Everyone at the Club were saddened to hear news of former employee, Marjorie Parkin’s passing on October, 25th.
Ahead of her funeral tomorrow, we would like to share with you this message from her family, who have encouraged anyone who knew Marjorie from her time at the Willows to attend.
They said: “Mum (Marjorie Parkin) passed away on October, 25th at home surrounded by her family.
“She started working for Salford RLFC in 1977, at that time she was working in the kitchen as a waitress in the Willows variety centre and restaurant, she often took her turn in taking home the clothes and various other linen napkins to be washed.
“She was approached by a gentleman who we believe was the rugby club secretary at the time and asked ‘Are you the lady that waged the cloths?’ to which she confirmed she was.
“He went on to say the rugby club were buying some washing machines to wash the kits for the first time and would she like the job of doing them, which she did.
“A job she spent 30 years doing along with cleaning the changing rooms following training and matches.
“She had just given birth to me in 77 and took me with her for years where I ended up taking my first steps learning to walk on the field and terraces.
“She often worked in freezing conditions (as it was winter rugby at the time) and I recall the shirts back then were all thick cotton and weight a hefty load when wet and full of mud.
“She’d have to put them in a bath first to soak them before trying to wash them. She regularly brought them home to wash as the machines were far from reliable!
“She also took up the role of cleaning the club’s offices for a time as well as her other roles.
“She finally hung up her iron and also her apron from waitressing in the Willows in 2007 at the age of 66 after a 32-year connection with the club.
“She made many great friends including staff, supporters and players and missed the camaraderie when she finished.
“Her funeral is this Wednesday 13th November at St Luke’s church, Liverpool Street, Salford from 1pm, following her burial at Agecroft cemetery.
“The family would like to invite anyone who knew Marjorie from her time with the club and the Willows to attend.”
