Hello to all Members of the 100 Club.
Well another season is nearly over, except for one final match against (can I say) the “Auld Enemy”… Lewes, for I think it is safe to say that we have a new “enemy” now? This season has been very eventful with loads of highs and lows after a very slow start, we find ourselves in a very respectable position in the table. We have taken to our new surroundings at Flamingo Park like a duck (or should I say Flamingo) to water. Attendances have dramatically increased at home from the one’s we had at Bromley as have the number of our away following where we are no longer “Little Cray” with no ground and no fans. We are indeed “Massive” and make ourselves heard everywhere we go. And also initially concerned when manager Neil Smith left for Crawley, we how have the management team I know the “Massive” wanted with Tim O’Shea “at the wheel”, who has also brought in the experienced Mark Stimpson. And with the team only needing a few additions to strengthen for next season, the future looks bright.
BUT!!! on Monday 21st of March, in front of another Flamingo Park record crowd of 2,088, we were up against champions-elect Dartford. In an entertaining match, the large and expectant Dartford contingent saw their title hopes diminish, in a game that ended in a 2-2 draw, as their title rivals Billericay and Horsham have, on paper, easier final games.
At half time, not only did we have a lap of honour from our trophy winning U18 boys, U15 girls and U14 boys, we held April’s 100 Club draw. Micky Simmons, a goalkeeper I used to watch in the early 2000’s when I first got involved in Cray was a guest with a few other ex-players as they had played for both clubs. I asked him (he was the only player I in fact recognised) and he was glad to do the draw.
So the first ball drawn out of the tombola by Micky was number 55, which belonged to long-time supporter, Les Hain of Tonbridge, who wins the first prize of £200, increased as it was the last draw of the season. Well done Les and many congratulations on being this month’s lucky winner.
The second ball drawn out for the second prize of £100, was number 56 (spooky but it happens occasionally!). This ball belongs to Graham Fancett of South East London. Congratulations Graham.
The third and final ball, drawn by Micky, and the winner of £50, went to the holder of number 4, which belongs to Val Smith of South West London. Congratulations Val.
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.
With attendances growing at home and a “Massive” (pardon the pun) increase in our away support, we are still only seeing a very slow increase in 100 Club membership. 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. Gary Hillman and Micky Paye also wish to take the club to the next level and have high expectations and plans. If any of your family or friends, and that would include any new supporters, would like to join, 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. And remember if we can get the membership up, I will be able to increase the monthly prize money and also increase the donation that I send to Cray Wanderers FC. I’d also love to rip open the plastic bag that contains new balls with more numbers!
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 now we go on the road, venue’s to be announced, until the live draws resume, probably at a pre-season friendly. But until then, take care and “Be lucky”. Have a great summer.
Cheers!
COYW!!
John
John McArthur
Admin of 100 Club and P.A at Cray Wanderers Football Club
