Stretford's 'shrine' to the Busby Babes
A social club in Gorse Hill, just a stone’s throw from Old Trafford, has unveiled a replica of the Busby Babes memorial stone in Manchesterplatz, Munich.
The replica – along with a new mural to the Babes – was first shown to the public at a special ceremony on 24 February, which was attended by legendary former players Paddy Crerand and Alex Stepney.
The idea was the brainchild of Brian Mulholland, a member of the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF), a charity which strives to keep the Babes’ legacy alive, while also supporting young people in Belgrade, Manchester and Munich – the three cities connected to the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.
“Steve ‘Melgie’ Merry [MMMF member] had already recreated the Duncan Edwards window at St Francis’ Church in Dudley,” explains Brian, in reference to the stained glass window in Edwards’ honour in his home town. “So I said to him: ‘You know the plinth at Munich – could you replicate that?’”
Merry asked only for the cost of the materials – donated by individual MMMF members – and set to work.
Meanwhile, Mulholland “mithered” Jackie Cosgrave, landlady of the Railway Club, about housing the finishing article.
“Jackie was already thinking of an extended seating area outside and a mural of the Babes’ last line-up in Belgrade, so we decided to put that together [with the memorial stone] and replicate Manchesterplatz.”
“The feedback has been amazing,” says Jackie. “We’ve had people coming from far and wide, with their kids, not even having a drink, just to pay their respects. We’re a members’ club and we’re already at capacity, so it’s not about increasing trade – it’s about doing something for the community.
“I’m a season ticket holder myself, so for me it’s about giving something back and trying to put the Railway Club on the map. A lot more people turned up on the day than we thought, around 100 people. A massive thank you goes to Paddy and Alex. It was really nice of them to come and turn up for free, as a favour.”
Mulholland hopes that on 6 February each year, the Railway Club’s tributes will further help to keep the Babes’ story alive.
“It’s a shrine for them, isn’t it?” he admits.
“Obviously it’s right next to our beloved Old Trafford. And when we do recognise the day, I hope people that can’t go to Munich will walk over from Old Trafford and go and have a look at it.”
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