Duncan Edwards exhibition extended by a further month due to 'amazing' response

Visitors to Dudley Archives and Local History Centre have been able to view a wide range of memorabilia and football programmes relating to the life of the Dudley-born Busby Babe since January.

The exhibition which also includes some of his England caps, posters, artwork, photographs, press cuttings and personal correspondence was due to close on March 30.

But it has now been confirmed that it will instead remain open until April 28 having proven popular with people across the Black Country as well as further afield.

Richard Lewis, senior archivist, said: “It has a been a great honour for the Dudley Archives and Local History Centre to host this wonderful exhibition commemorating the passing of Duncan and celebrating his life.

“The amazing response from the people of Dudley and beyond has been truly touching.

“The extension will allow further time for people to enjoy the fabulous exhibits and to pay their own personal tributes.”

United and England icon Duncan was one of eight players who died following the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958. He died 15 days later on February 21, aged just 21.

The exhibition tells Duncan’s story from his Black Country roots to championship titles with Manchester United and appearances for England at every age level.

Duncan, who grew up on the Priory Estate, played 180 games for Manchester United, England and The Army while on his two years National Service.

During this period he helped Manchester United to win two consecutive First Division Championships.

The exhibition included a special book of remembrance to mark the 60th anniversary of his death.

Among the first to sign the book was Tony Whelan, a former Manchester United player and now assistant director of the club’s academy.

It was signed by people from all over the country before being taken out to Munich by Rose and Andy Monk, board members of the newly-formed Duncan Edwards Foundation.

They flew out on February 4 with around 1,000 Manchester United supporters and visited two of the nurses who looked after Duncan at the time of the crash.

They also witnessed the opening of a memorial garden on the airfield, which is now disused.

The book was presented to the minister of the Church of St Peter near Manchesterplatz, a street near the airport named in honour of the club following the disaster.