Accrington Referees’ Association started in 1925 with 12 members. Previous presidents include: Mr G.A. Walker, K. Hitch, J Emmett, J.T. Taylor and B. Slinger – only 5 presidents in 85 years. However, it must be noted that G.A. Walker held this position for 51 years.
Meetings have been held at: Woodnook School, Accrington Conservative club, Blockade Hotel, Swan Hotel, Hargreaves Arms, Masonic Hall, and Sydney St WMC.
Three past members have officiated at the highest level as assistant referees – Kevin Kiely, Alan Bradley and Andrew Breckell.
Over the years, social events have been of the highest standard and well attended. The 50th anniversary was in 1975 and saw a dinner dance at the Saxon Inn Hotel. During the nineteen seventies and eighties, members provided cabaret which included the Mytholmroyd morris dancers (one of whom is the current appointments secretary, Andrew Breckell).
There have also been some not so happy times at the Accrington Referees’ Association, when the country was gripped by a depression in the 1930s and during the second world war, and more recently in the 1980s when there were two associations in the local area.
Today sees the leading society of referees in East Lancashire meet ten nights a year, with fun, education and pastoral care our main focus.