Could this be you? 1966 Autograph Hunters Invited back to Hendon Hall Ahead of Poignant Bobby Moore Tribute
Signature at Hendon Hall, a care home in North London, is inviting young fans from the 1966 World Cup back to the famous grounds they visited in search of autographs from their footballing heroes.
Hendon Hall, in its former days as a hotel, holds a unique and special space in English sporting folklore.
It played host to England’s winning World Cup squad, who were guests throughout their successful 1966 World Cup campaign. The tournament saw football fans from across the world flock to the hotel to catch glimpses of English football’s shining stars.
Now a luxury care home, Signature at Hendon Hall is hoping to welcome supporters back to the grounds they visited to share memories of the triumph, and to honour team captain Bobby Moore’s legacy at a tribute the home will be paying to mark 30 years since he passed away.
Having unearthed photos of young autograph hunters, Signature at Hendon Hall is embarking on a search for the youngsters snapped in two photos. They were taken on 25th July 1966, a day before England’s semi-final win against Portugal.
The photos show Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves being tailed by the fans ahead of the match, which turned out to be a pivotal game for the team, Charlton netted both goals to send England to the final, where they overcame West Germany at Wembley Stadium – five miles away from Hendon Hall.
The autograph hunters in the image are invited to return to Hendon Hall on Saturday 22nd July 2023 for a lunch to trade treasured footballing memories, and to celebrate Hendon Hall’s place in sporting folklore.
Guests will be treated to a luxury lunch, alongside fundraising fun on behalf of Bobby Moore Fund – a fund set up in his memory by his widow Stephanie.
Rakhee Popat, Client Liaison Manager at Signature at Hendon Hall, said:
“The memories that those young autograph hunters were able to make with their sporting heroes back in 1966 are ones we would love to share with them.
“The celebration we are holding will reflect on the triumph of Bobby Moore and the rest of the ’66 boys. It is also one that will look to the future, as we aim to raise funds in honour of Bobby and to see the Lionesses kick off their quest for glory.
“Any help in finding the young autograph hunters will be greatly appreciated!”
The date of the care home’s event also marks the Lionesses seeking to follow in the footsteps of England’s 1966 side, as they face Haiti in their World Cup 2023 opener being held in Australia and New Zealand.
If you recognise yourself or anyone else in this image, please contact Signature at Hendon Hall on 02031306725 or email events.hendon@signaturesl.co.uk
