About The Shippers
Until November 2006 the George public house on Leeds Road was the headquarters of this group of people who follow the mighty Bantams the length and breadth of the country.
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So who and what are the Shipleybantams.
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Well the history is quite simple really, back in the dark days of the 2nd administration period at Bradford City when it looked very much like the Bantams would cease to exist, a lad by the name of Matt Barnes had an idea, a simple idea but a very effective one.
Given that Bradford City were the only club in the 92 league teams without an official supporters club he posted an article on the BCFC official website messageboard asking if fans would like to set up a group who wished to travel to away games and form a supporters group.
Well in the May of 2004 the inaugural meeting of the Shipleybantams took place at one of Matts favorite watering holes in Idle, The George. Everyone was stunned by the response and by the September membership was at around 170 fans.
Now because the club were under severe financial restraints it could not run travel for the fans to away games so the then formed committee at the 'Shippers' as they have become known decided to form a travel club.
The travel club are now approaching the start of their 7th season and have run a coach or more than one coach to all games since it started.
So from it's conception many changes have taken place up to the present day where now they are run by Steve Gorringe and Stuart Hardy, Steve being the Chairman of the supporters club and Stuart being the chairman of the travel club.
Since November 2006 the home of the Shipley Bantams was the Shipley Club on Rae Road, Shipley where Dave and Elda Lockwood were our hosts.
Many wonderful nights were had when the fans get together for players evenings and supporters nights and the occasional summer BBQ and football match on the nearby Northcliffe playing fields and of course the starting point for the coach trips abroad to all the exotic locations like Accrington, Aldershot, Bournemouth, Rochdale and many more.
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A sad loss occurred on the 25th January 09 when Stuart Hardy lost his personal battle with cancer.
Despite this great loss the Shippers made a tactical change to its formation with Steve Gorringe becoming chairman of the Travel Club and Mick Barker taking on the role of chairman of the Supporters Club.
Also Eric Wallace our treasurer takes on the role of membership secretary.
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In February 2010 The Shippers moved to another base: The Baildon Woodbottom WMC just off Otley Road in Shipley.
Ever increasing membership forced the move on us as bigger premises were needed.
We will look back on our days at the Shipley Club with great affection.
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