From the Boys Pen to Bramley Moore Dock
Before the West Ham game on Saturday 15th March, I was invited by David Grundy to The Winslow on Goodison Road to come down and take some photos of their Evertonian friendship group. Said group have found themselves a wonderful home, and routine, in the pub and provide a warm welcome to any newcomers, too. As I found out - lots of stories, laughs, drinks and snacks. It was such a lovely way to start a matchday.
While everyone there seemingly comes from different backgrounds, they all come together with one main commonality, Everton. Together they chat over pints about life, Everton, music, family and everything in between.
It was an absolute joy to be able to capture them all in their element.
David Bufton's story, as told by David Grundy:
My journey with The Old Lady began in 1960, just before my fifth birthday. Born in mid-Wales in Rhayader in May 1955, I found my way to Goodison Park through my father’s work trips, where his colleagues—thankfully all Blues—introduced me to the magic of Everton. My first Everton toy was a massive rattle, a treasured possession that must have driven my mum crazy! But nothing compared to the moment my dad took me to my first match: a 4-1 victory over Arsenal in April 1960. From that day on, I was hooked.
I soon found myself in the Boys’ Pen in the Bullens Road End, witnessing the habits and rituals unique to that section of the ground. The crush of the crowd, the camaraderie, and the not-so-accessible toilets all formed part of the formative Goodison experience. Brian Labone was my first Everton hero, his poster taking pride of place on my bedroom wall. My birthday always falls near the FA Cup Final, which has meant many memorable trips to Wembley. Our last triumph in 1995 came on my 40th birthday—a fitting gift from my beloved club. The next closest was in 2009 when King Louis Saha scored the fastest-ever Cup Final goal.
In the 1970s, work took me to London, where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and embarked on a career that extended beyond mere number-crunching. Despite the move, Everton has remained my passion. I’ve held a season ticket since my boyhood days, though I regretfully missed renewing it in recent years. Still, I’ve bid farewell to Goodison from every stand and savoured every moment in Paddock 5 and the Lower Gwladys. A special memory remains from the time I found myself on Richarlison’s Instagram page after celebrating one of his goals at that end.
Outside of football, I’m an avid traveler and a lover of Basenjis, a breed I once bred extensively. Now, I just admire our blue-flare pooch, Myra, as she’s lifted high by supporters, embodying the spirit of Dogs of War. Based in London’s Mayfair/Chelsea area, I remain an active member of the Everton Supporters Club London Area. The journey from Euston to Lime Street is second nature, and the First Class Lounge at Avanti West Coast has become a regular stop before matchday adventures.
Of course, no matchday is complete without a visit to The Winslow Hotel. The People’s Pub is the heart and soul of Goodison, where familiar faces like Craig, Alan, Jeff, Andy, Peter, and Rich Blue make every game day special. Win, lose, or draw, we come together, sharing the highs and lows with a pint in hand. And while train delays are mercifully rare, they have never stopped me from squeezing into my usual spot at the bar, expertly navigating the queue like a seasoned pro.
The Winslow and Goodison have been my second homes, and I will dearly miss them when we move to Bramley-Moore. But as Evertonians, we move forward with belief and determination. Our future lies on the banks of the Mersey, and we step into it as a Premier League club. Because no matter where we play, the spirit of Everton remains unshaken. COYB!
With thanks to David Grundy, my seat neighbour in the Main Stand and after capturing his celebrations, and despair on camera, now a friend.
David Bufton chatting over a pint with mates in The Winslow