I've Bean here before

I've Bean here before
Sheffield Today
16 Aug 2004

SHEFFIELD actor Sean Bean was greeted by hundreds of adoring fans when

he made a star appearance at a fun day on his old stomping ground.

The Hollywood hunk turned up at Handsworth Recreation Ground on

Saturday to open a fair to raise cash to improve the park's facilities.

With a twinkle in his eye, Sean told the crowd: "I remember coming to

the rec to play football as a lad ... and doing many other things here too."

Organisers released helium balloons and women swarmed around the

sexy 45-year-old to get his autograph – some asking him to sign their bare

arms.

Many of them remembered Sean from childhood and chatted with the

actor about their families and friends.

Blades fanatic Sean, who was born in Handsworth, told The Star: "I've

seen a lot of familiar faces today, they are a good bunch.

"I have got a lot of fond memories of the park, it used to be where

everyone went to and I hope the efforts of Handsworth Forum can get the

park back to how it used to be, or even better."

The show was organised by Handsworth Forum, which hopes to raise

£500,000 to create a new play ground and a floodlit five-a-side football

pitch.

Attractions included horse and dog shows, fun fair rides, bouncy castles

and more than 25 trade stalls.

There were performances by Woodhouse Prize Brass Band, the Lynsey

Evans dance troop, Double Vision and performer Ben Cooper, from Intake

in Sheffield.

And daredevils were offered the chance to do bungee jumps for the cause.

Spectator Mandy Nesbitt, aged 45, from Woodthorpe, said: "I got Sean to

sign my arm as I didn't have a piece of paper. He's my heart-throb and

there's no way I'm washing his signature off today."

After the show Sean, was whisked away to watch Sheffield United play

Reading at Bramall Lane.