General Information
During the year 2000 D J Clark built a visual record of the Lancaster &
Morecambe district using photographs and information submitted by those that
feature in the pictures. The project was conducted in association with Lancaster
Museum and has been archived for future generations to look back at the district
at the turn of the new Millennium. For more information on the project visit
the information page. If you find a caption is
wrong or there is a fault with the page please e-mail D
J Clark.
Date:
June 17th 2000
Location: Various Locations
Photographer's Diary
England V Germany
This was a risk but one well worth taking. My step son had told me of the party atmosphere in the Friary and Firkin. This converted church had become a large themed pub aimed at the young, but happened also to make an ideal venue for watching football. It had been 34 years since England last beat Germany in a competitive international - that was the world cup final of 66 this was Euro 2000. England had lost its first game to Portugal and needed to win to stay in with a chance of progressing in the tournament.
There was a growing national movement in supporting football, marred by violence of the supposed supporters, England expected. I remember few signs of national pride during my youth, but football seemed to be leading a revival in traditional anthems and songs. Even God Save the Queen was being sung in the terraces.
With the stage set I showed up on this hot June evening early, only to find I had forgotten my wallet. The place was packed and hot. I took a tour of the balcony and then downstairs to grab some pictures. Feeling lonely I took position at the front, no friends, no drink, just a huge camera to state my identity.
The match began in usual English style, very little going on and the crowd getting more and more frustrated. My brother in Law showed up and bought me a drink. The second half kicked off and after a few minutes England scored. I remember little of the next few moments but I shot a full film and finished upstairs.
I wandered for the second half hoping England could hold on. They did and shot the final whistle, this time I knew when it was coming and had the camera ready. Moving outside I rushed around town trying to find those celebrating in the streets, I was not disappointed. I kept thinking of the Millennium night when I expected as much but found nothing. Moving back to the Friary and Firkin, a large crowd had gathered outside and were cheering passing cars. The crowd grew and blocked the road, it was all good humoured but looking potentially dangerous. Drunk fans climbed surrounding walls and signposts to fly the flag.
Sure enough the police were soon on the scene and brought the riot squad and police dogs with them. Peace was restored and I was offered a free Kebab which I was very grateful of.