Flying the flag (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Flying the flag

11:10am Thursday 10th June 2010 in News By Emily Roberts

FOOTBALL fever has broken out in Basingstoke as fans get ready for the World Cup by flying the flag for the England team.

With just one day before the world’s greatest sporting contest begins in South Africa, some supporters have already made their homes into football shrines festooned with the cross of St George.

Darren Smith, 33 from Park Prewett Road, Limes Park, said cars have slowed down to admire his display of more than 50 flags.

The father-of-two added: “We do it every time they play. There are a few people who don’t like it but I haven’t had any negative comments yet this year. I think more people should support their country. There aren’t many people who put flags out and it’s a shame. In other countries, people put flags out and I wish it was like that here.”

His daughter Zara, 13, said: “We are going to try and get our cat an England top to wear. We think it’s fun and we should support our country. I love football and I play football, and we are rooting for England.”

With England’s first game on June 12 against the USA, Barry and Diana Burford made sure their flags were up well in advance of the big match.

The husband and wife from Mendip Close, Buckskin, have decorated half of their home with the England flag, hoping it would stand out.

Barry, 61, said: “I’m going to try to get an even bigger flag to go on the other side of the house before Saturday. We are football mad. People love it and we get kids coming and saying ‘wow’ when they walk past. We should be proud of our country.”

Do you have a view on whether we should fly more flags? Have your say below or write, in no more than 250 words, to The Letters Editor, Gazette Newspapers, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6YD.