although it was good to get some rain on it, I was hoping for more! However, the team continue to work hard repairing and watering the surface as we prepare for the season ahead.

There is plenty of other work going on around the ground, on top of what I spoke about last week. This includes refurbishing the Tea Bar in the Popular Stand. The volunteers that work this on matchdays have done an incredible job of providing a fine selection of treats to supporters and in the process have contributed significant donations to the club, that is hugely appreciated, and it is the least we can do to improve the facilities there. Over the summer we will be improving the electrics and increasing the number of plug sockets and providing improved work surfaces to provide more space for preparing and serving. This will be accompanied by an extra hot water urn and a new modern pie oven to give supporters more options on matchday.

We have also installed four solar lights from the main stand to the second entrance of the bar, this will be an added safety feature for supporters, and the new tv gantry we have installed has freed up a lot more space for people to stand in the Popular Stand on a matchday. There is plenty more to come and we will soon start arranging work parties on Saturday mornings where hopefully volunteers will help with the annual weeding and painting needs, plus some resurfacing of the terraces that are showing a great deal of wear and tear. Please look out on social media and in future notes for details on this.

You will have seen no doubt across social media that a couple more players have departed the squad to take on new challenges, we wish all players leaving the club all the very best for the future and thank them for their contribution to Chesham United. As I said last week, we are working very hard on building a stronger squad for next season and will make announcements in due course when things are finalised. This year the official paperwork for registering players is not yet available, whereas last year it was earlier, but you can rest assured we will very soon be ready to announce a retention list and some exciting new signings. I am constantly on the phone to the managers, including a conversation with Muzza at 7.00am this morning!

This week also saw the release of a 17-minute video about the club and our rise to promotion in 2023-24, providing what I think is great insight into what goes on at the club and is a very professionally produced film. If you have not seen it yet, pour yourself a tea or coffee and find the YouTube link on our new website at www.cheshamunited.co.uk.

Whilst you are on the website, don’t forget you can also order the new 2025/26 replica shirts (the perfect Father’s Day gift?) and your season tickets for the next campaign – order early to secure the best price for what I am sure is going to be another fantastic campaign in the National League South.

Also still available to buy are tickets for the Treorchy Choir concert that you will know by now is taking place next weekend, including appearances from the wonderful Chess Valley choir. Everyone is busy behind the scenes preparing for this event so please make sure you buy your tickets, also available from the club website. Remember, all profits from this event will go to our charity partner, Bucks Mind.

My final thoughts go to the family of Nigel Samson, a long-standing supporter who sadly passed away recently, our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Laura and family who I know are organising a celebration of his life, which will be a wonderful event.

Thank you for your support.

Peter Brown