Almost 100 elderly West Ham United fans came together for songs, stories and celebrations earlier this week through the Any Old Irons’ Christmas Party.
The festivities brought together the East London and Essex cohorts for the first time ever, hosted at The Boleyn Tavern in East Ham.
With lunch, games and entertainment served to the group, spirits were high during the annual occasion. West Ham United Foundation Patrons, Paragon and Jacqui Abrahart, attended to show support for the group and, alongside prizes from the club consisting of tickets to men’s and women’s games, made donations to the raffle with gifts including retail vouchers and O2 hospitality packages.
The Any Old Irons reaches over 65s from East London and Essex with more than 350 participants and nearly 150 members. Each month the group get together for a range of activities from choir practices, to talks with West Ham legends and trips across the community. Most are West Ham season ticket holders for the men’s or the women’s teams and are proud of the sense of belonging they feel through the Hammers.
Committee member and Season Ticket Holder Colin Cornell, took to the microphone as the event host, helping the proceedings to run smoothly: “It’s been a pleasure considering how well the day went and knowing the amount of work that went into it.
"We really have to thank Paragon for the support they provided us through the donation they supplied via the Foundation. It helped us to bring everyone together for the first time this year and I think everything about it has been great.
“It was a bit of an odd feeling to pick my own name in the raffle but I’m excited to be going to see the women compete against Tottenham in Dagenham and Redbridge in January. I always watch how the men’s, women’s and academy teams get on and it’s good to be able to show support and follow them.”
West Ham supporter and Boleyn Tavern Manager James Brown told the members: “It’s been a real privilege seeing you guys today, off the back of getting three points as well on Sunday against Wolves. I just really hope you enjoyed your day.
"I would also say, to all the people who joined us from Essex, thank you for making the journey. I hope you have all had some trips down memory lane and I’ve only got one more thing to say: Come On You Irons!”
WHU Foundation health manager Hervé Bessières explained the impact of the Any Old Irons initiative, saying: “To be able to bring the Hadleigh and Newham groups together has been a first for Any Old Irons and it’s really pleasing that both groups have taken the opportunity to create new memories and build more friendships.
“We’re really proud to continue to support the group and connect them with our networks. The Any Old Irons are a huge part of the Club and to have events like this during times which can be particularly isolating is something that’s important to us all.”
Towards the end of the afternoon, the Any Old Irons’ choir group took centre stage for some Christmas Carols which was a crowd pleaser, with most joining in. The group practice monthly, led by John Chapman who stated: “Today was a great West Ham family day. Bringing people together through all areas of the Club and its community, particularly with both the cohorts joining together.
“It’s been an excellent, inclusive and joyful event with people being grateful for the hospitality. It was lovely to see colleagues from the Foundation and their Patrons attending as well. A brilliant sing song to end it, culminating with Sweet Caroline and Bubbles and an all-round great atmosphere and a lovely reflection of the West Ham family.
“A lot of the members come from different places and have different situations that they are dealing with, and so to come together at the Boleyn Tavern to share this moment is a huge boost and something that everybody cherishes.”
Doreen Moore, a season ticket holder, commented on the long-standing support she’s received through the Club, including check-in phone calls from Supporter Services during the COVID-19 pandemic and a visit from Alvin Martin which provided a huge boost to her after her husband passed away.
“The Any Old Irons has been a saviour for me as I lost my husband in 2020. I’m from the east end originally and I have been coming to West Ham since attending my first game in 1963 and I’m still going. I’ve done so many activities through the Any Old Irons, like samba, visiting the Tower of London, going on a boat down the canal in Stratford and the London Stadium tour.”
“Because I live on my own, it can be a solitary life, and with the Any Old Irons I get to meet people from different backgrounds and with similar interests. I just love it. The first time I came I was nervous and didn’t know anyone but now I know lots of people.”
Martin Cambridge, from East London, joined the Any Old Irons in 2015 and still attends the monthly meetings, despite now living in Suffolk. Speaking at the party, he said: “Because I’m not part of the local community there anymore, coming here feels like community and I feel like I’m home. We have a nice drink, and we have a laugh, but we reminisce together and that’s the most important part.”
