Newsletters Season 2010/11

Chairman’s View:

                                            www.swindontownsupportersclub.com                                                                                                                                     

Dear Member (s),                                                                    July 2010

 

As the new season looms, it seems only a few weeks ago that we all trooped out of Wembley with heavy hearts. Now, having had time to reflect, I think everyone will agree on the whole it was a successful season. We saw continuous improvement both on and off the pitch, we can only hope that this progress continues and that we can make the step up to Championship football at the end of this season.

 

As a group, we have continued to support the Football club in many ways and we regularly have discussions with Nick Watkins and Mark Isaacs as to how our fundraising can improve the stadium for fans.

 

I am delighted that we are also once again funding the Centre of Excellence trip to Northern Ireland for the prestigious International Milk Cup Competition. The staff of the centre really do feel this trip is an essential part of the players continuing development. Let’s hope that they have a good trip this year and that one, two or maybe three potential new stars surface from the ranks of the Town’s young players.

 

I mentioned the trip to Wembley earlier but cannot close comment on that particular day without mention of Sally Anne and Mark from SAS travel and the tremendous work they put in ensuring around 3000 fans in 62 coaches got to Wembley under the banner of SAS Travel. All those coaches departed within 45 minutes – the earliest at 9.15 and the personal time they both invested in getting everyone there and back is to be commended and cannot be underestimated.

 

On behalf of those that travelled with those coaches may I offer, to both Sally Anne and Mark and their helpers, my sincere thanks and appreciation. Indeed, the trip was so successful and efficiently run, that it has allowed SAS to make a significant donation to the Centre of Excellence to help with their work.

 

The final comment on last season relates to the half time draw for the final league game of the season. Thank you to everyone who participated whether through buying or selling tickets and the winners were:

 

R Harris of Newbury won £1000 with ticket number 85

C Hart of Westbury won a new season ticket with their ticket number 1115

M Page of Swindon won a new first team shirt with ticket 1010

 

I will move on to matters for the coming season.

 

Firstly, Pounds for Points. Mavis Knight will again be looking for participants and if you have contributed before no doubt she will be in touch – your support is really appreciated and as I mentioned earlier in this note, it really helps towards funding the Centre of Excellence and that essential Northern Ireland trip.

 

There have been some minor changes to the benefits that members receive, due to the way the Football Club will be introducing various new schemes. Most remain  unchanged, but the discount in the Football Club shop will now be fixed at 5% - you must take your membership card to claim this. The ticket priority has now been withdrawn as this has not been used for many seasons now and simplifies arrangements with the Football Club. Family membership is reduced to just £10.

 

However, there is an incentive for members, not previously offered– a free chance to win £100. It works like this. When your membership card is sent you will also be sent your free “Bingoal” card. Just like Bingo the first to cross off all the numbers on their card wins the prize. If there is more than one winner the prize is shared. “Bingoal” is only open to those who are aged over 16.

 

The numbers to be crossed off each week are the times that Town score their goals during each match in the season – the timings of the goal used will be taken from the “Sun” newspaper and will be confirmed on our web site and in our programme notes.

 

Once you have crossed off all your numbers you must send the card by recorded delivery within 7 days together with your contact details to STFC Supporters Club C/O County Ground Swindon Wilts SN1 2ED

 

We are already speaking to the Football club with a view to improving some of the décor within the Football Club and I hope by the time the season starts, there will be a new pictorial time line established in the Legends lounge charting our history over the past century and a bit. Secondly there will be a new International honours board recording those players who represented their country whilst playing for Swindon, enhancing the look and feel of the club.

 

As always we are grateful for your support and if you would like to become more involved, please contact me.  We hope that your continued support can help the club reach it’s goal of promotion.

 

I look forward to receiving your membership renewal. Although this note is going to all members, I am aware some members have already submitted their renewal forms – thank you - your “Bingoal” card will be sent / handed to you separately as you have been sent your membership card already.

Best wishes

 

Roger Bunce Chairman