One of the Knights’ long-time supporters, Monk Bar Model Shop has been a club sponsor for around fifteen years as Andy Masheder, the company’s director, tells us in this, our latest ‘Getting To Know’ piece with a club sponsor.
“Phil Seymour persuaded me to sponsor Scott ‘Water Boy’ Walker,” he joked. “I think he was followed by Matt Danville and we continued to sponsor players for many years,” he added with Ian Kirke, Sam Scott and Jack Aldous just three of the illustrious Knights to have been sponsored by the company. “Simon Moat managed to twist my arm further and we became a shirt sponsor around a decade ago and have continued every year since.”
The company, first established in August 1963, is one familiar to many thousands of residents and visitors to the city and continues to trade successfully from it’s shop just inside Monk Bar.
Asked about how sponsoring the club helps the business, Masheder explains that “it helps raise our profile whilst supporting a local sports team we are proud to be associated with.
The Knights have shown excellent progress both on and off the field in recent years and we hope to continue our partnership over the coming years.”
Masheder himself has been a rugby league fan for much longer than the business’ involvement. “My family have supported rugby league in York for many years and I first started attending games as a child with my Dad and brother at Clarence Street in the Wasps days,” he said. “We continued to support the club as Ryedale-York and now as the Knights. I attend most home games and have been to many away games over the years.”
After a strong showing in the 2019 Betfred Championship and encouraging performances in the matches immediately preceding the enforced shutdown, Masheder, like many rugby league fans, was frustrated yet understanding of the need to cancel the remainder of the season. He is, however, excited about the future of the club, namely the LNER Community Stadium. “There are many positives to look forward to as we finally look close to moving to the new stadium and the exciting prospect of hosting games and teams at the Rugby League World Cup next year,” he remarked.
As lockdown continues to be eased across the nation, Masheder is now keen to see business return to the city and to Monk Bar Model Shop. “Like many businesses, Covid-19 hit us hard with the shop closing for nearly three months. The good news is that we are now back open and look forward to welcoming new and existing customers and fans to the shop.”
“Hopefully we are starting to see the City Centre return to a new normal.”
For those that have not visited Monk Bar Model Shop, they can be found at 2 Goodramgate, just inside Monk Bar. Their opening hours are 10am-4pm, Monday to Saturday, and the shop stocks a wide range of models including model railways, plastic kits, Scalextric and diecast models. You can also find a large selection of modelling accessories, paints and scenic materials.
They can also be found online at www.monkbarmodelshop.co.uk or on social media at the links below.
