My Dad - Retiring BWFC Tour Guide

[desperado]

It’s a long read, but some of you might be interested..

On Sunday 10th April 2022, my 81 year old dad, Dave Vickers, will embark on his last tour, having been the official BWFC Tour Guide for 16 Years. 

It was a never a job for Dad, more a hobby, a pleasure, a pastime which allowed him to recall treasured memories and indulge himself into the history of Bolton Wanderers. To the delight of many customers 1 hour tours often took a lot longer as he ensured every photo, every trophy, every room, every stand low and high into the gantry were visited and stories relating to their importance were shared with detail, knowledge and passion which took fans back in time to relive some famous nostalgic bwfc moments.

Dad often used to receive thanks usually verbally and occasionally through cards and emails to the club.

One example came from George and June Quinn. “Our tour guide was Dave, he made us feel very welcome and we were treated to the most friendly and interesting tour. All parts of the stadium we saw were most impressive which together with Daves vast knowledge and friendly manner, made it a very enjoyable and memorable day” (30/01/2008)

Dads love of BWFC goes back 75 years, when as a 6 year old in 1945 he made his first visit to Burnden Park. 

He was taken by his dad, Jack Vickers, who has an extremely important claim to fame. Jack, while living next door to Nat Lofthouse on Thicketford Road, took Nat to his first ever Bolton game and from there Nats lifelong love affair with BWFC began.

Dad has continued to follow the Whites throughout the decades recalling special memories from the teams of the 70s, the renaissance years under Rioch, the famous European visits under Big Sam and the exciting current Era as Ian Evatt looks to bring BOLTON back to where they belong. 

He has passed this BWFC passion down a further 2 generations and now attends the game with his son Craig and 3 grandchildren Jack, Adam and Charlotte.

Dad will really miss sharing his love and passion of BWFC with others on his tours, but now is the right time for him to finally hang his boots up.

Dad is looking forward to celebrating his retirement and tributes will be officially paid to him at a future game. 

[Burndens Bogs]

Good read that, i love a bit of BWFC nostalgia.

At 81 its time to chill now for him, he’s earned it.

[CSW]

Great effort Dave, you’ve made memories for so many people. 
Enjoy your second retirement, I’m sure you’ll be kept busy 🍻

[Farrelli]

Great work Dave! I think you have earned a rest and if your replacement has even half the passion it will be in safe hands👍

[Rudy]

That’s amazing. Must have some great stories. Feet up time now Dave

[FrancisFogarty]

Great effort Dave.

It must have been difficult being enthusiastic to show people round in the dark years, a bit easier recently. What a pro.

Stand down, you've done your watch.

[desperado]

Great comments. Thanks. He’ll be made up when I read them to him later. The Twitter post shows a picture of him. You may recognise him if you’ve done the tour. Look out for him East Lower row x 220 ish towards North Stand. 

[Mounts Kipper]

6 hours ago, desperado said:

It’s a long read, but some of you might be interested..

On Sunday 10th April 2022, my 81 year old dad, Dave Vickers, will embark on his last tour, having been the official BWFC Tour Guide for 16 Years. 

It was a never a job for Dad, more a hobby, a pleasure, a pastime which allowed him to recall treasured memories and indulge himself into the history of Bolton Wanderers. To the delight of many customers 1 hour tours often took a lot longer as he ensured every photo, every trophy, every room, every stand low and high into the gantry were visited and stories relating to their importance were shared with detail, knowledge and passion which took fans back in time to relive some famous nostalgic bwfc moments.

Dad often used to receive thanks usually verbally and occasionally through cards and emails to the club.

One example came from George and June Quinn. “Our tour guide was Dave, he made us feel very welcome and we were treated to the most friendly and interesting tour. All parts of the stadium we saw were most impressive which together with Daves vast knowledge and friendly manner, made it a very enjoyable and memorable day” (30/01/2008)

Dads love of BWFC goes back 75 years, when as a 6 year old in 1945 he made his first visit to Burnden Park. 

He was taken by his dad, Jack Vickers, who has an extremely important claim to fame. Jack, while living next door to Nat Lofthouse on Thicketford Road, took Nat to his first ever Bolton game and from there Nats lifelong love affair with BWFC began.

Dad has continued to follow the Whites throughout the decades recalling special memories from the teams of the 70s, the renaissance years under Rioch, the famous European visits under Big Sam and the exciting current Era as Ian Evatt looks to bring BOLTON back to where they belong. 

He has passed this BWFC passion down a further 2 generations and now attends the game with his son Craig and 3 grandchildren Jack, Adam and Charlotte.

Dad will really miss sharing his love and passion of BWFC with others on his tours, but now is the right time for him to finally hang his boots up.

Dad is looking forward to celebrating his retirement and tributes will be officially paid to him at a future game. 

Fantastic bit of BWFC history… best wishes in retirement to your old fella. 

[royal white]

Had a tour with him about 7 years ago. Happy retirement sir. Time to put your feet up. 

[bwfc2003]

Didn’t think they did the tours any more

[Tonge moor green jacket]

3 minutes ago, bwfc2003 said:

Didn’t think they did the tours any more

Might not be doing now!

Anyway, all the best to your old fella.

[Dimron]

I went to school with David Vickers who lived just off Thicketford Road, he'll be 65-66 like me now, coincidence or a big family?

Anyway, well done pal

[desperado]

4 minutes ago, Dimron said:

I went to school with David Vickers who lived just off Thicketford Road, he'll be 65-66 like me now, coincidence or a big family?

Anyway, well done pal

He’s 81! 

Although in his mind 65 sounds about right 😂👍

[Lt. Aldo Raine]

I bet he's seen some highs and lows over 75 years of following us!

All the best in in your retirement, Dave.

[Traf]

Club needs more Daves.

Lovely story.

[bolton_blondie]

Lovely reading! What a bloke you are Dave 👍

[tomski]

Top read that mate and I wish your dad a happy retirement. 
 

Echo @Trafwords. 
 

Went and did the stadium tour when we first moved in, might be time to do it otherwise my little lun again.

[Kane57]

Took me and my family on the tour about 10 years ago, was ace.

@tomski I thought the same over half term and enquired at the club office but they're not running now til the new season starts.

[tomski]

1 hour ago, Kane57 said:

Took me and my family on the tour about 10 years ago, was ace.

@tomski I thought the same over half term and enquired at the club office but they're not running now til the new season starts.

Ah ok. Good to know. Cheers