OAP Eve can't stop singing the Blues
FORGET Christmas, forget New Year, for one Kesgrave woman it's only the Blues that are on her mind. Since 1947 Eve Willis has loyally followed Ipswich Town Football Club and today she is proudly showing her support to her favourite team.
FORGET Christmas decorations - for one Kesgrave woman it's only the Blues that are on her mind.
Since 1947 Eve Willis has loyally followed Ipswich Town Football Club and today she is proudly showing her support to her favourite team.
The 72-year-old is saying well done to the Tractor Boys for reaching the top of the league. While other houses still have santas, snowmen and lots of Christmas lights, Mrs Willis' house is Festooned with scarves, ribbons, a calendar, and a flag. Her blue and white doorway, in The Walk, makes it crystal clear to passers-by exactly which team she is rooting for.
Mrs Willis, a former laundry superintendent at St Audrey's Hospital in Melton, explained how she got the ITFC bug.
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She said: "It was 1947 when I first set foot in Portman Road. I was 15 and living in Hatcheston. The boys said why not come along to a game and three of us girls said yes. I have been a town supporter ever since."
Despite living in the Midlands for more than 30 years Mrs Willis never lost her loyalty to the blues.
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She said: "They used to call me Mrs Ipswich up there. I named my son after Neil Miles, he was my favourite player then."
An ardent fan Mrs Willis has a collection of memorabilia including the team's autographs dating from 1951, numerous team photos, mugs and clothing.
Favourites include Ray Crawford, Jimmy 'The Sticks' Leadbetter and Roy Bailey.
Mrs Willis said: "I call Darren Bent 'my little boy' and he scored the winning goal. He's my favourite at the moment. They have bought a new player Darren Currie, I thought he played very well when I saw him."
Also a fan of Kelvin Davis, Mrs Willis said Ipswich Town is in her blood
She said: "Two of my granddaughters are stewards at Portman Road. We are a football mad family. It would be lovely if they got in the Premiership."
And her message to her favourite team for 2005?
"Good luck and best wishes, all my love Eve."
Do you have a story about an eccentric Ipswich Town FC fan? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
