HOW wonderful that Hilda Hardy should receive her deserved accolade for her contribution to Hali-fax RLFC along with her late husband, Stan ("It's for Stan too, says Fax's Hilda", Courier, July 17).

I often despair at the lack of gratitude due to "ordinary folk" who, especially during the difficult financial times, give their all, whatever that entails.

Hilda's late husband, Stan, would never be reserved about telling me his feelings, be it about Halifax RLFC, rugby league in general or what was wrong with the council – and usually with a big puff of smoke!
I also remember those very lean years in the late 1970s, when Fax were bottom of the league and not exactly financially flush. It was down to the few to keep them alive and, naturally, Stan and Hilda did their best.

I also feel it worth remembering that there were others, not least Neil Arber and his family. They were there, washing the A team kit from a Friday evening game so the first team could use it over the same weekend.

Neil marked the pitch and organised the Taverners Bar. He and his wife and mother-in-law all worked for the love of the club, doing their best. Stan and Hilda made sure the team had what they needed. With- out the dedication and love of these people we would not have our teams. We owe them so much.

Yes, it's a profession and it needs the financial clout and the direction of good football and financial management. However above all it needs the dedication of the likes of Stan, Hilda, Neil and all of those who have safeguarded Halifax RLFC.

Well done, Hilda and Stan and all the rest of you.

Roger Taylor