Very sorry to hear about the recent death of John Collins. John was an almost ever present at Hastings United matches for over 60 years and will be sadly missed at the Pilot Field this season. I know I shall miss the bell being rung with various degrees of vigour at different times in the game and he was a great source of U's knowledge about the history of the club. I am sure the Collins' family will continue to support the club through thick or thin and I think it very likely there will be a good number present on Saturday remembering their lovely dad, grandad or even great-grandad.
Sad news indeed. One of my first ever memories of supporting Hastings nearly 40 years ago was the sound of that old bell. Part of the furniture. 60 years is incredible dedication so hopefully a totally deserved minutes silence is on the agenda for Saturday.
Very sad news. He must have been our oldest supporter. Will certainly miss the bell being rung at matches. I first met him in the late 70's when I ended up sitting next to him on the coach to Crawley, and always thought he was a charming and friendly man (although some of the poorer officials may not have always seen this side of him!). I have heard that he used to turn up at evening away games in the 70's wearing a bowler hat. as he used to go straight from work! He was always well turned out, and a true gentleman. Sadly we will never see his like ever again. RIP - The Pilot Field will be a much sadder place without your presence.
Just got back from holiday and saw this. An absolute gent with a really sharp wit. So many great memories of John both at the PF and at Beaulieu CC. One of my favourites was at Maidstone in the FA Trophy, when John and my grandad waved their umbrellas furiously at the home fans when Ernie got the winner. My deepest sympathy to all the remarkable, much loved and highly respected Collins family.
Very sad news, I too remember the bell ringing from my first visits to the Pilot Field in the 79/80 season. As John says, part of the Pilot Field furniture, he was always known affectionately as Mr Bell by my family. My best wishes to his family and friends
Thank you, all, we have been so touched by the comments both on the forum and on Twitter. Proud and honoured that this afternoon the club which he loved so much will honour my dad's 70 years of support with a minute's applause, there will be four generations of us in attendance (most of whom went with him to Middlesbrough in 2013) and my mum will be ringing his bell.
Other dads might take their daughters to Disneyland, but mine took me to Yeovil to see Hastings playing in the FA Trophy (another great replay memory from the PF). He even wrote to the FA before I got married to make sure we avoided the FA Cup dates! Hastings United will always be special to the Collinses.
Jenny
(As my dad was a stickler for factual accuracy, I will just refute the "bowler hat" story, though, Mark - he never wore one!)
From a supporter from The Netherlands I find it great to read the applause Mr John Collins will receive this afternoon after being 70 years supporter of HU. Hope the Family will remember this special afternoon forever and so all the other supporters.
