Clarets fans design ‘face’ for super fan John

The Clarets Creative project has not had a close season and recently awarded prizes in its latest competition to come up with a design for the face of John Withington.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Jul 2011, 08:35 BST

John of Rome Avenue, Burnley, dons a different pattern every home game to cheer on the Clarets and is known worldwide for claret and blue face! But he started to run out of inspiration – so that’s where the Clarets Creative project came in.

John said: “It seemed like a match made in heaven. Here was a community project encouraging Clarets fans to express their support creatively and I wanted to get those same supporters to come up with some new designs for my face.”

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One of the Clarets Creative project leaders, Janet Swan, said: “We want to know why Burnley FC is so important to the local people. We have been recording stories, encouraging people to write on beer mats, running classes to bring out creativity and now using this competition to find out what motivates local fans want to follow this great team of ours.”

Winners of the competition in three age categories were: Katey Chipps, of Burnley – aged five and under Lillie May Townley, of Burnley – aged six to nine years Aidan Stephenson, of Colne – aged 10 and over

John, who has been adopted as a mascot by the Aussie Clarets supporters’ club, will be painting his face in the winning designs on the first three home games of the season.

The Clarets Creative project, funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund, preserves stories and memories of Clarets fans and demonstrates the importance of creativity to our health and well-being. Any group who wishes to hold a recording session or workshop whould contact Janet on 01282 414287 or at [email protected].

Related topics:ClaretsBurnley