Notes from the Chair

Lots of announcements this week as things really start to feel as if we are getting back towards full motion, although there is still much uncertainty as to how things will look when we do finally kick-off the season in terms of crowds, dressing rooms and being covid-secure. All I can do is assure you that we are doing everything within our power to make sure we are ready and compliant when we do get the nod, and we hope to be welcoming fans back onto the terrace as soon as we are permitted to do so.

In the meantime, the management are arranging pre-season friendlies, the exact times and opposition are changing all the time in these unusual times and, as you are probably aware, supporters are not permitted to attend any of these games under government guidance at the current time. I have no doubt that the management and social media team will however keep you up to date with how the squad is developing. I was at the club for training on Thursday night and was impressed with what I saw. We have invested in some new training goals that help the players to still train on the pitch without damaging the goalmouth. I have no doubt that the team will be ready to carry on from where we left off at the end of last season.

Back to the announcements. I am delighted to advise that our new shirt sponsors for next season will be Shanly Homes, a local property developer that has been investing in the area for 50 years and offer excellent build quality and exquisite design as well as partnering with the Woodland Trust to help protect the environment when developing. We also have a new sponsor for the First XI tracksuits, our thanks go out to Bede Group Investments for their ongoing support to the club. With two new significant partners onboard, it is exciting to see how we are starting to grow the commercial side of the business whilst still very much keeping a focus on our local sponsors.

Talking of which, on Thursday night we had the draw for the new Claret Club, previously the Corporate Patron Scheme, and as a result I am delighted to announce that first out of the hat, and therefore the main sponsors of the stand at the Cricket Ground End are Murray’s Accounting – A previous winner of the old CPS and a very loyal and supportive local business partner. Other winners in the draw are Church View Funeral Services, PCS Logistics, Coyle White Devine and Plumb Plus. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our new members of the Claret Club for their support.

This week we also tied up our relationship with our charity for the season, Bucks Minds who do an incredible job supporting those with mental health issues and raising awareness of the need for people to not be afraid to talk about their concerns and anxiety. Following last week’s request I am delighted to say that John Hatch has stepped forward to help become the link between the club and the charity and will be working with myself and Alan Calder to offer the charity, and our own players and fans, our utmost support.

Finally, in a busy week I was also pleased to give my support to a new Keep It Local campaign that has been started by a number of stationery and office products suppliers around the country, including JPS Stationers in Chesham. Now more than ever it is important that local businesses support each other and help our local communities, that is certainly our ethos going forward, and I hope you will join us in doing the same with our local sponsors and local businesses at the heart of our town.

Stay safe,

Peter Brown, Chairman

Chesham United Football Club