Vikings set to invade Chippenham (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Vikings set to invade Chippenham
Co-founder Jan Erik Hiim
An invasion of Vikings is set to hit Chippenham this weekend – but unlike the days of old, when King Alfred was forced to flee the attack before the battle of Eddington, the Norsemen come in peace.
A twist of fate has turned 30 Norwegians into Chippenham Town FC supporters, and they are visiting the town tomorrow to support the team’s bid against Stourbridge at home.
The group, founded by Jan Erik Hiim and Bjorn Ove Hersdal, decided to adopt Chippenham Town as a result of an annual canoeing trip to England, which resulted in them tracing the course of the River Avon on the map, alighting on Chippenham and becoming drawn in by the Bluebirds’ ‘pride and passion’ logo.
A Norwegian branch of the Chippenham Town FC supporter’s club was promptly established, and now the party are set to march through the town centre wearing team shirts with their names emblazoned on the back before watching the game.
They will be congregating in the market square near the Four Seasons pub at 1.45pm.
Chippenham Town FC spokesman Wil Hulbert said: “Chippenham supporters have welcomed their new allies with open arms – the Norwegian flag can be seen flying at all of Chippenham’s home games and supporters have taken to wearing Viking helmets.”
