Saying goodbye to Goodison Park is "going to be like losing a little bit of my mum", the daughter of Everton's first official toffee lady has said. The tradition of handing toffees out at Everton's stadium dates back to the 1890s when Old Ma Bushell, who ran the nearby Ye Ancient Everton Toffee House, dressed her granddaughter in her finest clothes and sent her with a basket of Everton toffees to throw into the crowd. Lifelong Evertonian Mary Morgan (nee Gorry) was the Blues' toffee lady from 1953 until 1956. Speaking ahead of the final men's fixture at Goodison Park before their move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer, Patricia Smith said: "It'll be a sad day - there's going to be a lot of tears." She said her mum's role as the toffee lady "started off as a joke" when she customised a bridesmaid dress, handstitched "Everton Supporters Federation" on a white pinny, and teamed it with a bonnet. It was a nod to the traditional attire worn more than 60 years previously, when Jemima Bushell handed out Everton toffees to fans as Ye Ancient Everton Toffee House battled to outdo Everton mints creator Mother Noblett, whose shop was situated closer to Goodison. And so the enduring link between Everton and toffee was born. While toffees are no longer hurled into the stands due to health and safety concerns, the matchday tradition endures with the sweets being handed out instead. Everton said the role will be filled on Sunday by Jazz Barnes-Reen, sister of the stadium tour manager Elle Barnes-Reen. Patricia told BBC News: "The club told mum they liked the idea and asked her if she would like to be the mascot and throw Everton toffees out at games. "She jumped at the chance! She absolutely loved it and travelled all over to the games." The teacher said her mum Mary, who was born in 1925 and lived on Liverpool's Scotland Road, had so many happy memories from her time as the toffee lady. "She was exceptionally proud of her role - the whole family is." The toffee lady almost came unstuck at one game, however, when police tried to throw her out of an Everton fixture at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium. Already a much-loved figure within the club, Mary was reprieved thanks to an intervention from Everton captain Peter Farrell and another player Tommy Eglington. Not only was she allowed to stay, but she was given a seat in the manager's dugout during the game. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the dedicated Blue ended up meeting her husband, Eddie Morgan, at the football. When they got married in 1956, she decided to hand over the toffee lady reigns - and her dress - to her friend Peggy Morley. Nothing could keep Mary away from her beloved Goodison Park though, and she continued to watch Everton until her death in 2017. Patricia said her mum loved to decorate their house when Everton won trophies, meaning the 1980s was a busy time. After they lifted the FA Cup at Wembley in 1984, Patricia remembered her dad being ordered to repaint the whole house blue. In addition to being the toffee lady, Mary helped set up Everton Supporters' Club. Patricia said her mum was "very proud" of her membership card which sported the number 0001 Sunday's final game against Southampton will be a very "emotional" day, she said. "It going to be like losing a little bit of my mum, like leaving her behind," she said. "It will be a sad day." As for the future, Patricia said it was a case of "onwards and upwards" as the men's team prepares to move to its new 53,000-seater Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. "I just hope it has the same special atmosphere." Listen to the best ofBBC Radio Merseyside on Soundsand follow BBC Merseyside onFacebook,X, andInstagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
'My mum was Everton's first official toffee lady'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Daughter Remembers Everton's First Toffee Lady as Club Prepares to Leave Goodison Park"
Bbc News
6.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Patricia Smith, the daughter of Mary Morgan, Everton's first official toffee lady, expressed her deep emotions as the club prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, a place intertwined with her mother's legacy. Mary Morgan served as the toffee lady from 1953 to 1956, a role that began humorously when she customized a bridesmaid dress and donned a bonnet to follow in the tradition started by Old Ma Bushell in the 1890s. This longstanding practice of distributing toffees at Everton matches has been a cherished part of the club's history, evolving over time due to health and safety regulations. While the toffees are no longer thrown into the stands, the tradition continues with them being handed out, and Jazz Barnes-Reen is set to take on the role during the club's final match at Goodison Park against Southampton.
Mary Morgan, who passed away in 2017, was not only proud of her role as the toffee lady but also played a significant part in establishing the Everton Supporters' Club. Patricia reminisced about her mother’s joy and the pride she took in her contributions to the club, recalling how their home would be decorated in blue during Everton's triumphs, particularly in the 1980s. The emotional farewell to Goodison Park represents a significant moment for Patricia, who feels it will be akin to losing a piece of her mother. As Everton prepares for its move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, she hopes the new venue will retain the beloved atmosphere that characterized Goodison Park, indicating a blend of nostalgia and optimism for the future of the club and its traditions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the emotional farewell of Everton fans to Goodison Park, particularly highlighting the legacy of the club's first official toffee lady, Mary Morgan. This nostalgic piece aims to evoke sentimentality and a sense of community among readers, particularly those connected to the Everton football club.
Cultural Significance
The tradition of handing out toffees at Everton matches is deeply rooted in the club's history, dating back to the 1890s. The mention of Old Ma Bushell and her granddaughter showcases the continuity of this tradition and its significance in fostering a sense of belonging among fans. This connection to the past emphasizes the cultural importance of the club and its rituals, aiming to reinforce the identity of Everton supporters.
Emotional Appeal
Patricia Smith’s comments about her mother’s role and the impending move from Goodison Park serve to create an emotional narrative. By framing the farewell as akin to losing a loved one, the article aims to strike a chord with readers, particularly those who have personal ties to the stadium and its history. The focus on memories and family pride adds depth to the narrative, appealing to a sense of nostalgia.
Community Engagement
This piece resonates strongly with the local community and Everton supporters, as it highlights a beloved tradition that has been passed down through generations. The article seeks to engage these audiences by celebrating shared memories and experiences associated with the club, reinforcing a feeling of unity among fans during a transformative time for the club.
Potential Distractions
While the article primarily celebrates a beloved tradition, it may also serve to distract readers from more pressing issues surrounding the club’s relocation, such as financial concerns or the implications of leaving an iconic venue. By focusing on the sentimental aspects, it could be interpreted as a way to gloss over potential controversies related to the move.
Manipulative Elements
There are elements that could be viewed as manipulative, particularly the framing of the farewell to Goodison Park as a personal loss. This could be seen as an attempt to elicit a strong emotional response, thereby rallying community support and loyalty towards the club during a time of change. The narrative may aim to unify fans in a collective emotional experience, which can sometimes obscure critical discussions about the future of the club.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
The article appears to be trustworthy, as it shares personal stories and historical context related to the Everton club. However, the emotional framing may lead some readers to question the overall objectivity of the piece. The reliance on personal anecdotes and sentimental expressions could suggest a bias towards promoting a positive image of the club during a transition.
Community Focus
This article likely appeals to Everton supporters and local residents who have a vested interest in the club's history and traditions. It aims to connect with those who value community ties, nostalgia, and shared experiences rooted in local culture.
Economic and Social Impact
The emotional responses generated by this article may influence community support for the new stadium, potentially impacting local businesses and the club's financial health. The farewell to Goodison Park could also spark discussions about the importance of preserving local heritage amidst modernization.
Global Context
While the article primarily focuses on a local event, the themes of nostalgia and community bonds resonate globally. In an era where many sports clubs are relocating and modernizing, this narrative of tradition versus change is relevant and can attract attention beyond local boundaries.
AI Influence in Writing
There is no clear indication that AI was used in writing this article. However, the structured storytelling and emotional appeal suggest a deliberate crafting of the narrative that aligns with human writing patterns. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone and emotional framing to enhance reader engagement.
Intent and Manipulation
The emotional framing and nostalgic elements suggest an intention to unite and engage the community while potentially diverting attention from more complex issues surrounding the club’s future. This approach can be effective in rallying support but may also raise concerns about the omission of critical discussions.
Overall, the article effectively utilizes sentimentality to foster a sense of community among fans while also introducing potential biases through emotional manipulation. It serves to celebrate a pivotal moment in the club's history, although it may overshadow some of the challenges associated with the transition.