Cray Wanderers 100 Club Draw Result – March 2025
Hello to all Members of the 100 Club.
March has been another poignant month for Cray Wanderers. Firstly we had the passing of fellow committee member, friend and long, long time associate of Cray Wanderers, Peter Jackson. He’s always been there throughout my own association with the club and has always been “Part of the Furniture”. It will feel very strange not seeing him around and will be missed. I’m sure everyone associated with Cray Wanderers sends our heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family. The second “event” was the departure of Sam Wright as CEO of the club. He oversaw our successful transfer from Hayes Lane to Flamingo Park and did more than a CEO would normally do and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, spending most of his time at Flamingo Park, running the whole shebang, 7 days a week. Took an interest in every team that played under the Cray Wanderers banner, often taking time out from his admin duties, watching them away. He did have a hand in increasing our youth teams from 9 to 43. I could go on! There is only one Sam Wright! And on a personal note, I would like to thank him for all the assistance he gave me with the 100 Club, especially lugging the tombola onto the pitch for me and hunting down those “Legends” to do the draw. Again, he will be missed by fans and management alike. He will always be part of “The Cray Massive”
So on the day of Sam’s last official day and the visit of promotion chasing Dover Athletic, on Saturday 29th March, who we had beaten on their turf earlier in the season, we held this month’s 100 Club draw, in front of a terrific crowd of 808. Unfortunately, despite a tremendous opening goal from Josh Williams, Dover edged it 1-2 in the end.
The initial thought was to go against the norm and protocol and let Sam do the draw, but he was a bit worried he would have actually pull his own ball out (would anyone have had a problem if this did actually happen?). Mark Hunt and I did see Dino Lyamani, (“DINO! DINO!”) who also sadly and recently left the club, hiding amongst fans behind the Club house goal. We asked “Could you”? and he said “Yes”!
The first ball Dino drew out of the tombola was number 19, which belonged to Linda Hodson, of St Mary Cray, who wins the first prize of £150. Linda has helped Cray with hospitality on many occasions in the past and is the wife of our secretary Martin. Well done Linda and many congratulations on being this month’s winner.
The second ball drawn out for the second prize of £100, was number 48. This ball belongs to Pat Ogan of South East London. I believe Pat is holidaying in Italy presently so a nice surprise awaits when he returns. Congratulations Pat.
The third and final ball, drawn by Dino, and the winner of £50, went to a key member of the “Cray Massive”, Roy Stow of Westgate-on-Sea with ball number 63. Congratulations Roy.
Many congratulations to all our lucky winners and thanks again to all members for your continued support and participation in the 100 Club.
We now have the option of paying winnings by internet banking as well as by cheque. I will be in touch with the winners to find out their preferences soon.
Presently, the funds the 100 Club raises were earmarked for the new Under 23s team Cray Wanderers, who are still going great guns and still remain top of their division. They compete in the Presence & Co Southern Counties East Development League West, playing their home matches at Flamingo Park, on Friday evenings. (KO times TBC). Obviously with Sam departing, I personally do not know if this will continue but it goes without saying that all funds raised will still go to Cray Wanderers FC. I’ll have to make enquiries once we know who will take over Sam’s role?
With attendances growing at home and a “Massive” (pardon the pun) increase in our away support, we are only seeing a very slow increase in 100 Club membership. (One new entrant this month and 2 next month). But we now have 15 vacant numbers to reach 90 members. The directors, especially Sam, had hoped to reach the 100 mark, prompted by the move to Flamingo Park. If any of your family or friends, and that would include any new supporters, would like to join, grab me at a match or email me and I can send a form out. You can also download a form from the Cray Wanderers website or use the one printed in the match programme. The directors have serious plans and expectations for the club and would like to “push on to the next level”. It was Lord Kitchener who said, in the famous poster,” Cray Wanderers needs you!”
Although I do check changes in contact details, I would appreciate it if you contact me with any changes to your personal circumstances as soon as possible. How will I know where to send your winnings?
So, until April’s draw, which we hope to hold on Monday 21st at out last home match of the season where we expect a 4 figure crowd for the visit Dartford (and where I’m sure Peter Jackson will be watching from on high?) Take care and “Be lucky”.
Cheers!
COYW!!
John
John McArthur
