I have to say that of all the games that we have sponsored this was undoubtedly the best organised and the most enjoyable. 32 London Branch members met outside the main entrance at 12 noon and took part in a tour around the ground. We were shown all areas of the club premises with the exception of the manager’s office – apparently Paul Simpson’s professionalism is such that he does not like to be disturbed in his preparation for the game and quite right too. We were taken around the pitch where Ted Swainson was able to give us his expert opinion on the state of the playing surface and even his suggested tactics given the longer than usual grass given the rain and dampness of the pitch. After the tour we retired to the Sponsor’s Lounge where we met Hughie McIlmoyle and George McVitie and oiled our vocal chords prior to the game. To ensure the interest of all attendees we were invited to guess the score, first scorer, time of first goal, attendance etc. An extensive hot and cold buffet ensured that we were adequately fed prior to the kick-off. With both Andrew Jenkins and Fred Story mingling and chatting with us we really felt a part of the club – the sort of feeling that must be alien to most Premiership supporters. With prime seats just behind the Directors Box we had an excellent view of the game and like the rest of the crowd couldn’t believe it when we only drew 0 – 0. Given that we didn’t have a first scorer or first goal prizes were given to the three people who correctly forecast a 0 – 0 scoreline. The booby prize of a Carlisle United lunch box went to Andy Harrison who had forecast that United would win 8 – 0… After speeches and a question and answer session from Andrew Jenkins and Fred Story, Makiko Brookes presented Chris Lumsdon with his London Branch player of the match award to go with his main player of the match award. In return Fred Story presented the London Branch organiser and chairperson, Clare Mawson, with an inscribed cut-glass decanter and whisky glasses. A final draw was made for an autographed football and the popular winner was none other than yours truly – Fred Story had to look round to check that Michael Knighton hadn’t walked in such were the boos that greeted the result…. So a great start to the new season, apart from the result, but there is still time to get that right. This season looks like being a busy one for the London Branch with more games than usual in the Southern half of the country – Saturday’s visit to Forest Green being a case in point. Hope to see you on our travels Malcolm Fawcett |
