Tomorrow Hereford FC are celebrating 50 years of the Len Weston Stand.
Whilst it was officially opened on March 19th 1973, the first game took place two months earlier.
Supporters watching tomorrow's game from the Len Weston Stand will be entered in a draw to win 'Weston' products
The original 'Mr
Hereford United', Len Weston joined the club's board in 1946 before becoming
chairman three years later. He led the club for 16 years until 1965, and
was Club President for six more until his death in March 1971.
Weston steered the
club though a number of financial crises, often stumping up large sums -
usually classed as 'donations from the supporters club' - when the
wolves were at the door. 70 years ago in the 1953/4 season the club
recorded a £11,282 loss - the equivalent to £260,000 today - with the
supporters club magically raising £11,450 to cover the loss.
After his death,
his name was placed on the newly built Len Weston Stand. Completed in
February 1973, it remains a lasting legacy for a man the club will be
lucky to see the likes of again.
The Len Weston stand is one of the earliest examples of a
cantilever stand in the United Kingdom that still exists. It is 350 feet
long and 15 feet wide. The width being dictated by the size of the
pitch and the perimeter of the ground. The need for a new stand had
begun five years earlier. In 1968 a new ring road was built along Edgar
Street. The road widened thus creating the need for a slimline stand to
replace ‘The Ark’ which had been inherited from Luctonians Rugby Club.
Planning for the new stand began in 1970 as part of United’s campaign for football league status. Local building contractor Harry Vaughan took on the project in full knowledge that the club had not yet raised the money to pay for the work. Herefordshire firm ‘Building Services’ were responsible for the sheeting and cladding and the grandstand structure was supplied and erected by ‘Concrete (Midlands) Limited’ of Lichfield. It comprised a precast concrete column and beam frame, supporting precast concrete stepped terracing units. These units supported successive steps with an interlocking action. Fixings were cast into the step units to which seats were later attached.
Planning for the new stand began in 1970 as part of United’s campaign for football league status. Local building contractor Harry Vaughan took on the project in full knowledge that the club had not yet raised the money to pay for the work. Herefordshire firm ‘Building Services’ were responsible for the sheeting and cladding and the grandstand structure was supplied and erected by ‘Concrete (Midlands) Limited’ of Lichfield. It comprised a precast concrete column and beam frame, supporting precast concrete stepped terracing units. These units supported successive steps with an interlocking action. Fixings were cast into the step units to which seats were later attached.
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| Picture From Chris Adcocks |
The entire
precast concrete structure was manufactured in Lichfield and erected on
Edgar Street in 3 ½ weeks. A large mobile crane was erected from the
roadway in Edgar Street. In order to pay for the works ‘The Grandstand
Fund Committee’ was established following the clubs election to the
football league. By 1974 £20,000 of the required £31,000 had been
raised.
The stand was named in honour of club stalwart and benefactor Len Weston who had contributed his time, skills and money to the club during the 1950s and 60s. The 1,200 capacity stand opened on 6 January 1973 when the Bulls beat Bradford City courtesy of a Kenny Wallace goal.
The stand was named in honour of club stalwart and benefactor Len Weston who had contributed his time, skills and money to the club during the 1950s and 60s. The 1,200 capacity stand opened on 6 January 1973 when the Bulls beat Bradford City courtesy of a Kenny Wallace goal.