southpark121019_full

Football Exhibition in Maidstone
Maidstone Museum is staging a major new football
exhibition. Entitled 'Maidstone: United in
Football', it runs from September 14 to January
19. Its focus is the extraordinary job football has
done over time in bringing people together. As
well as the ups and downs of Maidstone football,
it sheds light on the contributions of Kentish
benefactors, administrators and businesses,
plus the area's innovative contributions to sport,
including women's football.
Hundreds of football-related objects are coming
together, some dating to the 19 th century. They
include a priceless collection of memorabilia
compiled by mercurial football boss Jim Thompson.
Many others of exceptional historical interest
are being secured on loan, the highlight perhaps
being the Manchester United strip worn by
Kent-born David Sadler at the 1968 European
Cup final. It promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime
display.
Football aficionados from all over Kent have
contributed with information or exhibits. A full
programme of linked educational activities has
been devised with youthful visitors from around
Kent in mind. Special events for both young and
old are planned, including an intriguing talk on
the unique role of Kent in shaping world sport.
The exhibition is being curated by Stones fan
John Bunyard. He told us, "It began as the story
of Maidstone United, but broadened out once I
started delving into Kentish football origins. It
now taps into the roots of even national football,
which inevitably brings in a lot of clubs and
even more personalities – not to mention other
sports. Anyone who likes Kent sport and loves
their football will relish it".
Thanks to the generosity of former Margate FC
chairman Gordon Wallis, admission charges are
being waived. A full-colour book is being produced
to accompany the exhibition, which is
sponsored by Golding Vision, Gullands Solicitors
and iMUSC.
The Museum is close to both Maidstone East
station and the Fremlin Walk multi-storey carpark.
See the Events page on Maidstone Museum's
website for information on opening times.