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Calder Valley Ladies
We all know that the game of rugby league back in the day was a male dominated sport but Calder Valley wouldn’t got to where di now without the support and involvement of the players’ wives, girlfriends, mothers, sisters and daughters. Calder Valley was started with the drive of Janet Shaw, wife of co-founder, Paul and she was soon joined by Linda Glover, wife of club captain Paul and by Anne Field, wife of veteran player, Paul.
They were to be active in the club and serve as committee members for many years.
Others were to follow. Kay Lund, wife of player Jamie and sister of Lee Potter came onto the seen as did Jayne Sutcliffe, wife of player Colin, and Liz Glover, wife of player Jeff. As the one player to stay at Calder Valley from the Robins, Rick Smith’s wife, Jodie, and his mother, Sue, became key supporters and committee members of the club in the 2000’s.
Not forgetting co-founder’s daughter Kirsty Shaw who was around the club as a youngster but also was a powerhouse behind club events. Some of the ladies shared their thoughts and memories.
Janet Shaw, now Janet Romanuk, has fond memories of Calder Valley and not just.
“Cleaning the changing rooms on a Sunday morning with a raging hangover.”
Linda Glover remembers.
“Being an unpaid taxi driver – Taking 4 hours to get back from away games because of unscheduled pub stops…!!”
Jodie Smith has clear recollections of
“Standing in the freezing cold looking ridicules in 5 layers of clothes and a hat. Richard being in a mood all night if they lose. Getting a dirty kit to wash, usually the Friday before the next game!”
Kay Lund talks of
“Great nights out with good friends, a laugh and gossip on the touch line, stress (from my secretary days!) And muddy boots!! Also, Calder Valley had family links – My brother played, my mum was on the committee with me.”
Sue Smith reminisced.
“Meeting lots of new friends through the club and having some brilliant nights out, both fund raising and presentations evenings. Dreading standing in the freezing cold (snow, wind and rain) with 3 pair of socks on and shivering away! If I dare admit it, sometimes it’s nice when there isn’t a game so I can go shopping as I hate having to miss a game”.