75 years ago, in the Summer of 1949, Bedfordshire Times Editor, Dick Dellow along with Army Captain Percy Burke wrote to Bedford Blues asking for permission to begin a supporters association.
“We have no objection”, was the response and so the Bedford Rugby Followers Association (BRFA) was officially born at Captain Burke’s home on Castle Road.
Today (18 November), they celebrate their 75th anniversary and are stronger than ever before.
Managing travel to away games was always the main purpose, and while the BRFA continue to do so, at a discounted rate of just £10, the Followers Association are also tasked with deciding on man of the match awards when the team are away from Goldington Road.
There’s also a chance to win prize money at every Goldington Road game with the BRFA jackpot draw.
The first Followers away trip was on 7th October 1950, taking two coaches to Gloucester and they have been at the forefront of away travel ever since, including arranging a mighty 40 coaches to the 2006 Powergen National Trophy final against Harlequins that the Blues unfortunately lost.
However, the BRFA have always kept their history close to their hearts.
The current £10 offer for all away travel, especially in this world of economic hardship, is in keeping with the Followers’ founding principles of providing good value transport for Blues fans to follow the side around the country.
That offer is helped by the local community sponsoring the association, with the BRFA a not-for-profit organisation and the money raised from jackpot draws and raffles contributing to the kitty.
The Followers have had many committee members over the years, one being former Chairman and President, Phil Novis who sadly passed away in September.
A figurehead of the Followers in recent years, Phil epitomised the very nature of the BRFA and will be sorely missed by all at Goldington Road.
The BRFA continues to welcome members throughout the season at minimal cost, with Bedford Blues’ next away game against Nottingham under the Friday night lights part of their special away travel offer at just £10 on Friday 29 November.
The Blues’ next home game is against current Premiership leaders, Bath in the Premiership Cup at Goldington Road on Saturday (23 November).
Margaret Appleton is the Membership and Bookings Secretary and is on hand to welcome you to the BRFA fold.
You can contact Margaret via her contact number which is available via the Bedford Rugby Followers Association website.
