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Peter Harkness's avatar

Fascinating family link. I found this literally while watching the women's cup final. What a contrast with your Nana's days....a full Wembley stadium and women's soccer riding high. They have all the skill of men and much more enthusiasm!

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Wendy Varley's avatar

Thanks, Peter! Yes, I hadn't realised when I reposted it on Notes yesterday that the Women's Cup Final is today, the day after the men's, so it's timely – I'm glad I gave it another airing!

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Anna Sayburn Lane's avatar

Go Nana Ada! What a tremendous discovery. I learned about Lily Parr and the Dick, Parr Ladies team in @helenlewis book Difficult Women. An inspirational and unexpected piece of women's history.

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Wendy Varley's avatar

I have Helen Lewis’s book too, Anna! Great read.

Yes, it was a real surprise to find out about Nana Ada. What a dark horse she was!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Interesting to learn women's teams were permitted during the war years, much like the history of women's baseball in the US. And GO NANA!

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Margaret Bennett's avatar

I’ve never really followed football but this is a very interesting read especially the history about the women’s. Those photos of your grandparents particularly Ada are wonderful too.

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Wendy Varley's avatar

*Whispers* I’m not usually a massive football follower either, Margaret. I’ve been to two matches in my life! But that photo! My curiosity was sparked!

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Rebecca Goodall's avatar

I sooo enjoyed this piece of family and national history of this sport. And those boots. How did she not break a hip running in those clodhoppers?

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Wendy Varley's avatar

Thanks, Rebecca. Yes! They’re like clown shoes!

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