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A few words from WFCSC Chairman Mark Randall
On the metaphoric eve of the new season, you hopefully would have seen that I have stepped down from the role of Director of Wealdstone Football Club. As per the statement at the time one of the reasons that I have chosen to do this is to spend more time on driving and building upon the great work that WFCSC has done.
Thinking back over the last few years myself, the committee and its volunteers have been involved in so much behind the scenes, that has never been communicated effectively. From donating £10k to ensure that we had toilet facilities for the less abled to buying a replacement washing machine for the kit.
From challenging the club when it introduced charging under 18’s in response to anti-social behaviour to helping the club make a stand against racism when Ryan Gondoh suffered online abuse, where with the help of ‘Love Football, Hate Racism” we printed T shirts that were worn away to Woking in the final game of the 2020/21 season.
With more time available we will be looking to promote these efforts more, run additional fundraising events as well as challenging the club on supporter matters and general governance.
As part of my preparation for my maiden, and hopefully not final, appearance on the Stonescast podcast I got thinking about what got me attracted to the Stones. My first season back in 1995 was also the first of a certain Gordon Bartlett and the first season back in ICIS division 3. My first game a 2-1 win away to Harefield, where most of the away support sheltered in what looked like an old cow shed from the thunder and lightning. What was clear from that moment was the passion of the fans, and the more I learnt over the next few matches about the halcyon days of our Trophy win to the sale of Lower Mead. The spirit and sheer determination to keep the club alive when others were folding made me feel, and still does, that our club would always be special. This is why I wanted to put something back in.
This upcoming season will be another tough test and we will need all the help we can get so if you want to get involved or re-involved whether that be on a matchday selling 50:50 tickets or helping at one of our famous Wembley BBQ’s then please get in contact.
Thank you to everyone that has purchased a 50:50 ticket last season and we look forward to seeing you this season. The maximum prize we paid was around £140 but I know that we can do more, especially with some of our larger games. Just think what we could do with some extra pairs of hands. There is also time to enter the predict a score competition, just remember to get your entries on before kick-off Saturday to be eligible for full points.
I wish you all well and please come and say hello at matches and feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns.
Up the Stones
Mark
A Megastore update from Adam Edwards
As always, the close season is a busy time for the Megastore Boys. A question we have often been asked in recent months is what is happening regarding a permanent Megastore facility. Well, I am pleased to say we have finally agreed with the club our location and within the next few months we will hopefully be back open for business in our permanent shop outside the actual ground on the service road behind the social club (next to the outside bar). As before we will be selling hats, scarves, mugs, t-shirts, clothing and programmes. We will not be selling any of the Kelme stock as that is the main clubs wish. We are still in the process of locating the ideal unit as we want it to look a little different to what we had before, and families / timescales meant we didn’t want to rush and get the wrong type of unit.
In the meantime, we will still be selling from the pop-up Megastore inside the ground when the weather permits. If you were not already aware we are available 24 / 7 online at our Megastore website where a vast and varied range of products are still available.
Items are posted within a day or so of ordering. We are also still running our eBay shop (wfcsc) with all sorts of football and non-Stones merchandise. This is a big earner for us so why not have a look
Membership update from Terry Hissey
Since taking over as Membership Secretary a few years ago, we have seen a steady increase in the amount of Life Members to around the 215 mark. On the other hand, the annual members are very few in number.
The best recruiting tool for any organisation is its members, so please do encourage others to join the club. Rates are presently £40 for Life and £10 for annual. One can apply via the Megastore website or in person at a home game.
The Executive Committee are presently looking at the membership package so watch this space!
Can you spare an hour?
Matchdays are getting busier at Grosvenor Vale and we could do with some extra help to raise our profile and additional funds for the Club.
We are always stretched selling programmes, 50/50 tickets, setting up the Megastore and looking after other matchday activities, not to mention our Wembley BBQs.
The more assistance we have the more we can achieve, so if you can assist on a regular basis or just every once in a while please get in touch or click below.
After organinsg six successful events last season James has his season opener for us.
The Bob Marley Experience are coming to The Vale on Friday 2nd September with doors open from 8.30pm.
This is sure to be a fabulous evening and a great fundraising opener.
Tickets are just £18 and are available direct from James on 07979 795 414.
Don’t miss out!
We still have a few great Wealdstone items in the Online Megastore SALE. Polo shirts as low as £5, Hoodies under £20, Footy shirts under £20, books for £5 and more.
Limited coach seats for Eastleigh - Sat 13th Aug
These coaches are an affordable and convenient way for many Supporters to get to away games they may otherwise have missed. We do not aim to make a profit on these trips so it is essential that they are well supported to ensure we break even.
Seats are £20 Adults and £15 U16s.
A date with the Stones
Now you can sync all our fixtures with your Google, Apple, Outlook, Office 365, Hotmail or any Calendar supporting ICS.
Rearranged and Cup match details will automatically update and you will get a pre-match reminder from your Calendar with a helpful link to buy tickets and update you on any match specific information.
Just click on the button below to download our fixtures to your Calendar
Your opinion matters and we want to hear from you
If you have anything you would like us to discuss at our next monthly meeting, consider or take up on you behalf we have a Comments box on the website just for you.
You can comment about anything that concerns you, make suggestions, suggest fundraising activities, ask questions or provide feedback.
Donate to our eBay shop
WANTED – Old Football / Rugby / NFL / Cricket shirts, programmes, tickets, and the like are always welcome. We take anything it does not matter the nation, club or team and we will almost never turn down a donation. We sell more than just Wealdstone stuff (just check out our eBay shop). We are happy to arrange collections if need be. This continues to be a great earner for us. We have previously sold children’s toys, DVD / Blu-ray, CD’s, LP’s, clothing, artwork and will happy do anything we can with you unwanted items. Just contact us in the megastore or via the Supporters club websi
Disabled Access and Viewing at Grosvenor Vale
Many of you may have seen on social media that one of our supporters experienced issues viewing the game against Chelmsford and felt unable to stay for the match which is disappointing and a real concern.
Substantial groundworks along the Social Club side have been undertaken over the close season to ensure the ground meets the standards required for the upcoming season and a massive thanks to all in involved in making this happen. Clearly there are still tasks left to complete.
Mark met with the supporter and his family on Wednesday evening along with Wealdstone Director, Nick Symmons and Richard, the Club General Manager and they have identified a suitable new viewing area next to the Home dugouts.
Urgent attention will now be given to getting this area prepared and accessible to our supporters that need this facility.
As always thanks to Mark for getting involved in this and helping to resolve the issue.
Sitting down with Stuart Maynard
We caught up with Stuart last week before our season opener to talk about his coaching influences, bridging the gap to full-time opposition and the crucial role played by our fans.
And finally a few words from our President - Nick Dugard
I was very proud to be re-elected President of WFCSC at the AGM a few months back and will support the work of the committee however I can. This season will bring new challenges and many new opportunities for the Supporters Club (of which I have been actively involved for well over 40 years!) as we embark on an amazing third season at the top tier of non league football. We are proud of WFCSC’s independent status but we will, as ever, contribute strongly, both financially and in many other ways to support the main club. May I wish the committee all the very best for the season and I am sure that it’s work will continue to successfully develop. And remember, if you think you can help out, don’t hesitate to contact a committee member.
UTS!
All photo credits – Adam Williams
