Bury Football Club is saddened to learn last night of the passing of long-term fan, volunteer and former board member Anne Bent, at the age 64, following a long illness.
Anne started following the Shakers in 1971, and amongst many activities will be mostly known to many as a frequent litter picker on matchdays.
As well as following the club up and down the country from around 1971, she was a prominent ‘bucket shaker’ in the ‘Save Our Shakers’ campaign when the club ran into difficulties through the late-90s and early-2000s. From Gigg Lane to Old Trafford, she stood outside as punters entered the stadium pleading for that spare bit of change that may help save the club.
Following the club’s expulsion from the EFL in 2019, Anne was a pivitol part of the re-emergence of football in the town as part of the initial group that led to the start of Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd.
Assisting at fundraising events, helping anyone who would ask for it, always with a determination to try and put things right for both herself and fellow supporters. In Anne’s book, it was key to do things the right way and is was with that keeness she put herself up for election of the inaugural Shakers Community board in 2020. She was duly elected as the board’s sole female representative, until 2023 when she stepped down prior to the creation of the Football Supporters Society of Bury (FSSB).
Leading from the front and galvanising those in despair in the early months following expulsion in 2019, Anne was regularly seen either at the turnstile or walking around the stadium with a rubbish bag and litter picker during the game and after. Always doing so with a smile and always with a quip about the game that had taken place that day – good or bad!
Her selflessness and commitment earned a special place in the hearts of fellow fans, volunteers, players, and staff.
She was not just a volunteer but a pillar of the Bury FC family, known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. The legacy of Anne will live on in the hearts of those she touched and in the stands of Gigg Lane, where her spirit will forever be a part of Bury FC.
Our thoughts are with her husband Dave, daughter Louise & grandson Luke at this very sad time.
Current FSSB Director, John Woodhead, who worked with Anne from 2019 had the following to say about Anne: “Anne was an extremely hardworking and supportive member of the inaugural Shakers Community Benefit Society board and became a very loyal friend. Her selflessness, commitment and dedication was apparent for all to see and she will be sorely missed. She leaves a legacy that will ensure she will always be remembered.”
Rest in peace, Anne. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
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