Please note that the postcard from series
ended in 2004 and that descriptions of shops and services were correct at
time of going to press
Where is it:
The Walks is based on the outskirts of the town, on Tennyson Road.
From the A47, follow the signs into Lynn town centre. At the South
Gates roundabout (you can’t miss the ancient landmark in front
of you), take the third exit. Stick to this road for half a mile
and you’ll find The Walks on the left-hand side. Alternatively,
take a stroll from the town centre through the leafy park, also
called The Walks, past the ancient Red Mount historic building.
It might be worth noting that the council has applied for a lottery
grant to revitalise it and increase security.
History:
The Walks has always been the spiritual home of KLFC,
formed in 1879 as The Shrimpers. At that time, Lynn could claim
to be the centre of football in Norfolk.
A group of men gathered in the Black Horse pub in Chapel Street
and formed the county’s Football Association, more 20 than
years before professionalism arrived at Norwich City.
By 1905 what was then ‘the grandstand’ was demolished
and replaced with a £250 wooden terrace. Things have moved
on a bit since then, but the ground has retained its 1960s faded
charm.
The 'Red Mount'
What can I do there?
Go along to a match of course. Grab yourself
a programme and head for the main stand, the tiered, covered terrace,
which guarantees you a seat.
Or you could brave the elements and huddle down at the goal ends
– but best take a waterproof just in case. Attendance can
vary rapidly from week to week, with a whopping 1209 at their clash
with Worksop Town to just 524 turning out to see the mighty Histon.
But don’t expect it to be as bad as just you and a bloke with
a Jack Russell. If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket for
today’s big game, you still won’t smash the club’s
attendance record, which was also against Exeter. Back in 1951,
13,000 crammed into the terraces, but today’s limit is 3000.
And on a non-match day?
Stake your place at the next game at the
ticket office. Tickets cost £7 each and £3.50 for concessions.
It should be a little quieter than a fortnight ago, when hundreds
bought tickets for today’s game, which has now sold out. You
could also visit the club shop, which has an array of clothing and
mementoes such as mugs, car stickers and key-rings. For £5,
you can join the supporters club and get a 10pc discount on merchandise.
The blue and gold social club (named after the team’s strip,
of course) often holds functions in the evenings. And if you’re
feeling energetic you could become a member of Ray’s Gym.
Where can we eat?
Get a taste for typical match day fayre with
a treat from the burger stall, or grab a packet of pork scratchings
and a pint at the blue and gold bar.
How to look like a fan.
Kit yourself out at the club shop, paint your face blue and yellow
– sorry, gold – then hang out at the bar. The Linnets
are riding high in the Dr Martens League and today play one of their
biggest matches in years. But like any footie fan, you should have
an axe to grind – even if it’s just a dig at the ref.
What about the rest of Kings Lynn?