A Blue Plaque to commemorate Fred Stoker, founder of Blyth Spartans AFC has been unveiled on the house where he lived in the town’s Bath Terrace.
A blue plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place in the United Kingdom to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker.
Blyth Spartans’s historian Ken Sproat said:
“Fred Stoker was a GP, a respected official of the British Medical Association, an expert horticulturist, an author and Times columnist. But when he was a 20 year old medical student, residing with his parents at 13 Bath Terrace, he did something else to make his mark – he helped form Blyth Spartans FC.
“Fred was the original club secretary and is credited with thinking of the club’s distinctive name. The inaugural meeting to form the club was held at his home in 1899. Fred and his fellow young pioneers could never have imagined their club, which was created to play only friendlies, would achieve so much and make the town of Blyth world famous for its footballing exploits.”
Club Chairman Tony Platten added: Blyth was famous for coal and shipbuilding but now wherever I go in the world and I say I’m from Blyth, the subject always gets around to Blyth Spartans. I’m proud to say that it all started here in this very house where Fred lived.”
Two more very proud Spartan’s supporters were also in attendance. Mabel and her son Malcolm Muter are direct descendants of Fred Stoker. The pair from Newsham are keen supporters and Malcolm has been going to Croft Park since he was eight years old.
“I’m his first cousin three times removed,”said Malcolm. “It’s a great feeling to know that he started my local team.”
Blyth Town Council Mayor, Cllr John Potts who unveiled the plaque said:
“This is the twelth plaque we have erected in the town and each represents an important historical or cultural connection with people who have contributed to our rich history. As a Spartan’s fan I am delighted to have unveiled this plaque.”
In a bizzare twist, 12 year old Martha Joseph who lives in the house plays for Blyth Spartans Junior Team. Mum Rachel said; “It’s great that history has come full circle and we are honoured to have the plaque on our home.”