David Ablitt’s memories of following Ipswich Town to help raise cash for St Elizabeth Hospice

Ray Crawford scoring against Chelsea in 1961. Ray scored a hat trick in this game and Ipswich were on their way to winning the First Division Championship. Day 1 Ipswich Town football (Image: Archant)

A die-hard Ipswich Town fan will be selling copies of a book about his memories of supporting the club at Portman Road this weekend.

Dave Ablitt spent around seven years writing ‘Howda Towan Git On’ – but having the work published came quite by chance.

He grew up in the Castle Hill area of Ipswich and went to Thurleston High School in Defoe Road.

Having read a similar book while on holiday and feeling he could do better, Mr Ablitt started collecting his thoughts and experiences of following Ipswich Town and growing up in the town in the 1960s.

Ipswich Town fan David Ablitt has written his first book, Howda Towan Git On? with a foreword by Town legend Ray Crawford. They were sigining copies of the book at Portman Road on Saturday. (Image: Archant)

After a few coincidental encounters with old teachers and friends he was persuaded to send it to publishers who took it up almost immediately.

“I didn’t write it with the intention of ever having it published, I never ever considered that it would be anywhere near good enough,” Mr Ablitt said.

“I think it helped in the writing that I was absolutely Ipswich Town FC daft and they had total influence on my life until I left school and had to grow up.”

With the book now on sale Mr Ablitt, aged 62, will be selling and signing copies with Town legend Ray Crawford in Planet Blue before tomorrow’s game with Wolves.

Part of the money raised from selling the book, which costs £10, will go to the ITFC academy, St Elizabeth Hospice and Ray Crawford’s preferred cancer charity in Portsmouth.

Talking about his memories in the book Mr Ablitt said they were all special but his first game watching the Blues, aged eight, against Arsenal in April 1962 stood out, as well as winning the Second Division championship.

“There are far more positives in supporting the Town,” he added. “If you are a real fan, you stick with them whatever. No other club compares as far as I am concerned.”

The signing sessions will be in Plant Blue from 12.30pm to 1.30pm before the Wolves game, and afterwards in the Legends Bar between 5pm and 6pm.