A football club is hoping to confirm its true foundation date as members plan celebrations to mark what they believe is its 125th anniversary.
Mr Norman Bellamy, 84, one of the oldest surviving former players for Collingham Football Club, is among those hoping to find out more about its past.
Collingham Football Club has always had 1887 as the date it was established printed on its shirts.
But recently-found committee meeting minutes that once belonged to former secretary Mr Bill Humphris, who died in 1974, say the club was affiliated in 1900.
This would make the 2012/13 season, starting in August, the 113th anniversary, and much less cause for celebration.
In a further twist, among pictures on the wall of the Station Road clubhouse, there is a photograph showing Collingham Football Club dated ambiguously as pre-1990.
It is not known when the 1887 became a part of the club’s badge.
Committee members want to hear from anyone who can help piece together the definitive history of the club.
Vice-chairman Mrs Val Nicholson, 65, said: “It would be great to know how old this club actually is because we wouldn’t want to celebrate the wrong date.
“I have had six generations of my family come through this club. It means an awful lot to a lot of people around here.
“If someone could come forward with a little more information, no matter how small, we would be over the moon.”
One of the club’s oldest surviving former players, Mr Norman Bellamy, 84, who played during the 1940s and 50s, said: “I loved my time playing football for this club. It would be nice to find out a little more about the past.”
Chairman Mr Mike Goodwin said: “With plans in place to secure the future of this club — including a £300,000 redevelopment of our home — we understand how important it is to find out as much as we can about the past.”
If you can help contact Mrs Nicholson on 01636 892882.
