‘Gandy’s Tours’ reached the end of the line, with the Grappenhall 78-year-old finally retiring from around 50 years of organising long-weekend breaks to the Challenge Cup Final.

Warrington Wolves’ three-times Challenge Cup winner ‘Moz’ sought out Tony in the stands before kick-off to Saturday’s showpiece between Wigan and Hull KR to gift him a match ball, signed by both finalists, on behalf of the Rugby Football League.

For decades, the former Warrington Lions president and sleigh-ride Santa has taken three coach-loads of supporters to the capital for the sport’s big weekend, arranging everything from the coach travel, hotel accommodation and match transfer to a stopover on the way home on the Sunday for a roast dinner and cabaret entertainment – with no profits or administration fees taken.

Moments captured during the weekend’s Wembley trip, the last organised by Tony Gandy (Image: Contributed)

Moments captured during the weekend’s Wembley trip, the last organised by Tony Gandy (Image: Contributed)

Former Warrington centre Ian Duane enjoying the company during the weekend’s Wembley trip, the last organised by Tony Gandy (Image: Contributed)

The annual pilgrimage has become legendary, with most on board being repeat guests – some for as long as the trips have been running, while ex-professional players on the trips over the years have included Ian Duane, Richie Eyres, Stuart Wright and Clive Jones.

Pete Astley from the Warrington Wolves Foundation has just enjoyed his 14th successive trip with ‘Gandy’s Tours’ and he wrote to the RFL asking if Tony’s contribution could be recognised.

“He has given so much to the community, with everything he has done and does for worthy causes and this trip he organises every year for 160 people – it’s not an easy thing to do to make such a trip happen and run smoothly,” he said.

“I’m so pleased that The Rugby Football League have recognised such efforts at a community level.”

Moments captured during the weekend’s Wembley trip, the last organised by Tony Gandy (Image: Contributed)

Moments captured during the weekend’s Wembley trip, the last organised by Tony Gandy (Image: Contributed)

Another regular on the two men’s coaches, Andy Sinclair, pointed out that for many years Tony provided all the ale for the coach trips, too.

“The guy’s a legend. He’s such a brilliant organiser and everything is done for us,” said Andy.

“For a long time the price was under £200, but even now with the price of everything being what it is with the cost of living, this weekend’s trip was £270.

“He just has the knack of being able to secure great prices.

“If you ask me the highlight, it’s when we get back to Thelwall Viaduct on the Sunday night and all three coaches are absolutely bouncing. Great memories.

“They are the best and fastest weekends of the year – they fly by.”

Andy Sinclair and Tony Gandy during the Coventry leg of the weekend’s Wembley trip (Image: Contributed)

Pam Queeney racked up a 17th trip on the mixed coach at the weekend.

She said Tony is always focused on making sure everybody is alright and having a good time, so much so that one year he realised he had forgotten something upon arriving in London.

Pam said: “He said ‘Come on, you’re going to have to come to Marks & Spencer with me’. We said ‘What for?’ He said ‘I’ve left my case at home, I’ve got no clothes’.

“The memories everybody’s got are amazing. He’s a character and there’s never been a dull moment with him.

“He needs time for himself now to dedicate to his family.”

Great memories for all from trips of the past, with this picture from the 2012 Challenge Cup Final contributed by Wayne Haughton (Image: Mike Boden)

Enjoying a trip on ‘Gandy’s Tours’ from years gone by (Image: Contributed)

Thanks to Pam, her friend Lynn Moores and Dave Coyne, the trips will continue to be organised.

Tony, who continued to organise this year’s weekender despite ill health, said he got involved in running the trips because ‘companies were ripping people off’.

“The highlight of the trips is seeing everyone enjoying themselves and the Sunday afternoon with the lunch, cabaret and cheaper ale prices at a club in Coventry,” he said.

“The crowning moment was at Wembley on Saturday, being presented with a match ball signed by both finalists. They could not have selected a better person than Adrian Morley to do it.”