By Andy Cryer

WIL Hulbert has been involved with Chippenham Town for over 30 years, but he is only the latest in a long line of family members to have a passion for the club.

Hulbert, who celebrates his 51st birthday tomorrow, is chairman of the Bluebirds supporters' club and is also the co-editor of the programme.

He joined the committee in 1972 and with the exception of a few years when he moved away to college has always been a regular at Hardenhuish.

His interest in the club stemmed from his grandfather and father, who were also big Town fans.

Hulbert said: "My grandfather was on the committee back in the 1930s and he put in the plumbing here. He actually put in the original boiler that they have only just got rid of.

"Also my father used to do the announcements here when I was a lad and my uncle was a president of the supporters' club back in about 1950.

"With this sort of background it is no surprise really that I have followed in their footsteps."

Hulbert, a deputy head teacher at Monkton Park Primary School, says putting the match day programme together takes more time than running the supporters' club.

He said: "Putting all the articles together for the match day programme takes me about four hours every Sunday morning.

"With the supporters' club I have got a very good committee and a lot of people put in a lot of time. I am just the figurehead."

Hulbert is married to Linda, and has two sons, Lee, 18 and Mark, 15.

"My family say I am obsessed with Chippenham Town," he said.

"That is not the case, because obviously my family and work comes first, but after that Chippenham is my next passion.

"I find it a great release from the pressures of teaching and I love my Saturday afternoons watching Chippenham.

"The club have given me great enjoyment throughout the years and I feel it is only right that I give them something back."

Hulbert has experienced the highs and lows of supporting Chippenham throughout the years and admits he cannot believe how far the club has come.

He said: "One of the highlights of my time at Chippenham is obviously the FA Vase run and getting to Wembley.

"But I think the biggest thing is the progress made to Hardenhuish itself. The ground has changed beyond recognition.

"When I used to come as a kid the stand on the far side of the ground was just corrugated iron. We used to kick it when Chippenham scored and rust would fall down our back.

"The progress made has been absolutely wonderful."

Three points in tomorrow's crucial local derby against Bath City would provide Hulbert with the perfect birthday present.