THE INTERVIEW

ANN KIRK THE INTERVIEW

As part of our regular series of interviews to find out a little more about the people who make Harrogate Railway the club it is, we talk to Ann Kirk.

The family name “Kirk” has been associated with Harrogate and District Railway Athletic Sports and Social Club since the 1950’s.

Father in Law, Walter Kirk, was a signalman on the railways and president of the club at the time.

In those days you had to be an employee of the railway to be associated with the club.

Later husband David joined the club and was entertainment secretary for many years.

We got together in July 1973, which is when I was introduced to “the Dagger”. Over 40 years ago!

At that time the Dagger was in two large portakabins with the bar linking both sides together and women were not permitted as members.

It has certainly changed since then being housed in its’ lovely modern building we see today.

David started his refereeing career before we got together and over the years rose to the heights of the then football league and also was president of Harrogate Referees Association, reaching the pinnacle of his career and officiating in the FA Vase Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in May 1989 between Sudbury Town and Tamworth.

Tamworth won 3-0 following the replay at Peterborough.

At the time of his passing David was still on the Management Board of the Northern Counties East Football League.

So as the old saying goes “if you can’t beat them, join ‘em”.

Having weathered a few years of referees meetings and every Saturday football ruled along with midweek matches too, we decided that perhaps if I knew a bit more about this prized game of 22 kicking a ball about I would get to like it a bit more.

Hence in 1984 I embarked upon the referees training course and was the first woman in Harrogate to pass.

It certainly made my life a lot easier!

Although the “offside” rule still takes some working out!

My son, Craig, also completed the course many years later, so a real football family.

In July 2015 I thought long and hard about joining the committee, I wanted to give something back in to the club in David’s memory.

I was proposed and seconded as a committee member. Great!

However, just before the Annual General Meeting, Alan Smith approached me and asked how I felt about being club secretary.

“You won’t have to do much just maybe write a few insurance letters, look after various things, membership etc”

Looking back I think Alan was a bit economical with the job description! I was general secretary of the National Federation of Fish Friers based in Meanwood, Leeds for many years subsequently this role has certainly helped me to undergo the role of club secretary “boldly” treking where no women has before.

Club secretary is certainly a busy role, not just turning up for matches.

Behind the scenes each day there is always a task to carry out, big or small.

My role as club secretary is certainly made easier by my colleagues on the committee and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support along with the members of the club.

Being voted as “person of the month” by your own peers was not only a great surprise but also overwhelming.