A Shrovetide Story I’ll Never Forget
Photographing the 2025 goal scorer’s brand new son.
Gemma Yeomans Photography – Specialist Newborn Photographer in Ashbourne, Derbyshire
There are moments in my career as a photographer that will stay with me forever… and this one is right at the top of the list. As many of you know, I’m proudly based here near Ashbourne and Ashbourne is my home town, where Shrovetide isn’t just a game, it’s part of our identity.
Each year, Ashbourne in Derbyshire shifts from a quiet town to the backdrop of one of the oldest and most energetic traditions around. Over Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, two local teams, the Up’ards and the Down’ards, battle to move the ball towards their goals, which sit three miles apart in Sturston for the Up’ards and Clifton for the Down’ards. The action spills through the streets, across fields and even into the river, with dedicated players pushing, scrumming and charging their way through the town to give their side the edge.
Every year, our town comes alive for the two days of absolute chaos, where pride and passion fuel a centuries-old tradition. It’s loud, chaotic and full on, as friends and family compete against each other with only the river dictating which side they play for. Shrovetide football has been played in Ashbourne for centuries, with thousands gathering and players pushing, pulling and heaving the ball through the town from one end to the other. It’s raw, muddy, passionate, and part of my heritage. Everyone else lines the roads with a pint in hand, grabbing fish and chips from the local shops and tucking into pancakes because, let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be Shrove Tuesday without them. It’s loud, messy, exciting and completely Ashbourne. Businesses board up their windows, families gather together, and the whole town holds its breath for those extraordinary two days.
In 2025, Martyn Taylor “goaled” the ball for the Down’Ards, securing a 1–0 win and cementing his name in the history books. So when Vicky, his wife, came back to me for a newborn session for baby number two, not only did I have a plan to capture the famous grandma Brenda’s blanket once again but this time Grandma also brought along THE BALL. I felt incredibly honoured and also a little mischievous knowing that we had the actual ball in my studio without Dad Martyn knowing anything. It would be a surprise that I had already pre planned with Mum, Vicky. Photographing newborns is always such a privilege, capturing those delicate early days, but this session carried an entirely different feeling… one of local importance.
My cosy home studio, beautifully converted with new parents in mind and nestled in the gorgeous Derbyshire countryside, felt worlds away from the roar of Shrovetide. It’s a calm, warm space designed so families can relax, completely at ease, whilst I work. I’ve been an award winning Ashbourne based newborn photographer for over a decade now, and moments like this remind me exactly why I fell in love with this work.
See my newborn photography portfolio here
There I was, holding space for this peaceful, intimate moment, so far removed from the chaos of the Shrovetide crowds. The calm of newborn baby Louis curled up safely with his mama. It felt like history, family, legacy and pride were all meeting in one place.
Vicky, who was pregnant when Dad Martyn scored his goal, agreed this was a ‘meant to be’ moment, and I had the honour of photographing their newborn son with the battered and beaten Shrovetide winning ball of the 2025 game. It was a tiny, peaceful moment that somehow carried all the energy, heritage and passion of our town’s most historic tradition.
As we moved through the session, I asked Vicky if she wanted me to photoshop out the laces used to carry the ball, but in actual fact this was equally an important part of the story, for they were in fact Dad’s laces he wore when scoring the goal.
And then came the moment I had been waiting for: the viewing session back in my studio.
When Martyn walked in and saw the images for the first time, his tiny newborn son photographed with that ball, the one he goaled in Clifton, the one the whole town talks about, he was completely speechless. Truly lost for words. You could see the emotion hit him before he even had a chance to speak. When he finally did, it was clear how much he loved them. That quiet, overwhelmed, in-love reaction is something I’ll never forget.
Afterwards, I couldn’t help but think about how Louis will grow up surrounded by stories of the Down’Ards, of the game, and of that incredible moment his dad secured victory before he was even born.
This wasn’t just a newborn shoot. It was a piece of Ashbourne history intertwined with the most precious moments of early parenthood, and being trusted to capture that is something I will never, ever take for granted. Being a Down’Ard myself this, brought me so much joy. That being said, I welcome every single family into my studio whether an Up’Ard or a Down’Ard!
I feel so lucky to do what I do and moments like this remind me exactly why I love it. I can’t wait to watch this family grow and keep Shrovetide alive for our children’s children.
If you would like your own newborn photos in my Ashbourne studio, you can read more about my newborn sessions below.
To keep this ancient game going it is so important to raise awareness and also to keep supporting the Royal Shrovetide Committee. They work tirelessly behind the scenes year round, organising, planning, and keeping the tradition safe and alive. The committee is always in need of volunteer Marshall’s, charity bucket street collectors, litter pickers, and locals willing to help in any way they can. Their fundraising events and community support are what allow this centuries-old tradition to continue.
Please check out their page if you would like to donate or get involved.
The training has now started for this year’s game… A local game for local people. Check out their Facebook to support.
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