NEWS ARCHIVE - SEASON 2012/2013
May 15, 2013
SPONSORED LUNCH
A TOTAL of 30 members attended the final game of the season at Glanford Park against Swindon which was, of course, sponsored by SULSESC.
A good time was had by all as usual, despite the Iron's relegation and some rather, how shall we put it, haphazard organisation of proceedings on SUFC's part!
The player of the year presentation turned into a bit of a farce as Mark Duffy was pulled away from the dressing room at 2 o'clock to receive the John Birkett Shield, which went ahead without the actual shield itself as no-one from SUFC had managed to produce it for us to present.
The Theaker boys, Jack and Harry, promptly 'presented' the invisible shield (see attached picture), which then mysteriously appeared from nowhere two hours later as we returned to the restaurant at half-time!
The club's organisation of the day perhaps mirrored the team's on-field performances for most of the season - i.e., a shambles - but it wasn't allowed to detract from another highly enjoyable SULSESC social outing which otherwise went like clockwork. Even the Megabus was early!
FORECASTING
THE final table is now known and it's congratulations to Mal Watson, who is fast becoming our resident forecasting expert after winning - or sharing top spot anyway - for the third time. Mal pockets 100 quid with a fairly comfortable four-point winning margin over Can Ada and yours truly, who share the second and third prizes and win £20 each. There was also a tie for the final prize-winning position of fourth, with Dave Bowers and Harry Theaker splitting a tenner between them. Don't spend it all at once, lads.
I will endeavour to get the cheques sorted out this week and in the post to all concerned.
This was the 24th year we've run a forecasting competition and, for the record, here's the all-time roll of honour.
1990: Mick Norton & Paul Roberts
1991: Malcolm Watson
1992: Ian MacDonald
1993: Andy Laming
1994: Chris Pettitt
1995: Kathryn Remington
1996: Paul Cynamon
1997: Bill Whelan
1998: Captain Codhead
1999: Ted Castledine
2000: Andrew Ridgard
2001: Phil Wilmot
2002: Andrew Metcalfe
2003: Martyn Girdham & Andy Skeels
2004: Ian Young
2005: Phil Wilmot
2006: Eleanor Dillon & Ben Vaughan
2007: Bryn Lane-Fox
2008: Sam Pattison, Roly Roberts & Steve Rodwell
2009: Nick Whitworth
2010: Viv Baker
2011: Geoff Kemp & Andy Skeels
2012: Mal Watson & Reg Walters
2013: Mal Watson
DARTS
WE have two more darts matches to play this season and captain Vaughan reports as follows: "Remaining darts fixtures now confirmed as Thursday, May 30 for Derby at the Horseshoe and Tuesday, June 4 at the Old Fountain. Anyone who's said they can make either date is in the team.
"All welcome for post-season sorrow-drowning at either or both."
We actually still have a chance of winning the league, although victory in the match against Derby would appear to be essential if that is to happen.
The latest league table is attached.
AGM
NO date has been set for this year's SULSESC AGM as yet, but we will await the publication of next season's fixture list first before deciding.
The 2013-14 season is due to get underway on Saturday, August 3 so if United are away in London or the south on the opening day as has been the case in recent years (i.e., Charlton, Reading, Wycombe, Crawley, etc), it may well be that we elect to hold the AGM that evening. Watch this space!
AND FINALLY...
ALL that remains is for me to wish all members an enjoyable summer break and roll on August when we can do it all again (although hopefully not the relegation part obviously!).
I envisage plenty of decent days out next season, as well as plenty of work for the travel secretary as he leads us into the uncharted waters of the likes of Morecambe and Fleetwood (hopefully not literally).
UTI
Andy
April 19, 2013
FRANCHISE SCUM (away): Tomorrow
FOR those of you going to watch us get relegated tomorrow, confirmation that the pre-match meeting place, as per the chairman's previous e-mail, will be the Red Lion at Fenny Stratford, MK11 1BY.
SWINDON (home): Saturday, April 27
WE will be able to celebrate our return 'home' to League Two a week tomorrow when SULSESC will be the match sponsors for the last game of the season against Swindon.
SUFC say I can give them a final figure for lunch on Monday and at the moment, we have 30 on the list as follows:-
1 Me
1 BASS Chris
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 CONSTABLE Andy
1 DUNN Jon
1 FOSTER Russ
1 GRAY Matt
1 HARDY Jo
2 HARDY Tim
2 HUNSLEY Colin
2 KENDALL Geoff
1 KERR Andy
2 LETOREY Dave
1 PRATT Dave
1 ROBERTSHAW Darren
1 SUMNER Steve
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 student, 1 U12)
3 TREMAYNE Jenny
1 VAUGHAN Chris
2 WRIGHT Mick & Archie
1 WRIGHT Neil
So this is the last call for any latecomers who would like to be added, and also for anyone on the list who would like to drop out for any reason. Please email me by 9am on Monday.
A reminder that the cost per head will be £35, £25 for season ticket holders and £15 for juniors. I will collect payment on the day.
Car park passes: we should get some as usual, so please email me if you want one. I don't know how many we'll get so first come, first served. Andy Constable has been quick off the mark and already claimed one!
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DON'T forget to email me your vote for SULSESC player of the season as we will be presenting the John Birkett Memorial Trophy at lunchtime on the day of the Swindon game in the Glanford Park restaurant.
It's surely coincidental that most of the votes I've received so far all end with a variation on the phrase... "best of a bad bunch"!
FORECASTING COMPETITION
WITH two games to go, things are looking good for Mal Watson and his traditional Grim Reality entry which consists of 46 defeats by the margin of 2-1.
Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Bury has all but sealed the £100 first prize for Mal as he now has a five-point lead at the top of the table.
Yours truly has come on strong with a late surge of 10 points from the last 15 available to sneak into second on a total of 33 points, but with three teams on 32, one on 31 and four on 30, there's still all to play for in the battle for the runners-up prize.
Check out the latest table on www.sulsesc.com
UTI
Andy
April 11, 2013
WALSALL (home): Saturday
IT'LL be the Lawyer as usual from 12.30 for any members travelling up for this Saturday's game (defeat?). We have got several tickets available under the season ticket exchange scheme which is in operation on Saturday, but seeing as SUFC have now slashed admission to a fiver across the board, that's largely irrelevant.
BURY (away): Tuesday
NOT sure who's going to this one but I would expect Darren and Vic will be there, so I'll leave it to Vic to 'reply all' to this email to confirm the pre-match pub.
FRANCHISE SCUM (away): Saturday, April 20
JUST when I thought things couldn't get any worse after eight defeats in 10 matches, my worst nightmare looms: not only are we on the verge of relegation, but in all likelihood, we may well end up being officially condemned to League Two by the very team I despise the most!
It was such a shame that meteor which hit earth in February came down in an obscure part of Russia when Stadium MK would have been infinitely preferable!
Anyway, maintaining my pledge never to give the odious Winkelman any of my hard-earned, I shan't be going, but if Nick H, or anyone else who is going, wants to 'reply all' with a suggested pre-match destination, feel free.
SWINDON (home): Saturday, April 27
THE last match of the season is the now traditional SULSESC sponsored game, which appears likely to be something of a wake, given the Iron's precarious position at present.
The game could be completely meaningless as we could be either relegated or mathematically safe by then (fat chance of the latter!), or it could be a do-or-die final Saturday with everything hinging on that last 90 minutes.
Either way, I now need to firm up the numbers for the SULSESC lunch as quickly as possible. The list as it stands at the moment is below. No need to email to confirm your attendance as I will take it that everyone on the list will be there. However, if anyone has to drop out for any reason, please email me by Wednesday of next week to let me know.
Likewise, if you're not on the list but would like to be added, please also let me know by Wednesday. Here's the list.
1 Me
2 BASS Chris
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 CONSTABLE Andy
1 FOSTER Russ
1 GRAY Matt
1 HARDY Jo
1 HARDY Tim
2 HUNSLEY Colin
2 KENDALL Geoff
1 KERR Andy
2 LETOREY Dave
1 ROBERTSHAW Darren
1 SUMNER Steve
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 student, 1 U12)
3 TREMAYNE Jenny
1 VAUGHAN Chris
1 WHITE Martin
2 WRIGHT Mick & Archie
1 WRIGHT Neil
A reminder that it will be 35 quid a head (25 for season ticket holders), which includes admission to the game and three-course lunch in the Glanford Park restaurant, plus all the usual bits and bobs like complimentary programme, tea/coffee at half-time, etc. We'll collect payment from everyone on the day.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
WE need your votes now for the SULSESC Player of the Year award as we will be presenting the John Birkett Memorial Trophy to the winner during the course of the Swindon sponsored lunch.
You can all vote now by sending me an email. Any votes for Grella will obviously be categorised as a spoilt ballot paper.
DARTS
WE have a match scheduled against Chester City next Tuesday but captain Vaughan is currently struggling to raise a team.
He reports: "So far I have three definites for this game in Chairman, Frank and me. Tony was a possible, so I need some firming up and two/three more volunteers please.
"Chester play at The Square Tavern (Young's), 26 Tolmers Street NW1 2PE. This is easily accessible from: Warren Street (Northern and Victoria lines), Euston Square (Circle and Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines), Euston (Northern and Victoria lines)."
Please contact Chris if you're available to play: chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com.
AND FINALLY
A HUGE well done to chief organiser Vaughany and everyone who completed, and was involved in, the SULSESC charity cycle ride from Bournemouth to Preston in what were, by all accounts, 'testing' weather conditions.
The running total of sponsorship money raised so far stands at a very impressive £5,729, which is a magnificent effort.
If you haven't donated yet, there is still time, so let's see if we can push the final figure over the £6,000 mark.
To donate, log onto: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SULSESC25.
UTI
Andy
April 5, 2013
SULSESC CYCLE RIDE
AN update on the progress of the cyclists, who left Bournemouth on Monday and this morning are in Newport, near Telford in Shropshire, on their fourth full day in the saddle en route to Preston.
I spoke to Andy Kerr, who is on driving duties in the support van this morning, and AK reports: "We're all still alive, so that's a start! But it has been very tough during the week so far because of the weather.
"It's just been really cold, which is not a lot of fun. There's a cold wind which either comes straight at you or gets you from the side, particularly when we were on Salisbury Plain which is really exposed. It really gets into your feet and your shoulders, and there are a few people struggling with their knees now!
"The wind has been making the days seem really long but we've generally been finishing at about 6.30 having set off at 8.30 or 8.45.
"Everyone has done really well though, especially Beth who has been an absolute star. She's really up for it.
"We're not far from Shrewsbury now and today (Friday) we're heading for Warrington, where we stay tonight. It's actually nice and bright this morning and the weather forecast is not too bad for today and tomorrow, so let's just hope the wind drops!"
For any SULSESC members going to Preston tomorrow, I'm not sure where the pre-match meeting place will be in view of the bike ride, so probably best to contact Vaughany (07732-276144) for details.
The sponsorship total has now topped the £4,000 mark and currently stands at £4,254. If you haven't sponsored the team yet, you can do so at our JustGiving page:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SULSESC25.
March 17, 2013
AS the Iron plunge inexorably towards League Two, here's the latest from the world of SULSESC.
DONCASTER (home): Saturday, March 23
I AM thankfully spared this 0-4 humiliation thanks to the powers-that-be at home insisting that my services are required to help out at Thea's school's Easter fete (lucky me). For those who are going, the Honest Lawyer at lunchtime will be the usual meeting place.
LEYTON ORIENT (home): Good Friday, March 29
I WILL be in Scunny for this one, with the legendary Ozzy 'the Orient fan' in tow. Lawyer at lunchtime as usual, and we will be staying in Scunny on Friday night as well for anyone who's up for an evening in the Lawyer?
CHARITY CYCLE RIDE
A REMINDER that the 2013 SULSESC charity ride from Bournemouth to Preston is looming up. This year's chosen charities are MacMillan Cancer Support and Bliss, the charity for premature and special care babies, and our Virgin money-giving page is now up and running:-
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SULSESC25
Our target is 5,000 quid so please support the efforts of the cycling team by donating what you can. Even if it's just a fiver, it all adds up. And don't forget to forward this onto everyone you know!
SPONSORED MATCH
FOR those going up to the SULSESC sponsored match v Swindon on April 27, it looks like the best option for those travelling on the day will be the Megabus.
Megabus tickets have just gone on sale and we can get 8 quid singles in both directions, leaving St Pancras on the 09.15 train (arriving into Scunny at 12.35) and returning on the 17.40 coach, which gets back to St. Pancras at 21.15.
Compare that to the cost of East Coast Trains, which is showing as 59.25 return at the moment and will be a bus service anyway between Donny and Scunny due to the landslide.
Please e-mail Matt if you want to take up the Megabus option and we'll get it booked up this week so we all know what we're doing. I doubt we're going to get anything cheaper than 16 quid return from London to Scunny on the day!
UTI
Andy
February 26, 2013
BRENTFORD (away): Saturday, March 2
MATCH TICKETS: We have a SULSESC allocation of 41 tickets as follows:-
1 Me
2 ASHTON Dave (1 adult, 1 junior)
1 BOWERS Dave
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 GRAY Matt
10 HORTON Richard
1 HUNSLEY Colin
3 KENDALL Geoff
1 KILGANNON John
1 PARROTT John
2 PATTERSON Anthony
1 RHODES Frank (1 senior)
1 ROBERTSHAW Darren
2 SMITH Dave (1 adult, 1 senior)
4 STUBLEY Andy (2 adult, 1 senior, 1 junior)
1 SUMNER Steve
1 TAYLOR Nigel
4 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 2 student, 1 junior)
2 WHITWORTH Nick
1 WRIGHT Neil
I made an executive decision to go for seats as they were only a quid more expensive and you get a much better view from the seated upper tier in comparison to the standing lower. But if anyone particularly wants to stand instead, I can't imagine there will be a problem with just walking into the lower section. I did it last season with a seating ticket and no-one stopped me!
Prices are: Adults - £20. Seniors - £14. Students - £12. Juniors - £5. As usual, payment to me please, either online in advance or cheque/cash on the day (preferably cheque). Those who haven't ordered a ticket in advance can pay on the day, but it is £2 more expensive.
PRE-MATCH PUB: From 12 noon will be our regular haunt for away games at Brentford in recent years, the Magpie and Crown, 128 High Street, Brentford, TW8 8EW. Link: http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/23/2341/Magpie_and_Crown/Brentford.
COVENTRY (home): Saturday, March 9
I'M on the train for this one, although in view of the major problems caused by the recent landslide between Donny and Scunny, I'm now regretting my decision to book up with East Coast Trains back in January and wishing I'd sussed out the Megabus option much earlier!
Last Saturday's Megabus trip (for "the 1-2 debacle against Hartlepool"Â, so accurately predicted by the treasurer) was on time throughout and even arrived 15 minutes early into Scunny at 12.20 on Saturday lunchtime.
For the Coventry match, if anyone is mad enough to want to join me at this late stage, it will be the 09.03 out of King's Cross (arriving in Scunny at God knows when on the replacement bus service) and then the 18.08 replacement bus service out of Scunny on the way home.
DARTS
THERE should be a match next week but skipper Vaughan reports: "If we play next week it will be on Tuesday but I only have three players so far - Frank, Chairman and me - (and Frank can't get there until after kick-off). Can anyone else make it, please"
E-mail Chris if you can: chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com.
UTI
Andy
February 19, 2013
HARTLEPOOL (home): Saturday, February 23
FOR anyone making a late decision to do the Hartlepool game this weekend, I'll be on the Megabus again, leaving St. Pancras at 09.15 and returning after the game on the 17.40 from Scunny (due back into St Pancras at 21.15).
If anyone is going to the game and wants a ticket for a tenner, please let me know because the season ticket 'buy back' scheme should be in operation on Saturday.
SULSESC meeting place will be the Honest Lawyer as usual. If the Megabus is on time, I should be in the Lawyer by 1 pm.
BRENTFORD (away): Saturday, March 2
THE following members have ordered tickets for Brentford away. If you would like to be added to the list, please let me know by 12 noon on Friday as I will pick the tickets up when I'm in Scunny this Saturday.
1 Me
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 GRAY Matt
10 HORTON Richard
3 KENDALL Geoff
1 KILGANNON John
1 PARROTT John
1 RHODES Frank (senior)
2 SMITH Dave (1 adult, 1 senior)
4 STUBLEY Andy (2 adult, 1 senior, 1 child)
1 SUMNER Steve
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 student, 1 U12)
1 WHITWORTH Nick
SWINDON (home): SULSESC sponsored match
WE are still taking names for the SULSESC sponsored game at Glanford Park on April 27 but are now up to 30, so we're going to be hitting our maximum fairly shortly.
If anyone wants to be added to the list, please let me know asap. We will need to sort travel out to this one asap too, be that East Coast Trains or Megabus, so email Matt if you want to be included in any group travel arrangements on the day.
1 Me
2 BASS Chris
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 CONSTABLE Andy
1 FOSTER Russ
1 GRAY Matt
1 HARDY Jo
1 HARDY Tim
2 HUNSLEY Colin
2 KENDALL Geoff
1 KERR Andy
2 LETOREY Dave
1 REES Ian
1 ROBERTSHAW Darren
1 SUMNER Steve (possibly 2)
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 student, 1 U12)
3 TREMAYNE Jenny
1 VAUGHAN Chris
1 WHITE Martin
2 WRIGHT Mick & Archie
1 WRIGHT Neil
UTI
Andy
February 12, 2013
YEOVIL (away): Saturday, February 16
THIS one has turned into a bit of a shambles in terms of a SULSESC trip, with only me and Anthony Campbell showing any interest as of the end of last week.
In view of that, we decided to knock it on the head and stay in London instead for a crap non-league and a few beers. Thus, we will be heading to Enfield Town v Kingstonian along with Ipswich Town London branch 'Director of Darts' Phil Loy (we're meeting in The Cask at Pimlico at 12 noon for anyone who wishes to join us!).
Since that plan was sorted out, Newbury-based SULSESC member Nick Whitworth has emailed me to say: "Assuming that there is still interest, I will be going to Yeovil on Saturday. I'm just as happy to car share if this is an option as go by train. Looking at the train times the most suitable for myself are the 09.07am from Thatcham, arriving Yeovil Pen Mill (YVP) 11.17am, and for the return 18.18pm from YVP getting to Newbury 19.45pm. As for car sharing, I know in the past that we've met up at services on the A303, just after the junction with the A34, when travelling to Yeovil.â"
If anyone's interested in hooking up with Nick, his email is: whitworth_nick@hotmail.com.
HARTLEPOOL (home): Saturday, February 23
I CAN now report that last Saturday's ''Megabus experiment' for the Crawley home game was a success, despite the coach being 45 minutes late on arrival into Scunny on the way up!
On the way back, it was all pretty much bang on time so this is definitely a feasible option for us when the East Coast Trains fares are prohibitive (like they seem to be most of the time these days).
I'm already booked on the Megabus for the Hartlepool game on the 23rd.
The fares have risen slightly since I booked last month but if anyone wants to join me, you can still get on the 09.15 train from St Pancras with me for £13 single and the 17.40 coach back from Scunny for £13, so that’s £26 return... a slight improvement on the £66.60 East Coast Trains are currently asking for a return from King's Cross!
BRENTFORD (away): Saturday, March 2
IT'S not much more than a couple of weeks to the last London away game of the season, one which should attract a good SULSESC turn-out.
I'll organise an allocation of match tickets for this one, so no time like the present to start a list of names. E-mail me if you'd like to be on it.
GLANFORD PARK AND THE STADE DE FRANCE?
FROM Saturday's Independent...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/scunthorpe-my-search-for-love-in-the-most-unromantic-place-in-britain-8487803.html
DARTS
THERE is a game tonight (Tuesday) in the Old Fountain, where we will be taking on Exeter City.
The team is: captain Vaughan, Andy Theaker, Tony Carter, Barry Henderson, Neil Holland and Frank. Anyone in the Old Street area is welcome to pop in.
We also have a match next week against Nottingham Forest in the Cup, although we are still awaiting confirmation as to whether it will be Monday or Wednesday. Watch this space!
SWINDON (home): SULSESC sponsored match
NUMBERS are now increasing for the SULSESC sponsored game at Glanford Park on April 27, which is good news.
The updated list is below. If anyone wants to be added, please let me know.
1 Me
2 BASS Chris
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 FOSTER Russ
1 HARDY Tim
1 KERR Andy
2 LETOREY Dave
1 REES Ian
1 SUMNER Steve (possibly 2)
3 TREMAYNE Jenny (possibly rising to 6)
1 VAUGHAN Chris
1 WHITE Martin
2 WRIGHT Mick & Archie
1 WRIGHT Neil
UTI
Andy
November 8, 2012
THANK God I was able to feign a bit of 'man flu' and neatly duck out of last Saturday's fiasco at Gillingham at the last minute. Sounded like a wonderful afternoon for those who made the effort!
But now the Messiah has got things sorted out after Tuesday night at Walsall, I'll be crawling out of the woodwork again and jumping back aboard the promotion bandwagon for this Saturday's visit to Coventry, so I hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Here's everything you need to know, plus a lot that you didn't as well...
COVENTRY (away): Saturday, November 10
THIS Saturday's club trip to Coventry will see us depart Euston on the 10.13 train, arriving into Coventry at 11.49. We'll be returning on the 18.21 out of Coventry, back at Euston for 20.21.
PUB: Will once again be the Old Windmill at 22 Spon Street, CV1 3BA (map: http://binged.it/PE3Uvm). Web: http://www.old-windmill-inn.co.uk/. Nick Haines says: "It opens at 11, does food and has decent beer with a discount for CAMRA members, so bring your membership cards.
"Plan B, if required, is the Gatehouse Tavern at 46 Hill Street, CV1 4AN, or possibly the Town Wall Tavern on Bond Street, CV1 4AH; both are just a short walk away. Plan C is the Whitefriars Old Ale House at 114 Gosford Street, CV1 5DL, which is a fine old pub but is a bit of a trek from the Windmill."
MATCH TICKETS: I haven't bothered organising match tickets as it's clearly not going to be a sell-out, so we'll just pay on the day.
ON THE MOVE I
SULSESC member Dave Payne will shortly be heading overseas to live and work and is proposing a 'farewell' drink once we get back to London on Saturday night from Coventry. Seeing as we'll be arriving into Euston, I suspect the Bree Louise will be our first port of call and Dave says everyone is welcome.
ON THE MOVE II
LONG-TIME member Mal Watson has also completed his house move and has swapped the bright lights of Frimley Green in Surrey for the even brighter lights of Sturminster Newton in Dorset.
That sounds like it's handy for Yeovil away, and not a lot else, Mal!
GOOD LUCK...
...to SULSESC member Andy Constable who is now serving in Afghanistan.
Andy writes: "I'll not be around for a few months, not that I've been to many games recently anyway. I'm deploying to Afghanistan for six months, back in April.
But look on the bright side, the last two times I've been away United have managed to get themselves promoted!"
Completing your hat-trick will take a bit of doing, Andy!
DARTS
DARTS supremo Vaughan reports: "Next week's match against Exeter on November 12 has been called off. As an alternative, they have suggested Monday, December 3, so please let me know your thoughts on that one. The venue is the Horseshoe, Clerkenwell.
"Before that, however, we're due to play Chester on Tuesday, November 20 at home in the Old Fountain and then Bolton on Wednesday, November 28 at the Boot, near King's Cross."
Please let Chris know if you can play: chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com.
That's all for this week.
UTI... and here's to another three points at the Ricoh on Saturday to boost our charge towards the play-offs!
Andy
November 1, 2012
GILLINGHAM (away): Saturday, November 3
WHO is going on Saturday to see the return of The Messiah? Either email me or 'reply all' so we know who to expect, but in the meantime, the plan is as follows:
TRAIN: We will aim to catch the 11.22 off Victoria which arrives into Gillingham at 12.16. Meet in the Wetherspoons pub on the concourse (up the escalator) from 10.30 am for a swift pint, or alternatively, just jump on the 11.22 if you're running late and find everyone on the train.
PUB: Nick Haines' recommendation is the Will Adams at 73 Saxton Street, ME7 5EG (map: http://binged.it/TQ3Xqw). Nick says: "We've been there before and it's still in the beer guide, which says: 'Opening times vary for Gillingham FC home games, when bar food is available. Away fans welcome.'
"I've spoken to the Will Adams, and they say they open at 11:30 on Saturdays when Gillingham are at home (earlier than normal) and are open all day. They'll be doing a range of basic food such as burgers, chips, that sort of thing."
TICKETS: I didn't bother organising a SULSESC allocation as clearly it will not sell out and as John put in his email, the ticket office have confirmed that we can simply pay on the day (15 quid for adults).
THE MATCHDAY SWEEP
SADLY for those going to Gillingham on Saturday, the long-running rollover has finally come to an end.
Stretching right back to the first game of the season at Crawley, no-one had managed to come up with the correct scoreline for any of the subsequent away games at which the sweep was run... until Vic Duke correctly predicted 1-1 for Swindon away and pocketed a 'jackpot' payout of 79 quid, one of the biggest in SULSESC history I believe.
Obviously he will be spending it on a new centre-forward next month once Clarke's loan spell is up.
WALSALL (away): Tuesday, November 6
I CAN'T imagine there will be much of a clamour amongst the membership for a Tuesday nighter at the Bescot, so we'll ignore this one!
COVENTRY (away): Saturday, November 10
WE have already got a decent SULSESC turn-out for this one and have a train trip booked up as follows:
Depart Euston 10.13, arrive Coventry 11.49. Returning on the 18.21 out of Coventry, back at Euston for 20.21.
For anyone who would like to join the trip, I'd advise booking your train ticket asap as the fares obviously continue to rise.
DARTS
OUR next match is against Exeter City on Monday, November 12 and captain Vaighan reports that we currently have a team consisting of himself, the chairman, Barry, Andy T and possibly Tony. So that means we could do with one or two more volunteers to help strengthen the squad. Email Vaughany on chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com if you're available.
SPEEDWAY
THE Scorpions did it... and are Premier League champions for the first time in their history after beating Somerset Rebels by just one point on aggregate in a right old thriller which went to a last heat decider for the league title at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Monday night.
For those who may not have seen it, there's about a minute of highlights on the Scunny Telegraph website at the following link:-
http://www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk/Video-added-Scunthorpe-Scorpions-make-point-lift/story-17197636-detail/story.html
UTI
Andy
October 19, 2012
SWINDON (away): Saturday, October 20
AS per Vic's email, and with the backing of our resident expert Nick Haines, the pub to meet in will be The Gluepot, which is easily walkable from the railway station. Nick says: "My suggestion for Swindon is the one we used to go to, the Glue Pot at 5 Emlyn Square, SN1 5BP (map: http://binged.it/Wpevvq). As ever, eight real ales, mostly from Hop Back and Downton. Opens at 11:30. No proper food on Saturdays, but I think filled rolls should be available. If we need a back-up plan, there's the Beehive at 55 Prospect Hill, SN1 3JS, but that doesn't open till 12. All being well, I'll make it to Swindon."
As mentioned last week, no match tickets in advance, it's pay on the day (25 quid for adults, which will work out to a bargain 8.33 per goal scored by the home team!).
PRESTON NORTH END (home): Tuesday, October 23
CAN anyone summon up any enthusiasm for a Tuesday night home defeat by PNE? No, I thought not, so we'll leave Messrs. Dunn, Kerr and Girdham to fly the SULSESC flag for that one.
DARTS
CAPTAIN Vaughan reports: "All things being equal and Derby not cancelling at the last moment, we'll be playing them at the Horseshoe in Clerkenwell on October 25th.
Team: Tony, Chairman, Frank, Andy T., Pascal, Barry.
As you can see, I'm not listed - can't get the night off work - so one of you will have to be captain for the night, or you can create a committee...
FORECASTING COMPETITION
NEIL has got the entries uploaded to the website, and the latest table is now available on www.sulsesc.com.
It's clear to see who has got all the brains in the Gray household, with Katrina storming away at the top of the table on a whopping 17 points already which included a quite remarkable sequence of five consecutive three-point scores.
That must surely be a new forecasting competition record. Steve, looks like you're going to have to go through all the past forecasting competition records to verify that!
FA CUP
FOR those of you who haven't spotted it, the draw for the first round of the FA Cup will be made live on ITV on Sunday lunchtime.
SPEEDWAY LATEST
EVERYTHING now hinges on tonight's (Friday) semi-final between Edinburgh and Workington.
If Workington win, they will qualify for the play-off final against Somerset next weekend and the Scorpions' season is over. But any other result, and it will be Scunny who go through to the final.
MEMBERSHIP
LORD Sumner has now completed his cull of non-paid up members, so this will be the last group email you receive if you haven't coughed up this year's subs.
UTI (and Scorpions)
Andy
October 3, 2012
STEVENAGE (away: Saturday, October 6
TRAVEL: Matt suggests the 11.23 train off King's Cross so meet on the concourse from 11 am onwards.
PUB: The meeting place for this Saturday lunchtime will be the same pub we went to in Stevenage last season. Nick Haines confirms: "It has to be Our Mutual Friend again, I reckon, on Broadwater Crescent, SG2 8EH. It has to be the best pub in Stevenage, the beer's good, and it's only a short stroll from the ground. Doesn't open till 12."
BRENTFORD (home): Saturday, October 13
THE chairman will be representing SULSESC at the first fans' forum of the season at Glanford Park before the game against Brentford on October 13 and therefore can offer lifts back to London after the match for anyone who can make their own arrangements to get up there. I think Anthony Campbell and myself will be taking two of the seats, so there's still one going. Email the chairman: n.wright62@ntlworld.com.
OUR LATEST NEW MEMBER
CONGRATULATIONS to SULSESC's Dave Payne and his partner Mariana on the birth of their first child, a daughter Emma.
DARTS
OUR first match of the new darts season is next Tuesday, October 9, when we will be taking on Sheffield Wednesday.
Captain Vaughan reports that we do have a full team of six consisting of Messrs. Wright, Rhodes, Kreukniet, Henderson and Holland, plus the captain himself of course.
Vaughany adds: “If anyone else feels like turning up, don't let me stop you.â€Â
This is our home fixture so the game will be played in the Old Fountain at Old Street. Email Vaughany for further info: chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com
SPEEDWAY LATEST
SCORPIONS were rained off away at Edinburgh last Friday (it's been rearranged for this Friday) but then made a great start to their play-off semi-final group by thrashing Edinburgh 59-34 at home on Sunday. After Edinburgh this Friday, we are away to Workington on Saturday and then at home to Workington on Sunday (6 pm), by which time we should know if we're in the play-off final or not.
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP secretary Sumner will shortly be working out who has renewed for this season and who hasn't, so if you haven't coughed up your subs yet, then you'd better get on with it or else you'll be excommunicated and your SULSESC group emails will stop!
UTI
Andy
September 25, 2012
SOCIAL
THERE will be a brief SULSESC get-together on Wednesday evening (tonight if you're reading this on Wednesday morning) in The Wellington, outside Waterloo station, from 5.30 pm until 7 pm, when Matt will be dishing out some of the new SULSESC tee-shirts. All welcome.
PORTSMOUTH (away): Saturday, September 29
FOR those going to the game at Fratton Park this weekend (unfortunately, I'm not), the meeting place will be the Hole in the Wall pub from 12 noon. Website: http://www.theholeinthewallpub.co.uk/index.html.
Nick Haines says: "My favourite and the best for beer is the Hole in the Wall at 36 Great Southsea Street, PO5 3BY. If I were going - and sadly I'm not - I'd definitely want to pop in there at some point. However, it doesn't do food at lunchtime. This is the pub I met everyone in last time, although I think the others went somewhere first."
TICKETS: David Smith and Andy Theaker should hopefully have received theirs through the post by now, and Steve Sumner will have his, Anthony C.'s and Mal's ticket as I'm passing them onto him tomorrow night in The Wellington. Payment to me though please (it's £20 adults). For those who haven't got a ticket in advance, it's obviously not going to be a sell-out so you will be able to buy one on the day.
APFSCIL
THERE is an APFSCIL meeting on Monday (October 1), and according to the rota, it's Messrs. Vaughan and Sumner who are due to attend.
SPEEDWAY LATEST
THE Scorpions beat Glasgow in their big match last Friday, but unfortunately we didn't finish top of the table as Newcastle won 46-44 away at Plymouth the same evening and pipped us to top spot in the table by one point. We now contest the play-off semi-finals, in which the top six teams in the Premier League are split into two groups of three and meet each other home and away. The two group winners will then contest the play-off final for the league championship. Scorpions are in Group B with Edinburgh and Workington and we start this weekend with an away match at Edinburgh on Friday night, and then a home meeting with Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon (5 pm). See you there!
UTI
Andy
September 20, 2012
COLCHESTER UNITED (home): Saturday, September 22
FOR those members travelling up for this weekend's home game against Colchester, the Honest Lawyer will be the usual lunchtime meeting place.
PORTSMOUTH (away): Saturday, September 29
I CAN'T make this one as a) I've run out of Brownie points at home! and b) I will be covering the mighty Scorpions in speedway's second division play-off semi-final (see below).
At the moment, I'm not exactly sure who is going apart from Steve Sumner, so if anyone wants to travel down by train from London, best email Steve for the arrangements: steven.sumner@mac.com.
As for match tickets, I can get some while I'm in Scunny this weekend so if you want a ticket, please send me a text or call me on 0788-181 6611 before 11 am on Saturday morning. I already have the following ticket requests:-
2 SMITH David (1 senior, 1 adult)
1 SUMNER Steve
According to the SUFC website, the tickets will be based in the Milton End, with prices as follows:-
Adult - 20.00
Senior (60+), Young Person (17-22) Special Concession - 15.00
Junior U17 - 10.00
Matt informs me that the usual SULSESC pre-match sweep is now up to a triple rollover as none of us were optimistic enough to predict a win at Shrewsbury last Saturday! That means there will be quite a bit of money in the pot going into the Fratton Park match and Vaughany has got the money.
STEVENAGE (away): Saturday, October 6
Travel secretary Gray reports: "With a Network Railcard, day returns can be bought on the day for 9.75."
In terms of match tickets, I can't do this one as I'll be in Poland for the final Speedway GP of the season.
However, I can arrange a SULSESC allocation as usual and pass them onto someone who is going (Matt? Steve?) to dish out on the day.
So far, I have had ticket requests from:
ASHTON Dave: 2 adults and 1 under 16.
Email me if you would like to be added to the list.
SWINDON TOWN (away): Saturday, October 20
Travel secretary Gray reports: "Cheapest fare is two singles totalling 22, 11.00 out of Paddington, 18.29 back."
Matt can't go because he's on a stag do that weekend and at the moment, Vaughany and Anthony C. are the only two who have booked.
As Anthony says: "Surely we can do a better turn out than that?! It's less than an hour away!"
If anyone wants to join them, email Anthony on anthcamp@hotmail.com.
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday 17th November: Notts County (H); 0903 out; 1718 back, 31.05 booked as two singles.
Saturday 24th November: Doncaster (A); 1003 out of Kings X, 1839 back - 28.55 booked as two singles.
TEE-SHIRTS
THE new SULSESC tee-shirts have been delivered and Matt Gray is ready to dish them out.
Stevenage away is likely to be Matt's next game, but Matt says: "If people would prefer arranging a drink in town for collection, we can do that."
Talking of which, myself and Brad have got tickets for Arsenal v Coventry next Wednesday night (September 26) to watch Joe Murphy getting backache from picking the ball out of the Sky Blues' net! So if any members want to meet up in central London after work on Wednesday evening for a pint, if Matt is available that night, we can maybe have a 'tee-shirt handing out session' at the same time.
Email Matt if you're interested: scunnymatt@hotmail.com.
BEER
A SUBJECT close to most of our hearts! And so I'm sure you'll all want to sign CAMRA's e-petition which is aiming to force a Parliamentary debate next year on the contentious beer duty escalator.
Click here for more information:-
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29664
APFSCIL
WE are drawing up the rota for the year and have got as far as the following so far:
October 1: Vaughan & Sumner
November 5: Chairman & ???
December 3: Dave RDC Bowers & Vaughan
January 7: Skeels & Bradley
February 4: Volunteers required
March 4: Chairman & ???
April 8: Volunteers required
May 13: Volunteers required
Email Vaughany if you can plug any of the gaps.
AND FINALLY
AS some of you may be aware, Scunny's speedway team are having the best season in their history and are in with a pretty decent chance of winning the second division championship for the first time.
Tomorrow night (Friday), we are at home to Glasgow in our last league match of the season and if we win, and Newcastle lose away at Plymouth at the same time, then we will finish top of the league.
In any other year, that would see us crowned league champions but typically, the first time we've ever got even remotely close to finishing top of the table is the year that play-offs have been introduced to decide the league title!
So, even if we do end up top by close of play tomorrow night, it won't count for a great deal, other than making us top seeds for the play-off semi-finals which gives us first pick of opponents.
Anyway, the way the fixtures are panning out, if there are no rain-offs in the next fortnight and, fingers crossed, we manage to get through the semis, it looks quite possible that the Scorpions' home leg of the play-off final would be the weekend of the United v Brentford game on October 13.
I'll keep you all informed of developments through the semi-final stages in case we get to the final and anyone wants to tie it in with the Brentford game.
UTI (and Scorpions)
Andy
September 6, 2012
APOLOGIES for the lack of SULSESC news in the last fortnight, it's been more to do with being busy at work than the onset of depression over the Iron's start to the season...honest!
Here's the latest news anyway:-
SHEFFIELD UNITED (home): Saturday, September 8
FOR those braving the next home defeat this weekend, it will be the Honest Lawyer from 12 noon as usual.
SHREWSBURY TOWN (away): Saturday, September 15
WE now have a spare train ticket for the SULSESC club trip to Shrewsbury as the chairman has just been forced to drop out. We're booked on the 09.23 out of Euston and arrive back into Euston at 21.18 and the cost is £21 return. If anyone would like to take it, please email travel secretary Matt asap: scunnymatt@hotmail.com. Pub details and where to meet, etc, will be included in next week's group email.
FORTHCOMING TRAVEL
MATT has been looking ahead and found the following:
Sat 29th Sept: Portsmouth (A): Southern services go from Victoria. Could do the £6 daysaver groups again, or use railcard for an open return ticket
Saturday 6th Oct: Stevenage (A): 11.23 out of London Kings Cross, gets in at 11.46. Return ticket with a rail card costs £9.75.
Saturday 13th Oct: Brentford (H): 09.03 out of London Kings Cross, 17.18 back is cheapest fare - £39.
Saturday 20th Oct: Swindon (A): Cheapest fare is 2 singles totalling £22, 11.00 out of Paddington, 18.29 back.
Saturday 27th Oct: Franchise Scum (H): 09.03 out of London Kings Cross, 17.18 back is cheapest fare - £31.05.
Saturday 10th Nov: Coventry (A): 10.13 out of Euston, 18.21 back, 2 singles totalling £12 through London Midland trains.
Please email Matt if you're interested in any of the above, so we can get booked up before the fares rise.
AGM
AN enjoyable night was had by all at the recent AGM and 25th anniversary get-together in the Blue Posts and The Chandos respectively. A photo is attached of some of the SULSESC contingent outside The Chandos.
See you in The Chandos in another quarter of a century for the 50th!
SPONSORED SHIRT RAFFLE WINNERS
A RAFFLE was held at the AGM for those who contributed to last season's kit sponsorships in memory of Ian Tremayne and Andrew Metcalfe. The winners were:-
1. Jordan Thewlis Home shirt Jenny Tremayne
2. Jordan Thewlis Away shirt Russ Foster
3. Aron Wint Home shirt Jon Dunn
4. Aron Wint Away shirt Anthony Campbell
Matt has got the shirts so we will arrange handovers as soon as we can.
NEW TEE-SHIRT
WE'VE had 26 orders for the Anniversary tee-shirt so we're halfway to our target, but can everyone get their orders in asap as we will sell out. By buying a shirt, people are contributing to Callum Howe's sponsored kit for this season!
MATCH SPONSORSHIP
ADVANCE warning: we have already agreed our annual match sponsorship with SUFC and this season we will be backing the game against Swindon Town at Glanford Park on Saturday, April 27, which is the last match of the season (and our last in League One as well if current form is anything to go by!).
HELP ANTHONY!
SULSESC member Anthony Campbell sent me the following email this week requesting the assistance of his fellow members.
"Hello! You lovely folk are on a Scunthorpe-based address list. You may know me - I am the random, long-haired Scunny fan who was unfortunately born in Australia and is a primary school teacher.
"A few years ago, I did a postcard hunt with my children...it was amazingly successful and I saw one of the kids recently who still spoke to me about it.
"I have moved schools and have realised that my new batch are even more strugglers. For those of you who know what this means, I've moved to a school in SPECIAL MEASURES (this means that we are in a fair bit of shit!).
"I am in year 5 and the other year 5 teacher has an obsession about his class not knowing about the world (he has 3 world maps in his room...overkill?!).
"So, I am begging you fine people to send a postcard to my new geniuses. If you have any old ones hanging around (I just found Tokyo and Valencia in a cupboard), please send them to us, or if you go on holiday (it doesn't matter how crap the place is - I will be sending a Shrewsbury one if I can find one!), PLEASE send one to us.
"Forward this to anyone you know, it could be the new surfing dog or kid biting his brother's finger.
"Oh, as for what to put in the card, maybe some questions about the place, what you did when you were there, etc. But remember this will be going to a primary school!
"Please do not make me spend a fortune on obscure postcards on eBay.
"The address to send the card to is:
YEAR 5
CROWLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
CROWLAND ROAD
TOTTENHAM
LONDON
N15 6UX
"This is a year long effort, so whenever you can send something would be appreciated. If you don't, that is fine, under-privileged children will just miss out on finding out about the world so don't feel bad.
"Cheers to all of you thoughtful folk. Anthony.â"
UTI
Andy
August 9, 2012
HOPEFULLY everyone will by now have received their membership renewal form and forecasting competition entry form via email. Any problems with downloading the forms, let me know and I'll post out copies to you.
CRAWLEY (away): Saturday, August 18
NOT much more than a week to go now to the season opener away at Crawley which, as expected, has drawn a decent turn-out from SULSESC. We have an allocation of 37 tickets for the London branch as follows:-
STANDING (adults £17, over-65s £13 and 18 & under £7).
1 Me
2 ASHTON Dave
1 BORRILL Mark
1 BOWERS Dave
1 BRAD
1 DUKE Vic
1 EDWARDS Steve
1 GRAY Matt
2 HORTON Richard
1 HUNSLEY Colin
1 KERR Andy
1 KILGANNON John
3 LETOREY Dave
1 PARROTT John
1 PEARSON Mark
1 ROBERTS Roly (senior)
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 TAYLOR Nigel
2 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 U18)
1 VAUGHAN Chris
2 VERNON Jan/KENDALL Geoff
1 WATSON Mal
1 WHITWORTH Nick
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U18)
1 WRIGHT Neil
SEATING (adults £19, over-65s £15 and 18 & under £10).
2 SMITH David
1 RHODES Frank
Payment to me either by cheque or cash on the day or via online transfer in advance. I think most of you have my bank details by now for online transfers, but let me know if you haven't and would like to pay by that method.
PUB: We are told that Crawley is a best of a desert when it comes to decent pubs, so we have selected Redhill instead for the pre-match meeting place. Redhill is on the Victoria-Crawley line so it's no major problem to jump out there and continue to Crawley later on. The pub we have chosen is called The Garland, 5 Brighton Road, RH1 6PP, and it's only five minutes' walk from Redhill station. I actually carried out a 'recce' last night to check it out and discovered an excellent, traditional old boozer on the edge of the town centre, with seven real ales on, a pool table, a dart board and a beer garden at the back, so that should do us nicely!
Normally, they don't do food on Saturdays but the landlady was very friendly and said if I ring the pub next week and speak to the chef, he will probably put food on as long as there are enough of us. We therefore need to know how many of us are planning to meet in the pub and will want lunch, so please let me know!
Here's a link to the pub:
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/19/1993/Garland/Redhill
TRAVEL: For those travelling from London Victoria, travel secretary Gray is co-ordinating the SULSESC contingent to catch the 11.32 train which gets into Redhill at 12.00. From Redhill, the onward journey to Crawley takes approx. 20 minutes and there are trains at 13.44 and 14.00 which arrive into Crawley at 14.05 and 14.18 respectively. Matt has booked two of the Southern Trains’ day saver tickets for eight people, and seven have been taken so far. If you would like the eighth ticket, email Matt asap on scunnymatt@hotmail.com.
July 25, 2012
CRAWLEY (away): Saturday, August 18
UPDATED list for Crawley match tickets is now as shown below. I will be in Scunny at the end of this week for speedway, so if Crawley tickets are on sale by Friday, I will pop into Glanford Park and pick up our allocation then. Therefore, please let me know by Friday lunchtime if you would like to be added to the list:-
STANDING (adults £17, over-65s £13 and 18 & under £7).
1 Me
1 BORRILL Mark
1 BOWERS Dave
1 BRAD
1 DUKE Vic
1 EDWARDS Steve
1 GRAY Matt
2 HORTON Richard
1 KERR Andy
1 KILGANNON John
3 LETOREY Dave
1 PAYNE Dave
1 PEARSON Mark
1 ROBERTS Roly (senior)
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
2 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 child)
1 VAUGHAN Chris
2 VERNON Jan/KENDALL Geoff
1 WATSON Mal
1 WRIGHT Neil
SEATING (adults £19, over-65s £15 and 18 & under £10).
2 SMITH David
1 RHODES Frank
CRAWLEY: Travel
A REMINDER that Matt Gray is taking names for the 6 quid group day saver on Southern Trains, which will save money for those travelling from London on the day. They do have to be booked in advance though, so please email Matt if you're interested so he can collate the numbers.
Matt says: "We have one group booked already and John Kilgannon has also requested one, but he's on his own at the minute, so we need some more people to come forward!
"Also, John won't be arriving into Liverpool Street until 10.55 so we may need to stipulate a slightly later train from Victoria."
Email Matt on: scunnymatt@hotmail.com
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS & FORECASTING
I WILL hopefully have the forms ready to send out by the start of next week - and we will also have a new SULSESC 25th anniversary tee-shirt for sale too! Yes, that's right, more expense!
UTI
Andy
July 11, 2012
CRAWLEY (away): Saturday, August 18
HERE's the list of those who have requested tickets through the SULSESC allocation so far. There's still plenty of time to request a ticket of course, so please email me if you'd like to be added to the list.
STANDING (adults £17, over-65s £13 and 18 & under £7).
1 Me
1 BORRILL Mark
1 BOWERS Dave
1 BRAD
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 DUKE Vic
1 EDWARDS Steve
1 GRAY Matt
1 KILGANNON John
1 PAYNE Dave
1 ROBERTS Roly (senior)
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 VAUGHAN Chris
2 VERNON Jan/KENDALL Geoff
1 WATSON Mal
1 WRIGHT Neil
SEATING (adults £19, over-65s £15 and 18 & under £10).
2 SMITH David
1 RHODES Frank
TRAVEL TO CRAWLEY
FOR those planning on going to Crawley by train from London, Matt has made an excellent spot.
He says: "Southern Railways do a group save day ticket for 24 quid for four people. So, for 6 quid, you can have unlimited travel anytime on a Saturday. These have to be bought seven days in advance online. We could arrange to meet at London Victoria and get a train around 11ish?"
As decent pubs are reportedly a bit thin on the ground in Crawley, we are looking into the possibility of a lunchtime get-together in Redhill instead, which is on the Crawley line. So for those travelling by train, if we can get the group save day tickets for 6 quid each in advance, that will cover us from Victoria to Redhill, Redhill to Crawley, and Crawley back to Victoria, all for just 6 quid.
Matt will co-ordinate the group save tickets, so please email him if you would like to be included.
DERBY (away): Tuesday, August 14
THE first game of the season, of course, is actually the League Cup tie away at Derby the Tuesday prior to the Crawley match to which we are running an overnight trip. We now have a spare train ticket available at a cost of 30.50 as unfortunately Anthony Campbell has had to drop out. Seats are reserved on the 14.55 train out of St Pancras on the Tuesday, the return trip on the Wednesday morning is flexible, but travel secretary Gray says we will be aiming for the 09.20 out of Derby. Overnight hotel is 28.50 including breakfast at the Rangemoor Park, although this does not have to be paid for yet and the booking can be adjusted. If anyone would like to take Anthony's train ticket, email him on anthcamp@hotmail.com or email Matt on scunnymatt@hotmail.com.
COLCHESTER UNITED (home): Saturday, September 22
THE travel secretary is on the ball at the moment (obviously he's got nothing else to occupy his time this week) and has already checked out train times for this late September home game.
The cheapest fare of £23.10 return is currently available on the 09.00 train out of King's Cross, returning on the 17.18 from Scunny, but early booking is advisable as the fare will rise.
If anyone's interested, please email me on this occasion rather than Matt.
GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL
FOR the last two years, we have had a SULSESC social night out to the Great British Beer Festival, which this year takes place from Tuesday, August 7 to Saturday, August 11 at London Olympia. Is there any interest amongst the membership for a get-together at this year's festival? And if so, what night would suit everyone best? Please email me with your preference.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS...
...will be due from August 1 of course, so I will endeavour to get all the renewal forms and the forecasting competition entry forms out within the next fortnight.
UTI
Andy