All ale to the memory of Duncan
Drinkers will be able to raise a glass to Black Country footballer Duncan Edwards later this year after Sadler’s Brewery announced it is creating a special tribute ale.
It will be launched at the 60th anniversary tribute dinner on October 11, which the firm is also sponsoring.
But people will be able to sample it for the first time at a special Duncan Edwards night on May 1 at the Brewhouse in Lye.
The special guest will be Alex Stepney who as well as discussing the legend of Duncan Edwards will recall his own night at Wembley 50 years ago – in 1968 – when he was a member of the Manchester United team who won the European Cup for the first time. The dinner event, which will take place at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill, is part of the Duncan Edwards Tribute programme.
Manchester United and England icon Duncan, who was born in Dudley and grew up on the Priory Estate, was one of eight players who died following the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958. He died 15 days later on February 21, aged 21.
Ian King, sales director at Sadler’s, said “Although we are now based at our Craft Brewery in Lye, near Stourbridge our roots go back to 1900 when Nathanial Sadler opened the original Sadler’s Brewhouse in Oldbury.
“At Sadler’s we are very proud of our Black Country roots and delighted to be part of this tribute to Duncan Edwards who contributed so much to the sporting and cultural heritage of the area.
“To mark this special event we will be launching a special ‘Duncan Edwards Tribute Ale’ at the dinner in October with all of the sales proceeds being donated to the work of the Duncan Edwards tribute programme.” The tribute programme, which also includes the recently extended exhibition at Dudley Archives and the book – Black Country Boy to Red Devil – has been planned and organised by Jim Cadman.
He said: “We have been delighted with the support that we have received throughout the Black Country for the events and activities that make up the tribute Duncan Edwards Tribute with the increasing level of support from the business community being particularly encouraging.”Mr Stepney said: “I was very impressed during my recent visit to Duncan Edwards 60th anniversary exhibition Tribute Exhibition at Dudley Archives and I am looking forward to supporting this initiative by Sadler’s who – just like Duncan Edwards – have their roots firmly established in the Black Country.”
There is no entrance charge for Duncan Edwards Night night and a contribution from sales of the tribute ale will be made by Sadler’s to support the work to promote the ongoing legacy of the footballer.
For details more information about the tribute dinner see duncanedwardstribute.com
