Goodison Park ‘In the Dark’ Tour

EFCHS Final Visit to Goodison Park – The ‘In the Dark’ Tour

Well this was a special moment to witness. One last time, together in the Goodison press room for former Liverpool Echo journalists – and Everton FC Heritage Society members – David Prentice and a pensive Ken Rogers, while the master looms large behind them.

During their time on the Echo, both Ken and David were Chief Sports Writers, both eventually becoming Sports Editor. Now retired, Ken is currently chairman of EFCHS, while David moved to Everton Football Club in 2022 as PR Manager (Football Media). So many countless match reports, articles, interviews, and books by these two Everton experts over the decades, true Blues both! 💙

(📷 Lewis Royden )

Both Ken and David can be heard talking about Goodison history in the latest NML Podcast – well worth a listen!

While we were in the dressing room, the kits arrived for both sides as Everton were playing West Ham the following day, so an added bonus for our visit!

Back in 2001 this youngster was the mascot helping to hand out the awards on stage at the Hall of Fame night. We just had to recreate the moment –

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Emerging from the Tunnel into the Darkness – A whole new experience!

Same view of the Bullens, with adjustment to the camera exposure, but some blurry as no flash or tripod used

Part of The Plough in the star-lit sky?

Don’t forget, the above photographs were taken in almost darkness!

The police holding cell in the corner of the Enclosure / Park End

A couple of Becky taken earlier in the evening

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Photographs: Lewis Royden / Rob Sawyer / Jamie Yates / Mike Royden

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Elle Barnes-Reen – our tour guide

Many thanks to Elle our tour guide, who has given great support to the Heritage Society in the past, and on our Dixie Dean Memorial Award evening. It was an excellent tour, especially outside, seeing Goodison in a such a memorable way. Elle took time to answer all of our questions, and was in no rush to complete the tour. Much appreciated!

A memorable experience!

Lily Barnes

Many fans will know that Elle is the granddaughter of Lily Barnes, who was on the Everton staff for forty-three years, and worked as the tour guide for eighteen years.

Sadly, Lilly passed away on 21 December 2023 aged 79, after a short illness.

A memorial message from Everton Football Club can be found here.

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BBC Merseyside clip about Lily and Elle

Giulia Bould talks to Elle Barnes-Reen

Everton Tours and Commercial Events Manager Elle Barnes-Reen chats to Giulia Bould about the increased demand for the number of tours of the stadium

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Dave Hickson – Goodison Tour Guide 1990s

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Gordon Watson – Tour Guide – (Retired 1997)