Norman Ayton now lives with his wife, Jean, in Doncaster but keeps in regular touch with committee member Cliffy Alderson for updates on the team’s progress.
It was Mrs Ayton who organised her husband’s surprise buffet and extended an invite to any club officials and friends, as long as they kept it a secret.
General manager Stuart Alderson, committee member Dave Bussey and Cliffy Alderson made the trip and decided to take the Sir Thomas Lipton World Cup trophy with them. In addition to gifts from the club, there was also an engraved glass vase from Durham County FA in recognition of Mr Ayton’s many years’ service with the organisation.
Mr Bussey said: “The birthday buffet was about an hour old when we arrived and the surprise on Norman’s face was priceless when we entered the room.
“The masterpiece was a birthday cake made to look like the Sir Thomas Lipton trophy, with edible West Auckland badges running around it. A top cake for a top bloke.”
Stuart Alderson presented Mr Ayton with a club polo shirt and the vase on behalf of Durham County FA.
“During his speech, Stuart touched on how Norman would chase him and his mates off the field – something Stuart does himself these days,” said Mr Bussey.
Mr Ayton was 90 on the day West Auckland beat Guisborough 9-0 and plans a trip to see the team in action in the near future.
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