For thousands of supporters, a trip to Blundell Park is about much more than 90 minutes of football. It’s about family, friendships, traditions and memories that last a lifetime. For the past 20 years, volunteer photographer Anne Boyers has been helping to capture those moments.

Whether it’s a young supporter attending their first game, four generations of a family watching the Mariners together, or fans celebrating a famous victory, Anne’s photographs have become a familiar and much-loved part of the matchday experience.

As part of National Volunteers’ Week, we sat down with Anne to reflect on her two decades of volunteering and what keeps her coming back week after week.

“I just want to be here,” she said. “It’s like a drug, not a nasty drug, but one that makes you feel you’ve got to be here.”

Anne’s journey with the club began around 20 years ago when she started working within the Study Support programme at Grimsby Town. It was there that she first discovered a professional camera and developed a passion for photography. Encouraged to start taking pictures around the ground, she quickly became hooked.

When funding for the programme eventually came to an end, Anne’s connection with the club did not.

“By then I was hooked,” she explained. “This place gets in your blood.”

That passion remains as strong as ever today. Ahead of the club’s memorable cup tie against Manchester United earlier this season, Anne arrived at Blundell Park hours before kick-off simply to soak in the atmosphere. For her, however, it has never just been about the football.

“The people are something else,” she said. “Such a wide cross-section of people and they’re so grateful. I don’t care, I’ll take photos all day long and create memories for them because memories here are memories made forever.”

Every home game, Anne can be found around the stadium chatting to supporters, hearing their stories and documenting their day. From holidaymakers making a spontaneous visit to Blundell Park, to lifelong season ticket holders travelling hundreds of miles to watch the Mariners, Anne loves meeting the people who make the club special.

“It’s the people,” she said when asked what motivates her to continue volunteering.

“Most people do want photos. I met somebody the other week who said, ‘You took a photo of my lad when it was his first game.’ I do hundreds of photos every week, but if somebody wants to be remembered, I’m going to remember them.”

Anne has witnessed countless memorable moments during her time at the club, from promotion celebrations to famous cup victories. Yet while the results and players may change, one thing remains constant.

“The fans are the heart of this club,” she said. “They come and they go on the pitch and we’ve had some amazing players, but it’s these people that pay their money every week and come along and shout and scream. The fans are the club.”

That belief shines through in every gallery Anne produces. While supporters may see a collection of photographs uploaded after each home game, Anne sees something much more meaningful.

“If I can see a photograph of a family, that’s special,” she said. “If I can get four generations together, that blows me away. It’s all about the people. This belongs to us all.”

Anne’s contribution extends far beyond the photographs she takes. Over two decades, she has become a familiar face around Blundell Park, building relationships with supporters, staff and players alike. Her enthusiasm, warmth and dedication have made her a valued part of the Grimsby Town family.

As we celebrate National Volunteers’ Week, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Anne for everything she does for the club. Through rain and shine, victories and defeats, Anne continues to give her time to help supporters preserve memories that will last a lifetime. And as she puts it herself: “I’ve loved every second.”

Thank you, Anne.

UTM