One of the best known and loved characters in the Baris NCEL, Thackley supporter Emily Balding, celebrated her 90th birthday at the weekend.The Baris NCEL Premier Division side's Steve Paley said on the club's website: "It doesn't seem a year ago since we were wishing Emily Balding a happy 89th Birthday, but on Sunday 27th November she became a 'nonagenarian', I believe that is the word used for someone who has reached the wonderful age of ninety.
"Emily hasn't made it to any of this season's matches yet, she is not in the best of health at present and has not been able to get out as much as she used to.
"We are definitely all missing her around the place on Saturday afternoons and raffle takings have certainly taken a dive with her not being there.
"Home and Away supporters are constantly asking about her, she is one of the best loved characters in the Northern Counties East League.
"Everyone at Thackley wishes her a 'Very Happy Birthday', we all hope she gets well enough to be able to come to a game in the very near future, when once again we will hear her dulcet tones utter the words : 'It's yer money I'm after, not yer body.'"