Saturday’s friendly match with Chelsea at The Vale sees the opening of the newly installed “Bulla Stand” and the two year naming rights sponsorship deal is worth approximately £5,000 to Wealdstone Football Club. The stand is sponsored by Stuart and Marla Coutts in memory of Stuart’s father, Samuel Bulla, who passed away in 1981, aged 84 having been born two years before Wealdstone FC was founded in 1899!
Samuel was a Russian immigrant, who grew up in London’s tough east end after briefly arriving in Ireland, where his first love for horses and racing took hold. He was a very keen and able boxer learning the ropes at the famous Mile End Boys Boxing Club and his enthusiasm for sports in general led him onto a successful career as a bookmaker. He was also a big West Ham United fan.
It is Samuel’s grand children, Saffyre aged 16, Talytha, 21 and Elyas, 22 whom on Saturday who will be cutting the ribbon and officially opening the impressive covered terrace. Stuart Coutts, through his company Connect Vending Ltd, also sponsors the Clubs First Team shirts.
Stuart commented: “My father ,with his background love of sports, will no doubt today be proud, looking down and be approving of having his name associated with the club I have strongly supported over many years ”
The opening ceremony will take place at 2.30pm, prior to the match.
Club President Paul Rumens and WFCSC committee member Jez Albert are looking to raise the final £3,000 of the cost of the £35,000 new stand, all raised through 57 supporter donations. They are announcing a new fundraising initiative whereby fans can have a dedication plaque inscribed on the Stand with their name, or that of their family, at a cost of £100.
For more details about the scheme Paul can be contacted on 07710 929692 and Jez on 07903 805861.
