Hello everybody. Apologies for the lack of blogs recently... I started my new job in July and to be perfectly honest, I have completely forgotten about my blog! I have been so busy. However, I'm in work now (on my lunch hour, not skiving!) and I just realised it is three weeks until my Dad's tribute night in Blackpool, so I thought I'd write a few words about it for those of you who haven't heard about it...
I was contacted a few months ago by Glenn Bowley, asking if I would be interested in a tribute night dedicated to my Dad, held at Blackpool FC. Of course I said yes -- with it being the ten year anniversary of his passing earlier this year, I thought a tribute night would be an ideal end to what has been quite a sad year. 2012 has been bittersweet. I have been contacted by Blackpool fans more and supported more this year than I ever have been, and although I am eternally grateful for this, it is also heartbreaking to think that ten years have passed since I last saw my best friend. However, I think bringing our family, friends and our extended family (aka our Tangerine Family) together on Friday 5th October will be an excellent evening, dedicated to a very special man. I don't have to explain how special he was to our family, everybody already knows. Knowing that he is still loved and missed by the Blackpool FC fans means so much.
I have spoken to Glenn a few times over the past few months, and the more he has told me about the tribute night, the more excited I am! There are going to be so many people there who knew my Dad, I cannot wait to talk to everyone and hear their stories and favourite memories. Also, listening to people talk about my Dad's career and achievements makes me so proud, and I know the tribute night is going to be based around his time at Blackpool FC. Of course I am also looking forward to the painting being revealed -- I have no idea what it is going to look like, Glenn has been very secretive! And I'm looking forward to the hotpot and apple pie. Obviously. I'm a girl who likes her food.
More than anything, I can't wait for everyone to be together in celebration and memory of the one person who changed my life forever. I haven't spoken to my friends or many fans about who is and isn't coming, because I'd rather not know - I would rather turn up on the night and be excited to see all the familiar faces. The main thing is knowing my Dad's family will be there. My cousin and his wife (my Dad's newphew) are flying over from Amsterdam where they live especially for the Billy Ayre Tribute Night. My other cousins are travelling down from Newcastle with their partners, along with my Dad's brother, my favourite Uncle! And it doesn't stop there. My brother will be there, my Mum will be there, my Godfather will be there... the list goes on. My extended family are travelling from all over the country, as well as outside the UK - and it means the world to each and every one of us that people are buying tickets to come and celebrate my Dad's life and career at Blackpool.
Thank you to everybody who has already bought their tickets, it's going to be a brilliant evening! And for those of you who still need to buy them, what are you waiting for? :)
https://www.eticketing.co.uk/blackpoolfc/details/event.aspx?itemref=446
Thank you one last time to everybody for your continued love and support. The Ayre family look forward to meeting you all at Blackpool FC on Friday 5th October at 7.30pm!
