RICHARD Galliford’s status as a stalwart of the Penistone community has netted him a Proud of Barnsley nomination.

Richard, 73, a lifelong resident of Penistone, has a deep dedication to researching and promoting the town’s history, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Alongside Kevin Neill and Stephen Lavender, he co-authored a book which argues that Penistone is home to the founders of modern association football.

The book ‘Penistone Church FC 1906: the inspirational story of a grassroots football club’ is an amalgamation of years of research into Penistone’s footballing heritage.

It is focused on the life of John Charles Shaw, who founded Hallam FC in 1860.

John was born and raised in Penistone and educated at the Grammar School.

Richard is also heavily involved in fundraising efforts around Penistone and the wider area.

As a part of the Penistone History and Archive Group, Richard works hard to promote Penistone’s rich heritage.

He has been instrumental in securing funding for blue plaques, celebrating local historical landmarks and figures.

A plaque for John Marsh is set to be erected at Crystal Palace FC, one of the founding members of the club, who was born in Thurlstone.

Furthermore, a new gate is in the process of being established for Penistone Church FC, representing the story of modern association football in the area.

Richard’s passion comes from a desire to recognise the efforts of volunteers from grassroots football clubs.

The trio produced leaflets and an information board situated on the grounds of St John the Baptist Church, in order to promote local football clubs.

As the Chairperson of Friends of the Church, Richard recognises the benefits that Penistone’s rich footballing history could bring to the community.

Fans have flocked from Sheffield to look at the grave of John Marsh, who is buried on church grounds.

Richard hopes that the unveiling of John Marsh’s plaque will attract Barry Bannan, the captain of Sheffield Wednesday FC, putting Penistone on the map.

He said: “It takes more than one person to do anything successful.

“I can’t do the church yard on my own.

“The book was three of us.

“If it helps to promote Penistone’s history, heritage and the game of modern association football, that’s fantastic.

“I’m proud of Penistone and I’m proud to live here.”

Kevin himself has also been nominated.

Sport has been central to the 70-year-old’s life, first as a PE teacher at Penistone Grammar School and later as a notable historian.

He admitted that his research is the perfect combination of his interests in sports and history.

It was also used in Penistone Heritage Group’s ‘Laikin’ and Livelihoods: The Building of a Community Around the Game of Football’.

Kevin’s contributions towards sports history have continued to be celebrated as part of the Heritage Open Days, which take place in Penistone.

His collection of work and research has helped to put Penistone on the map.

Aside from a stint living in France for eight years, Kevin has lived and worked in Penistone for decades.

Since his retirement, Kevin’s research has carried on and he enjoys helping his local community.

He is involved with St John the Baptist Church, helping to fundraise an additional £75,000 to replace its roof.

Kevin said: “I’m very honoured to be nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award. It’s nice to be recognised for the work I’ve done in putting Penistone on the map as far as the modern game of association football is concerned.

“Penistone has had a significant role to play in the development of the game. When I first arrived in Penistone in 1977, for a job interview, I drove up the hill from Barnsley.

“There was this huge panoramic view of Penistone surrounded by the most idyllic countryside imaginable.

“I went, ‘wow, that’s a place I’d like to live’. It’s been like that ever since.

“The people, the area and the history are fantastic.”

Richard and Kevin were nominated by Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball.