Everton History Desert Island Memorabilia: David France and The Everton Collection Mike Gaynes 14/05/2025 5comments | Jump to last As we come up on the Goodison finale, I have just spent a glorious 90 minutes watching this film. Posted on the EFC Heritage Society website, it's the first of three films featuring Dr Everton, aka David France OBE, creator and keeper of the greatest one-club historical archive in any sport, anywhere. David Prentice asked Dr France to choose the 10 most remarkable, cherished artifacts from his 10,000-piece collection of Everton memorabilia, and then sat him down for an interview in the Liverpool City Council Chambers to talk about them. The good doctor recounts how he chose the most special items, which include a Bert Freeman international cap from 1909, the 1891 champions team photo, the 1888 letter arranging the first game with Villa, the first season ticket from 1881 and, most precious of all…. Nah, I'm not going to give it away. But it's extraordinary. Most affecting to me is David's passion for preserving The Everton Collection in a museum. This simply must happen. Now. Either at the preserved Goodison or at Bramley-Moore Dock. Watch the video via the link below and revel in some terrific stories, including one in which Alex Young gives his old Scotland shirt to David's lovely wife Elizabeth and tells her to go wash the car with it. Enjoy. ps: I never knew David is as much a devotee of Leonard Cohen as he is of Everton! Watch the film at the EFC Heritage Society website Reader Comments (5) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Danny O'Neill 1 Posted 14/05/2025 at 07:32:25 Mike, it's a great watch.Some fantastic recollections from David (OBE). He's never forgotten his Widnes roots or his passion for all things Everton.I hope one day, we can carry on his legacy from our own experiences.Some of his stories made me think.When speaking about some of the '60s players, it takes me back to the stories I was brought up on. His account of his friend, Brian Labone made me think how many unsung heroes there were in that period.Labone, the "angel" Gabriel, Derek Temple, Morrisey and Gordon West, the keeper, who could over-arm bowl a football further than he could kick it apparently. I often think World Cup winner Ray Wilson doesn't get as much a mention he probably deserved.I'm sure there are more and I never got the privilege to watch them.His mention of the Liverpool museum at our former ground being one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city is a message. We should build one at Bramley-Moore Dock or Nelson Dock when we buy it. And the good Doctor's collection belongs there, with more to come and be added. I can donate. It's only a personal thing, but way back in the 1970s, my father had a local carpenter carve a plaque out of the base of a tree. It simply reads Goodison Park, and has been displayed in every house I have lived in since then.I loved how he described living with a coal fire, candles and a coat. I've been there. It reminded me of the times I stayed at my paternal Grandad's on Hale Road in Speke, opposite the Fox and the Dunlop's football pitches for those who know it.He once ran out of coal, so threw newspapers on the fire, nearly causing the house to burn down. He tried worse. His garden became so overgrown, that rather than cut the grass, he set fire to it, causing alarmed neighbours to call the emergency services. Cue fire engines, police and ambulances. His reaction was to head to the Fox across the road, get my dad to buy him a pint (he never paid) and leave me outside with a bottle of pop and bag of crisps watching the carnage. Derek Thomas 2 Posted 14/05/2025 at 08:07:36 Cracking tale Danny. The Fox, Dunnies, The Peg, The Dove, The Noah's, St Ambrose Club, The Speke Social Club. I whiled away the hours for about 5 yrs either side of 1970. Mike Gaynes 3 Posted 14/05/2025 at 08:15:08 Danny, that's a superb anecdote. Bet you have tons more.Can't wait to meet you, sir. Hopefully this fall. Tony Abrahams 4 Posted 14/05/2025 at 08:18:46 A ten thousand piece collection devoted to Everton FC!Unbelievable, incredible, I was never one for collecting memorabilia, but when I look at old photographs and see how much time, money and effort has gone into Dr Davids collection, then I am always thankful that these very thoughtful people exist and believe that this collection should take pride of place inside our new stadium💙 Danny O'Neill 5 Posted 14/05/2025 at 13:13:50 Maybe sooner Mike. I'm still planning on being in the States for pre-season and if I am, I will call into Seattle. If the planets align, I will visit Dr David in Arizona too.Derek, what was the one near the Parade? The Ponderosa? It was notorious for being a place not to go. Mind you, there where a couple of those in Croxteth when I lived with my mother's aunty there for a while. Croxteth and Speke were tough places in those days, but I didn't notice it.The Peg brings back memories. By then I was a teenager and allowed in. The characters were like something out of a Liverpool version of Only Fools and Horses.Billy the Bin. He was a bin man.Freddy the Ferret. He kept ferrets.Careful Kevin. He never bought a round.Happy days and Everton were winning or challenging for everything in sight.Back on topic, David's collection should be give pride of place, and hopefully added to in our new stadium or the surroundings. And, respecting his wishes, looked after. He has taken significant effort and personal time devoted to something he and we love. The club are now the custodians of that and must, absolutely must, respect it.He leaves a legacy based on our legacy. If you're reading David, best wishes to you and, of course Elizabeth. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © Mike Gaynes. All rights reserved.