Mayor thanks football club for donation of season tickets

Councillor Brenda Loynes spoke following a visit to Hartlepool United FC’s Victoria Park where she received the tickets from Assistant Manager Tony Sweeney.

The tickets will be offered as prizes in a free draw which will take place later this month at a complimentary performance of Hartlepool Borough Council’s summer pantomime Snow White arranged especially for NHS staff and other individuals who have made a significant contribution to fighting COVID or keeping daily life functioning during the pandemic.

Councillor Loynes who was accompanied to Victoria Park by her Consort and husband Councillor Dennis Loynes, said: “This is a really generous gesture by the Club and one which will help us to further recognise and reward the selfless efforts of the town’s COVID heroes. I’d like to thank Chairman Raj Singh and everyone else connected with the Club for their support.

“The donation of the tickets is a further example of the great working relationship that exists between the Council and the Club as demonstrated recently by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore ways of securing the club’s long-term future.”

Councillor Loynes’ visit came ahead of this weekend’s first game of the new EFL League 2 season, and she added: “I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Club every success for the coming season and I hope they are able to build on their promotion from the National League.”

Hartlepool Mayor Councillor Brenda Loynes, and Consort Councillor Dennis Loynes receive the season tickets from Assistant Manager Tony Sweeney

Hartlepool United FC Chairman Raj Singh said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Mayor and the initiative to recognise key workers’ contributions during the pandemic.

“The football club is an integral part of the community of Hartlepool and we are keen to support worthy causes in the area. Keith Knobbs and his team at Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation also do a lot of great work under the banner of the football club across the area.”

The special performance of Snow White will take place in the Borough Hall at 2pm on Sunday August 22nd. People can nominate either themselves or others for complimentary tickets by emailing borough.hall@hartlepool.gov.uk, stating their name, occupation or contribution to the pandemic fight and the number of tickets required. A high response is expected, so, sadly, the Council is unlikely to be able to meet all requests.

The family pantomime will run from Friday August 20th to Monday August 30th and feature Steph Aird in her pantomime debut as the Magic Mirror and Hartlepool’s own Britain’s Got Talent finalist, impressionist Danny Posthill. Tickets cost £18 for adults, £15 for children or £59 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Book at www.hartlepoolboroughhall.com or call 01429 890000.