140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 2:33 am  

Given the precarious status of this historic site, should we mark this occasion with an event? It's a Sunday, but unlikely to be a game day as it's the week before Easter and I guess we'll be playing on Friday 19th & Monday 22nd. The history of when we first played at the current site is subject to speculation and counter claims. The Wiki entry is a bit vague, casting doubts on the recollection of former treasurer Ernest Parker. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Vue_(Wakefield) However, the Wakefield Trinity Programmes site seems to support the above date as the start of continuous occupation of the current site. http://www.wakefieldtrinity-programmes. ... -page.html From the fixtures listed for 1879, it seems strange that we would win the Yorkshire Cup against Kirkstall (at Halifax) on Saturday 12th of April and then have one last home fixture on the Monday (against Birch) without some reason. The argument against this date cites that there was no report of a stadium move in the press at the time. However, it seems that Trinity played at a number of fields in the area at the time. Starting at Heath and also seemingly alternating between a ground off Elm St. on the other side of Doncaster Road and the current site. The assertion that they moved there in 1892, seems to be confused with ownership and leases, rather than actually using the ground as a base. It seems that the current site may have been used before 1879, but became the permanent choice after winning the Yorkshire Challenge Cup. Ordinance Survey maps (surveyed in 1888-1890), clearly show the current ground marked. The 25 inch map actually labels it as Wakefield Trinity Football Ground and appears to have a stand on the west side, which suggests that it was well established as the main home by this time. https://maps.nls.uk/view/100948319 https://maps.nls.uk/view/125646303 Anyone have any further evidence?

Given the precarious status of this historic site, should we mark this occasion with an event? It's a Sunday, but unlikely to be a game day as it's the week before Easter and I guess we'll be playing on Friday 19th & Monday 22nd. The history of when we first played at the current site is subject to speculation and counter claims. The Wiki entry is a bit vague, casting doubts on the recollection of former treasurer Ernest Parker. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Vue_(Wakefield) However, the Wakefield Trinity Programmes site seems to support the above date as the start of continuous occupation of the current site. http://www.wakefieldtrinity-programmes. ... -page.html From the fixtures listed for 1879, it seems strange that we would win the Yorkshire Cup against Kirkstall (at Halifax) on Saturday 12th of April and then have one last home fixture on the Monday (against Birch) without some reason. The argument against this date cites that there was no report of a stadium move in the press at the time. However, it seems that Trinity played at a number of fields in the area at the time. Starting at Heath and also seemingly alternating between a ground off Elm St. on the other side of Doncaster Road and the current site. The assertion that they moved there in 1892, seems to be confused with ownership and leases, rather than actually using the ground as a base. It seems that the current site may have been used before 1879, but became the permanent choice after winning the Yorkshire Challenge Cup. Ordinance Survey maps (surveyed in 1888-1890), clearly show the current ground marked. The 25 inch map actually labels it as Wakefield Trinity Football Ground and appears to have a stand on the west side, which suggests that it was well established as the main home by this time. https://maps.nls.uk/view/100948319 https://maps.nls.uk/view/125646303 Anyone have any further evidence?

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Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 9:39 am  

Trinity Heritage on Facebook would be able to answer those questions.

But I agree we should honour the old girl.

Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 11:08 am  

Sounds a great excuse for a celebration!

Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 11:18 am  

Yes certainly worth celebrating.

Could we we already have our future sealed stadium wise, and we are holding off on announcements until this time, making it a double celebration. Celebrating our past and our future

Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 2:49 pm  

I'm sure I read somewhere that BV was reputedly the oldest professional sports stadium in the world?!

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Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 3:09 pm  

Trinity1315 wrote:

I'm sure I read somewhere that BV was reputedly the oldest professional sports stadium in the world?!

We are old but quite a way off the oldest.

Think Bramall Lane has that title

Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 4:49 pm  

I know the Melbourne Cricket ground's about the oldest, opened in 1854, a year older than Bramall lane.
Oh aye there's, of course, Lords that's been there for over 200 years.

Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 7:31 pm  

probably be spending the second 140 years there as well, Coco!!

Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sat Nov 03, 2018 8:30 pm  

Trinity1315 wrote:

I'm sure I read somewhere that BV was reputedly the oldest professional sports stadium in the world?!

It’s reputedly the oldest Rugby league venue in the world

Re: 140 years at Belle Vue - 14th April 2019 : Sun Nov 04, 2018 6:40 am  

How I would ideally envisage it:
After checking feasibility and legals,
Announce the event and open a register of interest online and at the shop/club. (Doubles up as data harvesting.
"Wakefield Trinity Heritage Event
Sunday 14th April 2019 - celebrating 140 years at Belle Vue. 12 noon till late."
Held on the pitch and terraces. Temporary seats and cover on half of pitch in front of the hospitality boxes and cover on the west terrace. The weather is still cool (10-15°C) and a good chance of rain.
Basic format would be a 'This is your life' style history of the club. 14 presentations (one for each decade) throughout the day with pics, video and commentary on big screens. Ex players or family representative paraded/ interviewed for each decade.
In between presentations, have a number of short-sided games between different teams associated with the club across the top half of the pitch in front of the North stand. Age-limit, amateurs, youth, academy, reserves, women, pdrl. An example of 1st team training with commentary and insight from the coaching team.
An all-day exhibition of memorabilia telling the story of Trinity in the corporate section. Borrow some trophies from the RFL.
Food & drink available all day. Hog-roast possible?
Current, past and future sponsors wined & dined in corporate. Invite other celebrities and dignitaries.
Finish the final presentation with a meet & greet with the 1st team squad. Merchandise available for sale & to be signed.
Sun sets about 8pm. Move on to evening entertainment under floodlights. Bands & other acts + more food & drink.
A commemorative programme/brochure available before and during the event.
Features of the day to be released slowly over the next 5 months as they are confirmed.
Tickets to be made available only a month or so before the event, once the content is finalised. First come first served for those who registered interest. Pass-outs available with ticket stubs. Perhaps £10 for adults and £2 or free for kids. Trinity-based craft and other play activities available for kids throughout the day. "Fan Zone" activities.
Consider employing an events organiser. Target new & lapsed fans.

Possible? With 5 months lead time?
Any other ideas?