Cray Wanderers 100 Club Draw Result for July
Hello to all Members of the 100 Club.
Another month and another 100 Club draw. The real football season is less than a month away and we slowly move away from playing matches where “A Trialist” and his relatives are irritating fixtures on the team sheet.
The small, merry band of committee members, who as you know, have to visit local hostelries around Kent and SE London to do the draws during the close season, were now able to de-camp into the salubrious surroundings of Flamingo Park, in front of over 700 people (yes I did say 700 people) to carry out the draw for July’s 100 Club and this took place on the occasion of our 5th friendly fixture against Crystal Palace. This was our second attendance of over 700 as we gained this figure at the previous fixture against Millwall and when you consider it was against a team of “kids (and very good “kids” at that) playing a team of a mixture of retained players and Trialists, it was a magnificent achievement, considering while at Bromley we were happy with attendances of 150-200! Unfortunately, we were soundly beaten 0-6 and I missed two of the goals trying to get a burger!
Now the drawer of the balls this month could be taken as being rather controversial. Our illustrious chairman, Gary Hillman wanted to do the first draw at Flamingo Park and who were we to argue? It also could have been because we were playing Crystal Palace? But if you think about it, he ALWAYS kindly donates his winnings back to the club and I doubt he actually remembers what his number was anyway. He’s got enough on his plate. I did however, say a small prayer that he wouldn’t draw his ball out of the tombola. But as I mentioned, it was witnessed by over 700 people (yes I did say it again….over 700 people) , most of whom, didn’t actually know what was going on.
So on the pitch, near to the players “tunnel”, these were the results of his efforts.
First ball drawn out of the tombola and the winner of £150 was Archie Jewell of Thundersley, in Essex, with ball number 69. Well done and congratulations Archie.
Second Prize, for ball number 60, was John Quinn of Braintree, Essex, who wins £100. Well done John.
The third and final prize of £50, went to Val Smith of Clapham SW London, with ball number 4. Congratulations Val.
Congratulations to our lucky winners and many thanks to all members for your continued support and participation of the 100 Club.
As we now have the option of paying winnings by internet banking as well as by cheque, please could the winners let me know of their preferences?
The directors hope that the 100 Club will grow when we get to play at Flamingo Park, which will mean bigger prizes and more funds raised for Cray Wanderers FC and with Cray attaining attendances of 700, this could be coming sooner rather than later. (But please let me purchase more balls with higher numbers first!) We hope these attendances continue during the proper Isthmian season, when Mr Trialist will take a much-needed break. And as our CEO Sam Wright mentioned, we will be using the proceeds of the 100 Club for our Under 23 team to ensure a conveyor belt of talent for the first team. It is a new team for the 2024-25 season and they will be participating in the Presence & Co Southern Counties East Development League West, obviously playing their home matches at Flamingo Park, on Friday evenings. (KO times TBC)
In the meantime, if any of your friends or family would like to join, please email me and I can send out an up-to-date-form. Please ignore the form on the website as it still contains the old form, as are the 100 Club contact details. And as I always seem to forget to mention, please could you contact me with any changes to your contact details. I don’t really want to send your winnings to the wrong address?
.For August’s draw, it is hoped that it will again be drawn at Flamingo Park, but we will know that nearer the time.
I have to close by announcing further sad news of the passing of 2 friends of long standing and 100 Club Members.
Jeanne Jackson, committee member and treasurer, passed 19th July. Did a lot of work gaining sponsorship and much needed funds for the club with her late husband Dave. Jeanne was a huge part of our success story as we moved from the Kent League to the Isthmian League. Last saw her at the Rod Stewart tribute gig at Flamingo Park, having a great time. She will be missed by all at Cray Wanderers FC.
Tony Lettington, (Lord Lettington to most), PA announcer and match-day helper for Cray Wanderers, passed in early June. He was also PA announcer for Bromley. Always fun to be around and a real gentleman. Could tell you a few stories but they will remain, fondly in my memory. He left Bromley FC and Cray many years ago as Bromley were entering their “New era”, when myself and Mark Hunt were asked to take over. He will also be missed at Cray Wanderers FC.
All at Cray Wanderers send our sincere condolences and thoughts to family and friends of Jeanne and Tony at this sad time.
Until then. Take care and “Be lucky”. Looks like the next draw will be on Saturday 24th August against our old friends and adversaries, Lewes, which is very poignant as most of you may know, I do like Lewes. (LOL). But rest assured, this time I will give them a very warm welcome. Why is there any reason not to??
Cheers!
COYW!!
John
John McArthur
Admin of 100 Club and P.A at Cray Wanderers Football Club
