The funeral of much-loved Altrincham volunteer Jenny Heslop, for decades one of the most familiar faces in and around The J.Davidson Stadium, will take place next week.
Jenny's family have informed the club that the funeral will be at Altrincham Crematorium next Tuesday, March 21st, at 12.45pm, followed by a wake at the ground, and they have indicated that everyone would be made welcome at both.
Integral to the efficient running of the club for so many years, it would be wonderful to see as many people as possible at Jenny's funeral and afterwards at The J.Davidson Stadium, not only as a mark of respect and appreciation for all she did for the Robins but also for the sake of her daughter Sally.
When Jenny's husband, legendary former youth team manager George Heslop, died in July 2020, his funeral was in the midst of the Covid pandemic and the restrictions that went with it. There was no wake, and though the funeral cortege stopped for a moment on its way to Dunham Massey, there was a limit on numbers able to support Sally at the crematorium.
To recap on the immense contribution and devotion to Alty from one of our best-known volunteers, everyone at The J.Davidson Stadium was greatly saddened when news reached us that Jenny had passed away almost exactly a month ago.
Jenny and her husband George were both instantly identifiable as Robins stalwarts, George as a hugely-successful manager of the youth team for over 30 years and Jenny as the ever-welcoming dispenser of warmth and geniality, as well as drinks, behind the bar in the Noel White Suite.
Jenny, who died in Wythenshawe Hospital after a long illness, was the AFC lottery manager for over 20 years, as well as running the club bar for over 30 years.
Always ready with a smile and a cheery greeting, she also washed the kit for the first team and youth team and was an extremely popular person who devoted a large part of her married life to the Robins, contributing significantly to making Alty the friendly club it is.
As mentioned at the time, all at The J.Davidson Stadium send condolences to Sally, a lifelong fan who also worked behind the bar for many years, and our thoughts will be with her, and everyone who attends, next Tuesday.