubs. There is also planned Q&A sessions with ex players prior to the match - I think one session is in the club shop-one in W12?
This was a draft plan - may be changes as not all those invited are in the best of health.Family attending is myself, elder sister, dad's three grandchildren ( plus two spouses) and his first great grandchild ( my granddaughter who is two, cute, and I am sure may steal the show.)
I may be asked to say something; I will try not to let Dad down - but please bear with me if I'm a bit emotional!
Am now having nightmares about my car breaking down en route ( from Dorset)!!
See you on Saturday! Sarah
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Mar 13, 2014 17:27:57 GMT
Please come along to where the family is being fed and watered - we have a box somewhere! Would be lovely to meet up face to face.Sarah
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Feb 25, 2014 21:09:45 GMT
I've had a few emails from Ian Taylor-latest ones to do with the programme. He has said he will be contacting me next week -presumably with details as to timings for the day. That may be the same for all the guests? Not sure-just a guess!
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Feb 19, 2014 20:07:12 GMT
I shall do my best to try to remember!I have been told Frank will be there, so should speak to him at some point.
Still have the programme from the Sunderland game-as well as a few other bits and pieces...love the newsreel!
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Jan 12, 2014 10:45:01 GMT
Looking forward to meeting you face to face! Sarah
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Jan 9, 2014 16:58:51 GMT
Hi Hadders.
I did read your post and felt very rude in not responding but I had already been contacted by the club and felt i couldn't say anything until the 'Alec Stock Day' had been confirmed. Hopefully, that will not be the end but the start of some type of permanent memorial to dad at the new ground. Will keep everyone posted! Sarah
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Jan 8, 2014 17:15:29 GMT
The club have told me they are inviting players from the 67/8 season-and I've also made a couple of other suggestions. All of the family are delighted and are really looking forward to coming back to Loftus Road. Will be an emotional day! (Sarah-Alec's daughter)
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Oct 30, 2013 21:22:01 GMT
As an aside, I give up on the amount of times I've said, his name's not Alex. Perhaps immaterial. Nope=drives me mad as well!
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Oct 30, 2013 20:46:53 GMT
I'm sure I can speak for the family and say we would certainly support such an idea.Lovely of you to suggest it.
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Oct 30, 2013 18:54:25 GMT
I was happy to be interviewed for this article and it's the truest I've seen. I certainly remember Mark Lazarus-and Derek Healey -at dad's funeral and it was lovely to see them-Derek has been a friend of the family for years. Rodney came and spoke at dad's testimonial dinner in Yeovil and is held in great affection by the family.
Rangers weren't asked to play at the testimonial-that was always Fulham v Yeovil-but their absence was noticeable. There were players from the Orient who came to support-from the 1950s-as well as the surviving members of the Yeovil cup squad.If anyone from rangers was there. I aplogise-but we didn't see them.
The hardest bit was when we were trying to raise money to support dad in his last few years-salaries for managers weren't what they are now and he was very proud! I did speak to Peter Ellis who had always been supportive but he advised me not to bother contacting the then board as there was no point.He was no longer in a position to influence them, I believe.If it wasn't for the others, dad would have ended his days in a council run home. He had lived with me for ten years but did not want my children to see him ill; the money raised by the others helped him to be in a wonderful 'home from home' where we could pop in and see him whenever we wanted and he was treated well-they even put a greenhouse out the back for him. And he told me he loved being bathed by a young blonde...!
I can't be sure-I may have missed it-but I don't even remember a tribute being sent to the funeral. But I could be wrong....I hope I am.
We still remember the great days at QPR with affection - but a bit of compassion wouldn't have hurt, would it?
Sarah Stock
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Sept 20, 2013 18:57:06 GMT
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Sept 20, 2013 18:56:44 GMT
Hurrah. Can think of a few others who deserve a statue at Fulham before MJ....
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Dec 16, 2012 8:33:06 GMT
Copies still available from several small booksellers if you search on line if any one wants one. Thanks for posting this -brought back a lot of memories.
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Dec 5, 2012 7:38:16 GMT
Think it was close to first-dad started '59? Early days-I was always trussed up like a parcel next to mum. Later-was allowed behind the goal -dad would walk me round and pop me over to stand with supporters-I was only 8 or 9 then. Can't imagine that happening now!
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Dec 4, 2012 20:24:48 GMT
I was there-wrapped up in a car rug, sitting with mum. Only four...cold!
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Dec 2, 2012 10:09:46 GMT
Re Alec Stock's departure. Judging from his and the family's reaction - especially my mother's - he did not resign but was treated dreadfully by Gregory. He was not so ill he could not work-it was asthma -which his later successes bear out. I know the club's official line -at the time-was 'by mutual consent' - but this was far from the truth. I can remember dad being mortified by having to go and 'sign on' -and coming home in high dudgeon, after refusing to do so. An awful period in my family's life.
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Oct 21, 2012 16:53:43 GMT
Sorry to reply so late-been away for a while!
Difficult to say how he would have reacted -he would have wanted the best for the team and certainly have driven players to achieve their best - but also wanted to do that within an atmosphere of remaining a local club-there for the supporters? ( If you follow me!)
Don't know if that's much help-sorry! ( am watching Everton game at same time as typing-not a good combination!)
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on May 13, 2012 18:19:04 GMT
'Joseph Barton @joey7barton Right am off for a bit. Gonna enjoy QPR still being a Premiership club with all my team-mates. Cheerio people'
Latest tweet. Wonder what his reception will be?
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stocky
Gerry Francis
Posts: 42
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Post by stocky on Oct 3, 2011 15:02:07 GMT
Yes please!
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