'Mr Heacham' living the dream as village club continue their rise up the league's

Heacham’s long-serving chairman David Page has more reason than any other to see the club eventually achieve their dream of reaching the Thurlow Nunn League.

Regarded as ‘Mr Heacham’, Page has been involved with the club – first formed back in 1907 – for more than six decades of his life.

Starting off as a player in his teens, Page has devoted the majority of his life to the tiny village outfit whose rise through the leagues has gathered pace in recent
years.

His incredible service to the club was recognised at Norfolk FA’s awards night last week, where he was accompanied by his wife Lydia and other members of his family.

“It was quite a surprise but a really good night,” said the 78-year-old.

“It means a lot to me. Yes I’ve got the award, but I’ve enjoyed doing it and it isn’t just about me. It’s also about all of the other volunteers behind the scenes. There’s so much support at this club, it’s brilliant.”

As well as receiving his own piece of silverware for his efforts, the club stalwart also picked up a cheque for £50.

“I think I’ve paid the FA a lot more than that in fines over the years,” he quipped.

Born and bred in the village and inspired by his older brothers, Page played football for the village until the ripe old age of 50, hanging up his boots while finding himself in the B team.

During his time on the pitch he was part of the Heacham side that won an array of charity cups and the league back in 1966/67.

He then became more involved behind the scenes helping out as secretary and treasurer before stepping into the helm as chairman – a position he has held for the last 20 years.

The transformation of the club in recent years has been nothing short of astonishing with six successive promotions.

“Until Griggsy (Dave Griggs) came on board as manager, we were like a pub team,” he
said.

“When I played for the club, you had to live in the village to actually play for them.

“That’s the biggest change really. Not all of the team are from Heacham, but you have to go outside the village if you want success, that’s how it is.

“It would never have happened when I played for the club, the committee wouldn’t have had it.”

The biggest project Heacham have had to undertake during his time at the club is applying for planning permission for floodlights – and that dream is set to turn to reality in the next few months.

“I never thought I’d see the day where we have floodlights at the ground but hopefully that’s going to change in the very near future,” said Page.

“The club is becoming more and more professional. We’ve now got a tannoy system and the club are moving forward quickly.

“The last six years have flown by really and everyone here is just so enthusiastic.

“There are too many people to mention but you need people like Griggsy and Ross (McNeil).”

Having floodlights installed at Station Road, is just the tip of the iceberg for the Magpies, who will have to pass the Thurlow Nunn League ground criteria should they apply for promotion.

As it stands, their quest to go up is very much in their hands, having won their opening seven games in the Anglian Combination Premier Division heading into Saturday’s home game against second-placed Scole
United.

As a team who have only ever known life in the lower leagues of grassroots football and barely dreamed of reaching Thurlow Nunn status, little Station Road, under the guidance of Page, is gearing itself for the next step up.