England-Themed Home Captivates Burnage Community
A football enthusiast and great-grandmother, Mary Fannon, 71, has become a well-known figure in her Burnage, Manchester neighbourhood due to her extensive display of England flags, badges, and bunting adorning her home.
Mary has been decorating her residence for every World Cup and European Championship tournament over the past two decades. Each year, she has expanded her collection, resulting in an impressive array of memorabilia covering nearly every surface of her house, garden, and even the garage.
Annual Tradition Supported by Family
Mary credits her grandson’s assistance and an extendable ladder for enabling her to set up this year’s display.
"I love it because it's England," the lifelong Manchester United fan said. "Come on England, get us in there lads."
Her elaborate decorations have become a much-anticipated feature in the neighbourhood.
"I don't know of anyone else locally who puts as many flags up as I do," Mary remarked. "People do come past and show their support, I get a wave from passers-by and they've got their car horns going. They always shout my name now, because they know who I am."
In addition to purchasing flags over the years, Mary has received donations from visitors who come to see her display and contribute their own flags.
"A lot of the flags have come from people who have come up, knocked on and given me them," she said. "It would be weird now if people came and saw I hadn't put them up."
Mary explained the setup process.
"My grandson puts them all up for me," she said. "We've got an extended ladder he uses. He spent a full day doing it on Saturday and then again on Sunday. I can't put them up by myself but as long as I've got my grandkids to help me, I'll keep doing it for as long as I last."
Looking Forward to England’s Matches
Mary expressed her hopes for England’s upcoming games, planning to watch the opening match against Croatia either alone or with her grandchildren. She also has plans for celebrations if England advance to the later stages of the tournament.
"If we get through to the final I'm having people round," she said. "I don't care what time it is, if it's two o'clock in the morning, we're doing it. I hope we win. If we get through tonight I think we're in there, I think we can get in."
A Lifelong Football Fan with Fond Memories
The current tournament is the latest in a long history of World Cups Mary has followed closely. She vividly recalls England’s sole World Cup victory.
"I remember our last World Cup win at the 1966 final," she said. "I was at home watching it with my mum and dad in Withington. I was still in school then."
Mary shared her hopes for the match outcome and key players.
"I'm hoping it's 2-0, I hope Harry Kane scores, and if they play Marcus Rashford, I hope he scores," she said. "I love it all because it's England. I really do love it, I really enjoy it."
She emphasized the significance of this tournament.
"This is the big tournament, this is for the golden one and we haven't won it since 66. It'd be nice for it to get back here. Come on England, let's get it done."
Community Recognition and Pride
Mary’s dedication has earned her recognition within the community.
"I'm happy to know my house had been called the World Cup house of Manchester," she said.
Additional Images
Mary has expressed that she would "hesitate to even guess" the total number of flags in her collection, highlighting the scale of her display.
England flag bunting is prominently displayed against a blue sky with clouds, accompanied by a green leafy tree visible in the background, symbolizing the festive atmosphere Mary creates.
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