Welcome back to WWYATS?

The last printed Where were you at the Shay? was a celebration edition following Stan Ternent's championship in 1997. It was never meant to be the last one, it just sort of happened that way. We'd laughed and moaned through several seasons and when all of a sudden you've been to Wembley and then had two consecutive promotions it seemed a little churlish to keep complaining.

Of course if we'd known what was to follow we'd have probably kept going, two seasons in the (real) 2nd division - now the Championship to those of you under 15 - the fall of Hugh Eaves, SOS, administration, BASE (remember them?), relegations, not to mention the combined mismanagement of Messers Warnock, Preece, Barrow and Casper have all gone without the barbed but considered comment of WWYATS?

In the world of the internet it is difficult, if not verging on the impossible, to produce a football fanzine that is reactive to current issues and come up with a different view, as dozens of people will have posted their thoughts on the message board(s) of their choosing within moments of them becoming common knowledge.

Hopefully this blog will allow the old team to sharpen its claws again, without the need to stand outside Gigg Lane in all weathers working out if we've broken even on the latest edition, and maybe even allow a new contributor or two to raise their head and have a say. The old favourites will be resurrected and a few new ones developed, and there'll be an opportunity for some WWYATS? gold with some classics from the old fanzines posted up for your enjoyment again.

Thanks for visiting, please pop back regularly and enjoy the blog.

Up The Shakers.

Sunday, 20 April 2008

Warren Flood


Warren Flood was one of the WWYATS? originals, there from issue 1 and his death last week has shocked everyone who knew him.


The tribute in yesterday's match programme on the FB page was written by Chris Bainbridge (formally the mad Hatchet man) and I and I hope he won't mind my reposting it here. I've also included Ivan Lewis's touching poem that was read at Warren's funeral.


Warren was such a lovely fellow. A true Bury supporter through and through, I often saw him at both home and away matches. Warren served on Bury Council with dedication and distinction for many years, he was always willing to give time and thought to the cause of helping others as a councillor and as a caseworker for Ivan Lewis MP for Bury South. He was passionate about so many things, from football and politics to real ale and prog rock, I'm sure he'd been to more Hawkwind gigs than most members of Hawkwind!He was one of the original WWYATS? Fanzine team, contributing regularly and selling it out in all weathers. His contributions reflected his local outlook, including pieces about Prestwich Heys and other Non League football, not every piece made it into an issue but he never complained and contributed regularly throughout the life of the fanzine.He was a character you could rely on to be there, in the pub, at an away game and always have a sensible conversation in that quiet but intellegent manner he had.> Yet despite the strength of his beliefs, Warren was infinitely patient and tolerant of other people's opinions. He was always ready to look at things from the point of view of others, and could converse and debate without ever losing his patience. In all the time I knew him I don't believe I ever heard him even raise his voice, with the notable exception of when he was urging on his beloved Shakers of course and when riled by the activities of the other lot who moved to Horwich!!!DJAsh tells a great story on the tribute thread to Warren on the message board, of Warren disinfecting the soles of his shoes after visits to Burnden Park or the Breezeblock, I don't know if they're true or a legend that has built up over time but that sums up Warrens passion and commitment to the cause.When he had a little more time in recent years Warren became a board member of Forever Bury, as with everything he did wanting to go the extra mile to support the causes he believed in, and his imput was always worthwhile and considered.Warren was knowledgable about so many subjects and his warmth and good humour shone through in everything he did and said. Everyone who knew him liked, admired and respected him, and we are all still shocked that he has been taken at such a young age. Farewell Warren - a real gentleman in every sense of the word, and a lovely man. He will be remembered fondly by all who were lucky enough to have known him.




More than a Nice Man

It is not the title that you held But the difference you made

Not the speeches you made But the lives that you changed

Not the sound of your voice But the fabric of your soul

Not the wealth that you chased But the justice you craved

Not the bad words we all attract But only good words we all really seek

Not the demands that you made But the love that you gave

Not the Armani suit But the great crested newt

Not new Labour or old But real Labour like your ale

Not City or United But Forever Bury of course

Not Blair or Clinton But Castro the great

Not Mirror or Guardian But Star, that’s Morning not Daily At least that’s what you told Cath! Today we shed a thousand tears One for every life that you touched

We will go on fighting for noble causes Be there for those you loved

And we will try to be kinder, gentler, more compassionate Less judgemental

You see you taught us more than we ever realised.


Be in peace Warren
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