In memory of a top bloke

Carl Fielder-Shaw

It's hard to believe it's five years since my dad passed away. My memories of him are so strong that it could've been yesterday when we were travelling here, there and everywhere together to watch his beloved Chester City. Or when I think of the times I quietly looked on proudly from the stands at the Deva Stadium as he undertook his matchday host routine prior to kick-off every game. I'm sure those memories will stay as vivid for a very long time.

It's a huge comfort to still have people talking to me about him with such affection. It's always nice to hear people's recollections and to be reminded of my dad's warm character, his superb left foot shot or the natural ability he had of lighting up a room just by walking into it. I'm sure that it's without bias when I say his wit and cheekiness were quite unique and completely infectious.

Some people shy away from talking about the deceased – it's a natural feeling to do so – but at the same time it is so important to keep their memory well and truly alive. And so the Carl Fielder-Shaw Memorial Tournament lives on.

Pete Fielder-Shaw.

The STORY OF THE TOURNAMENT SO FAR

2003 marked the beginning of the CFS Memorial Tournament and great fun was had by all. Twelve teams graced the park, playing football of a decent standard. Some games were decided by penalties when the knockout stages arrived and some underdogs pushed their way through to the final stages. Everyone present agreed it was memorable day. A total of around £450 was raised for the Hospice. The Sir Gawain team, headed by Pete Hughes, showed their class and collected the goods under the blazing sun.

The Second CFS Memorial Tournament took place in 2004, and the beast was growing. A promising summer's day turned a bit soggy as this time fourteen teams went hell-for-leather against one another in the rain. But it didn't seem to dampen the atmosphere at all - or the quality of football on show. After a closely-fought battle in the final against Halfway House, the previous years’ winners Sir Gawain once again came out on top. Who was going to stop them? Much fun was had by all, and a total of £1590 was raised for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd - tripling the previous year's result.

We were back in 2006 and lucky enough to make an association with local security device firm Crime Prevention Services who became the tournament's main sponsor. It was the biggest to date with sixteen teams lining up. The standard had risen surprisingly and new champions looked to be emerging. The final saw the previous two time champions felled by the team representing sponsors Crime Prevention Services in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. Captain Dan Farrell proudly lifted the Cup and we were delighted to have raised £2,942 for the Hospice.

The reigning Champions Crime Prevention Services