My very good friend Micky Bates is a model maker who lives in Leicestershire. He builds his model football stadia in the regrettably plentiful enforced spare time he has as a result of the hugely debilitating, life-threatening stroke that he suffered in 2003 at just 43 years of age.
Since this major life-changing event Mick has fought back with real determination and persistence in order to overcome the effects of his disability. Even though he has permanently lost the use of 75% of his right-hand side he has since taught himself to build his fantastic models with the use of his previously ‘weaker’ left hand. His patience, persistence and skill in creating his highly authentic models, despite such adverse personal circumstances, have quite rightly endeared him to the many fans of his painstaking and remarkable work.
Each of Mick’s models is unique and many photos of them can be viewed in the gallery section of this website. These include some early images of his other projects, that of Manor Park – the former ground of our hometown club Nuneaton Borough and the model fairground that he has built for his grandchildren Allie and Evie.
Whatever your allegiance I sincerely hope all football fans will appreciate Mick’s amazing talents as shown on this website.
“Vincit qui patitur”.
Kevin Ward.