Remembering John Eastwood in the way he would have wanted.
When John passed away, it was all so sudden for everyone. No one knew what to do, what to say or how we could all come together as one to remember young Eastie. The idea of a one off football match between a side from Lincoln and a side from Beighton was suggested by John's parents John & Gwen and his uncle Phil Smith and his partner Anita, nothing more than that was really expected but just about everyone who heard about it wanted to enter a team so the idea of a "Festival Of Football" was born. Many months of planning and regular monthly meetings with all the people involved in the event ensured that we had everything in place for the day. With the addition of Phil and Anita's planning, Mick's design, Doug's lists and John and Gwen's desire for the perfect day - it all happened! Although the weather was a little bit blustery - many of the stall holders set up a day early, camping out to make sure everything was ready. By the time the the 10 teams turned up for the tournament - everything was up and running and despite an ever increasing hurriacane strength wind (ok....it was just very windy!) it was a great success. We got so much help throughout the day - Norman, Jenny, Anita and Gemma ran the food stall like a 3 star Michelin restaurant, the sweet stall did a roaring trade, we even enlisted some doggy help with Eastie's beloved Bron and Bonnie helping out as you can see! The football continued all day - the 10 teams split into two separate groups and playing a round-robin format, leading to a semi final and final. Some great football, good fun and awful goalkeeping by Mick Cooper all set up the day for a great final. Phil Smith showed that he "still had it" although if he uses the cream the doctor gave him...it would soon clear up! Brother Karl Plant - our resident redcoat even turned back the clock, ditched his Public Address duties and kicked a few players all in the name of sport. The winners of the final were Killamarsh, a team captained by Dan Smith (young Eastie's cousin). Going back to when we arranged for the medals and trophy, I remember Dan saying "We're having that trophy!". True to his word, Dan galvanised a first class effort from his team who, like all the teams in the tournament they played entertaining, competitive and fun football. Sheffield Wednesday legend Mel Sterland alongside Phil Smith presented medals to all the finalists along with the trophy to Dan Smith of Killamarsh. Phil paid an emotional tribute everyone involved thanking them for their tireless effort and support. He had one winners medal left. Presenting it to young Eastie's dad, Phil said "Eastie was always a winner and always will be!" The day drew to a close, so much fun was had by everyone who attended, a stack of money was raised and a huge effort by everyone involved had made the inaugural Festival of Football a huge success - we are planning the next one....watch this space! Plans are already being made for the 2008 Festival Of Football. If you wish to submit a team, offer sponsorship, give a little time to help us, run a stall or just feel like finding out a bit more - please contact Phil Smith or Mick Cooper by submitting the Contact Form
When John passed away, it was all so sudden for everyone. No one knew what to do, what to say or how we could all come together as one to remember young Eastie. The idea of a one off football match between a side from Lincoln and a side from Beighton was suggested by John's parents John & Gwen and his uncle Phil Smith and his partner Anita, nothing more than that was really expected but just about everyone who heard about it wanted to enter a team so the idea of a "Festival Of Football" was born.
Many months of planning and regular monthly meetings with all the people involved in the event ensured that we had everything in place for the day. With the addition of Phil and Anita's planning, Mick's design, Doug's lists and John and Gwen's desire for the perfect day - it all happened! Although the weather was a little bit blustery - many of the stall holders set up a day early, camping out to make sure everything was ready. By the time the the 10 teams turned up for the tournament - everything was up and running and despite an ever increasing hurriacane strength wind (ok....it was just very windy!) it was a great success.
We got so much help throughout the day - Norman, Jenny, Anita and Gemma ran the food stall like a 3 star Michelin restaurant, the sweet stall did a roaring trade, we even enlisted some doggy help with Eastie's beloved Bron and Bonnie helping out as you can see!
The football continued all day - the 10 teams split into two separate groups and playing a round-robin format, leading to a semi final and final.
Some great football, good fun and awful goalkeeping by Mick Cooper all set up the day for a great final. Phil Smith showed that he "still had it" although if he uses the cream the doctor gave him...it would soon clear up! Brother Karl Plant - our resident redcoat even turned back the clock, ditched his Public Address duties and kicked a few players all in the name of sport. The winners of the final were Killamarsh, a team captained by Dan Smith (young Eastie's cousin). Going back to when we arranged for the medals and trophy, I remember Dan saying "We're having that trophy!". True to his word, Dan galvanised a first class effort from his team who, like all the teams in the tournament they played entertaining, competitive and fun football.
Sheffield Wednesday legend Mel Sterland alongside Phil Smith presented medals to all the finalists along with the trophy to Dan Smith of Killamarsh. Phil paid an emotional tribute everyone involved thanking them for their tireless effort and support. He had one winners medal left. Presenting it to young Eastie's dad, Phil said "Eastie was always a winner and always will be!"
The day drew to a close, so much fun was had by everyone who attended, a stack of money was raised and a huge effort by everyone involved had made the inaugural Festival of Football a huge success - we are planning the next one....watch this space!
Plans are already being made for the 2008 Festival Of Football. If you wish to submit a team, offer sponsorship, give a little time to help us, run a stall or just feel like finding out a bit more - please contact Phil Smith or Mick Cooper by submitting the Contact Form
