A prominent football enthusiast passed away following a tragic fall from a lamppost while installing flags. Paul Lumber, a well-known supporter of Bristol City and a former member of the CSF – City Service Firm in the 1980s, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the incident near his residence in South Bristol on November 23.
Mr. Lumber, aged 60, was engaged in hanging up Union Jack flags when the accident occurred, resulting in critical head injuries and other wounds. Despite being promptly taken to the hospital and placed in an induced coma, he did not regain consciousness and sadly passed away in the recent past.
Before the unfortunate event, Paul had initiated an online fundraising campaign to acquire additional flags. He was part of a group dedicated to adorning lampposts in South Bristol with Union and St. George flags, as reported by Bristol Live.
The fundraising endeavor, launched in late October, had garnered over £1,000 from numerous supporters of his ‘Raise the Colours’ initiative. Described as a vibrant and distinctive figure in the local community, Mr. Lumber, a painter and decorator by profession, was a devoted follower of Bristol City and the English national team.
Renowned for his involvement in the football casual scene during the 1980s, he later chronicled its activities in two books focusing on the City Service Firm associated with Bristol City. Paul had recently tied the knot with Michele, his partner of 23 years, with friends emphasizing his profound affection for his loved ones.
In his publication ‘It All Kicked Off In Bristol,’ Mr. Lumber recounted his immersion in and departure from the football hooligan culture of the late 1970s and 1980s. Notably, he was among the first individuals in the country to receive a football banning order and had served jail time for football-related violence in his youth.
“His family and friends were his top priority,” remarked another acquaintance. “His dedication and affection towards them were palpable to anyone who knew him. He was a beloved figure in the working-class community.”