So what is it like watching the Huddersfield Giants in London?
Going to The Stoop was always an enjoyable experience. Very little research was needed as the town of Twickenham is only a short walk away – plenty of food outlets, shops, and pubs.
I’ve even been lucky enough to watch my son play in the RL Varsity on a Thursday then watch the Giants the following day.
Barnet is a different deal.
For a start, the ground isn’t in Barnet! The Hive is in Edgware. A totally different branch of the Northern Line. Actually, the Jubilee line is the better route.
For real ale drinkers, this whole area of north London is a desert – a word I have borrowed from a London friend who, when asked about the ground, said “Wherever it is, it is a North London suburban desert”.
We had to laugh, though, in one of Edgware’s two ‘proper beer’ pubs. The only hand-pulled beer on offer was Black Sheep. We travelled all the way from Yorkshire to drink a Yorkshire brewed beer!
The Hive itself was actually a pleasant experience.
One very busy bar serves reasonably priced food (variants on a burger theme); good, friendly banter – mainly amongst ourselves as there were very few Broncos supporters; and a hand-pump dispensing Youngs Bitter. There is even a similar bar on the other side of the pitch!
Well done Barnet. Hats off to you. Just a pity the Broncos do not receive any of the profits from all this, they could do with the extra money.
And to cap it off, the Giants won 30-16 after a battling Broncos display.
Nearer home, our managing director, Richard Thewlis, braved our fans down at Turnbridge last week. As usual, the questioning was not too hostile (!), and also, as usual, we received honest, straight-talking answers. Thank you Richard.
Next month we have another ex-player coming along. What will he have to say about his time with us – and how he is continuing to keep Leeds Rhinos successful? Yes, Gary Hetherington will be our guest.
Some of our older members would dearly love to come to the meetings, but find that transport home is a challenge. If anyone lives in the Almondbury or Holywell Green districts, please let me know if you are willing to give these people lifts.
Apologies to fans of the website (www.GiantsSupporters.co.uk) . Whilst some of the more urgent information is being kept up-to-date, other items, including reports, have fallen behind. Likewise, the heritage site (www.HuddersfieldRLHeritage.co.uk) is not offering much new information at the moment. Must do better!
It’s a good job the Fanzine (http://4fsfanzine.giantssupporters.co.uk) is looked after by Eddie and his friends!
Finally, to our devoted reader Jean, sorry, but I’ve lost your phone number!
Contact Dave Calverley for further information: 07887 878 425 or da.calverley@PhotoLens.co.uk.
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