Remembering Marion Page

Bob Ockendon, Ironsides Old Guard, fondly remembers Marion (Mal) Page one of the club’s best supporters. Bob’s memories of Mal can be read below in this dedication to her.

I first met Mal when Kevin joined the Ironsides in 1972 and Mal always seemed to be supporting at every game.

Bearing in mind that we were a wandering side in those days, her commitment to support the club (but probably Kevin) was without parallel.

Meeting outside the Falcon at Clapham Junction, we would travel anywhere from Watford to the South and East coast. Mal was always present, along with some of the other girlfriends and wives.

I recall a couple of stories concerning Mal.

The 2nd.XV were playing at Vigo. We would regularly lock our car keys, wallets and other valuables in someone’s car. On this occasion it was Dave Johnson’s car. After the match, Dave shot off home, forgetting that he had the rest of the team’s valuables. Colin Thorpe had managed to keep his car keys and was duly despatched to chase after Dave.

In the meantime, Vigo played host at a local hostelry where we took them and the locals on at various pub games. We lived up to our tradition and duly trounced them at skittles (played on a wooden bowling alley), darts and pool, with Mal playing an active part in our victories.

In desperation, Vigo came up with the game “Bomb Dropping” which involved each player carrying several coins between the top of their legs walking across the bar and depositing as many of the coins as possible in a pint pot on the floor.

The men were abysmal at this however Mal was a superstar and won us the game, depositing all the coins she carried while wearing a long skirt.

Colin eventually got back to us with our valuables probably nearer closing time!

Another memory of Mal was when we started playing home games on Garrett Green, which was in 1977. We were based at the other end of Openview for our changing facilities. Mal became our volunteer dinner lady and regularly cooked our pie and beans every week, until the steward took over at the clubhouse, for both teams. After which we decamped to Nosher Powell’s pub (now Tesco).

I cannot think of a better candidate for club supporter of the century than Mal who was always there whatever the weather.

Rest in Peace Mal and join up with the other Ironsides with the angels.