I often talk of Chesham United being a community club – and there is always more that we can do to improve that even further – so this week I wanted to reflect on what we can all do for the community, and each other.
One of the things we are rapidly learning since gaining promotion to National League South is the step up in professionalism in and around the league and the clubs in it. It is exciting to be a part of it, and we do not see it as a concern. I have long wanted to raise the bar in terms of our standards on many aspects and I think we have done that over the last couple of years, but now we are having to take that to another level, which can only be a good thing for all of us.
A large part of that is the experience and safety of supporters attending matches. Running on three successive Thursdays, 7.30 – 9.00pm, starting on 17th July, we are having steward training by a regulated trainer that will help us to be even more professional in our stewarding on matchdays. If you are interested in being a part of that, please do get in touch.
We are also installing new ground safety regulations signage at each turnstile, and to be added to our website. This has been produced with great support from the National League and is something I would urge all visitors to take the time to have a read of. Mostly commonsense of course, but it is important that everyone understands what the stewards are being asked to manage.
Other signage going up includes a new 16 x 3 foot Vanarama National League ‘Welcome to Chesham United’ board – that is really starting to make our promotion feel real now!
On the subject of ‘welcome to Chesham United’, I must say a couple of big thank yous to Councillor Gareth Williams and Councillor Nick Southworth for their tremendous help as we piece together the next part of our planning application for a move to a new ground. I know I have been very quiet on this recently, and frankly that is because everything seems to take a huge amount of time and I am just delighted that, with much help, we are very nearly in a position to go back to the planning officers with the answers to all the questions that have been raised about the application up until now. The drive and enthusiasm from Gareth in particular has been inspirational, and helped to clarify exactly what information is required in our responses. I really hope now that the planning office will have all the information needed shortly for us to be able to push ahead with this project that, despite the successes on and off the pitch last season, is vital for the long-term sustainability of the football club.
I know it has been talked about for years now and supporters must begin to think it has come off the agenda, but I can assure you it has not, there is still so much going on to push this through, which just is not newsworthy each week. As soon as I have more information, I will let everyone know.
For now we are focusing on improving facilities at The Meadow and meeting the required ground grading for our new league next season. We have finished demolishing a wall in the away dressing room to enable us to extend the space and benching here to the size required. Starting Saturday 14th July we will be organising painting parties on the perimeter boards and steps, with drinks and doughnuts provided – put the date in your diary, starting at 9.00am. The more of us involved, the quicker we will be able to get this done.
Elsewhere around the community, conversations have started with Waj from our neighbours at the Cricket club to help with the planning of their charity day at the club on Bank Holiday Monday in August, where our land will be used in support of this wonderful event with all the monies going to a local charity in the town which plans to get Lowndes Park play equipment restored and improved, something it is in desperate need of. We are now waiting for the fixture list to come out on 10th July and hope that we are away on the Monday to give the cricket club as much space as possible to raise as much money as possible.
On the pitch we are very happy with the way the squad has taken shape so early. We are still awaiting final confirmation on how substitutes will be used in the league next season, whether you are allowed to use five from five named, or even five from seven. What might not be obvious to all supporters in this decision is the simple equation that seven named subs does add significantly to the playing budget over the course of the season so we are working hard to make sure we have the squad and funding in place for whichever eventuality.
With that in mind we are determined to pro-actively fill our player kit sponsorship prior to the start of the season. The full management and a couple of players have already been taken, available at just £60 plus VAT, with your name alongside the player in every matchday programme, please do take part in this affordable package that does really help the club. Email the name of the player you would like to sponsor to commercial@cheshamunited.co.uk and from there we will confirm availability and arrange payment. Thank you in advance for your support in this.
Thank you also to everyone that purchased an Early Bird season ticket which equated to six free matches in the season, plus friendlies. We are now onto the next stage of the offer where the advanced ticket gives you three free matches and all the pre-season friendlies – still well worth taking advantage of if you have not yet purchased your season ticket. This offer ends on 9th July.
I visited the club this morning as I received a report a wall had been damaged. This unfortunately is the case and the repair to the wall is going to be over £1000. So does anyone in our community have a friend or neighbour that has recent damage to the front or rear of their car. It has happened close to the gym where the members park their cars. I’m not saying it is a gym member but if anyone in our community can help us please contact us so we can approach the person concerned.
Summer finally looks to have arrived, I think I must have towed the sun back with me on the back of the plane from my holiday in Cyprus last week, but the rain we have had this year so far has been a big help to the pitch which is looking quite lush for the time of year. However, as the dry weather starts to come, we will again be offering the pitch to the local fire brigade to practice their drills…and spray water across the pitch as they do so!
Thank you for your support – enjoy the Euros, not too long to wait until the far more entertaining football starts again with pre-season friendlies! And don’t forget, you can watch England’s next game on Tuesday in The Chess Suite, it might make it more enjoyable with a few friends and drinks.
Peter Brown, Chairman
