History

THE LEGEND CONTINUES...

To those of you that know of Michael Palin, you would be familiar with his work on the hit movies A Fish Called Wanda and Life Of Brian and his television work on Around The World In Eighty Days, Pole To Pole, as well as being instrumental with the writing, acting and directing of the worldwide acclaimed TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus. He also had a TV series called Ripping Yarns. Ripping Yarns was made up of, six forty-minute episodes each totally unrelated to each other. One such episode was called Golden Gordon. This episode was to change the lives of many people. Basically this episode is set in Yorkshire, England in 1935. Barnstoneworth United was a football team in the Yorkshire Premier League which had an outstanding record and brilliant players in the early 1920’s. By 1935, however, they are getting thrashed every game they play. The team which is full of young players, is to be sold off along with its home ground to the local scrap merchant. Gordon Ottershaw (Golden Gordon) was one of the few remaining loyal fans. In fact he was the local fanatic “nutter”.

Gordon’s knowledge of Barnstoneworth is encyclopaedic, or greater. He dreams of Barnstoneworth being a great team again just like the Premier team of 1922. In a last ditch effort, he rounds up all of the retired 1922 team members (who by now are geriatrics), and reunites them to play brilliant football again.

Barnstoneworth United Football Club (Melbourne branch) was formed by a group of “old” football players in 1990. They were mainly born in the UK. Like the Palin video, it was for the love of playing good football, and to relive some glory days. Many of the players knew that Barnstoneworth would be their last club. Eleven years later, many would rather retire outright than play for another club such has been the spirit of Barnstoneworth United. We have modelled ourselves on the 1935 team which in effect means that we play the game as it should be played - like gentlemen!!. The only difference with our team is that we raise money (hopefully lots of it) for charity. Playing in our long sleeved shirts, shorts below the knee and greased back hair an attitude of “ the result doesn’t matter” prevails. Hopefully this leads to a great game of football for both players and spectators alike and at the same time raises money for a worthy cause.

Our home ground is JT Gray Reserve, Kororoit Creek Road Williamstown Melbourne Victoria Australia.

We have two teams playing on a Sunday morning, in the Victorian Amateur League. One in the Premier division and the other (Olde Bhoys) in the Division 1 West. Check out our latest scores and position on the ladder. If you go to our Related Links Page, you will find the Victorian Amateur League icon and link.

Yorkshire Premier League 1922 ...Hagerty F., Hagerty R., Tomkins, Noble, Carrick, Dobson, Crapper, Dewhurst, MacIntyre, Treadmore, Davitt. (Listed in a strong Yorkshire accent)

Other traditions persist. Check out the following in detail:

Shorts don’t matter
Eight bloody one: (A legendary score line, in which the club shouts the beer)
The length of the shorts worn
A hard, ruthless, tough, fighting unit
The Walk On
Team Song
There is also a Barnstoneworth United, Sydney and Orange in New South Wales. One in Tasmania and one in Manhattan US, that we have links to.

A HARD, RUTHLESS, TOUGH FIGHTING UNIT.

HOW BARNSTONEWORTH UNITED FUNDRAISING WORKS.......

Barnstoneworth United is a not for profit football club who, rely heavily on the financial support of its players and supporters as well as corporate and business sponsors to achieve its charitable goals. No amount of money or donation of product will ever be refused, every little bit helps.

Listed below is a brief summary of the clubs charity activities since its inception.

1991 This was Barnstoneworth United’s initial foray in to charity fundraising. We provided the Urimbirra Home for Adults with an Intellectual Disability, with a new Television set and Video Recorder, that was badly needed.
Money raised $ 750

1992 BUFC raised funds for the Braybrook Community Center
Money raised $ 500

1993 A very young boy from Papua New Guinea called Wesley was and indeed still is receiving medical attention for the horrendous injuries he sustained after falling into a fire in his homeland. BUFC held many fundraising activities to assist Wesley and his relatives, traveling and accommodation costs incurred by them in order to receive treatment in Australia.
Money raised $8,000

1994 Oak Park Primary School was severely damaged by a deliberately lit fire losing a great majority of its Gymnasium equipment. BUFC raised funds to purchase essential equipment for the children.
Money raised $2,000

1995 Les Twentyman has long been associated with the Western suburbs and good causes. BUFC aim was to provide much needed cash for the Family in Crisis Fund
Money raised $900

1996 BUFC raised money to buy equipment for the Royal Children's Hospital Neonatal Unit and for Dandenong Palliative Care Service. Both of these worthy causes received $3000.00.
Money raised $6,000

1997 BUFC Provided funds for a terminally ill Hobsons Bay child to have an overseas holiday with his     family.
Money raised $4,500

1998 Barnstoneworth decided to assist three very different causes this year. The Williamstown Toy Library received $1,500. Saint Vincent De Paul, Matthew Talbot Soup Vans, Fitzroy and Footscray, received, $500 each. A young woman from the Bellarine Peninsula, who has a disability and has to travel in a modified van, received $2,500 to have her van further modified to meet her special needs.
Money raised $5,000

1999 Barnstoneworth donated money to a play ground in Williamstown. $1500

2000 Williamstown 'Toy Library'. $1000

2001 Barnstoneworth game money to a family n the western suburbs who needed their bathroom modified to allow their child who is wheel chair bound, safe access. $2000

2002 Hoppers Crossing FC invited BUFC to be part of there Charity day. Funds were being raised on behalf of two separate families, who were members of H C F C but were in need of a lift up.
Money donated approximately $750

2003 Upgrade of floodlights on an outside training facility in Williamstown. $2000

2004 Money was raised and given between 'Shave a Head' and 'Blue Day'. $1500

2005 Uniting Church Christmas Appeal raised money to purchase toys for children. Barnstoneworth donated a large sum to assist in the endeavor. $1000

2006 Barnstoneworth raised money that was given between the Footscray 'Soup Van' and the cycle 'Round the Bay'. $1000.,

2007 Matthew Talbot Soup Van. $500
Marian, a blind lawn bowls player to help her represent Australia in the World Championships.  I do believe she won a bronze medal. $1000

2008 Middle Parks Children's Charity Tournament.  $250
Rotary Kind, re PNG Children's Donation. $500
The Homeless World Cup Competition held here in Melbourne. $1000

2009 20th Man Fund Inc. (Les Twentyman). $500

2010. (To date).

TOTAL MONEY RAISED TO DATE $38,400 (+). 07. 08. & 2010.