I hope this update finds you all in good spirits as we navigate through the summer months, eagerly anticipating the start of the new season.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we have our first pre-season run out of the year as we travel to play Stotfold, with a 1.00pm kick-off. Many of you may remember Stotfold knocking us out of the FA Cup in a replay back in 2007, it would be a bit much to say that we are out for revenge, but I am sure many supporters would like to erase that memory with a winning pre-season start at the Southern League Division One Central club!
All that said, first and foremost, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the late Ian Ellis, who dedicated himself to the improvement and expansion of our youth programme. Ian’s legacy will forever be remembered, and we will honour his memory with a minute’s applause during our upcoming pre-season friendly against Luton Town. We encourage all of you to join us in this heartfelt tribute to a truly remarkable individua.
In other news, I am thrilled to share that, thanks to the power of Alex Horne and his ability to inspire and uplift people, we have welcomed two new volunteers to our club. These kind-hearted individuals have graciously taken up the task of sorting out shirt postage in our office.
Additionally, we are grateful to a wonderful man who has generously volunteered to design a comprehensive spreadsheet to ensure a meticulous control system for our shirt sales. It is worth mentioning that this gentleman, Bernie, resides in Connecticut, USA, and was motivated to support us after hearing about Chesham United through Alex Horne’s recommendation on Twitter. The power of social media truly knows no bounds!
Speaking of shirt sales, we are delighted to report that the initial response has been overwhelmingly positive. Orders have been pouring in from across the pond, spanning the Pacific, and reaching Europe, in addition to various locations throughout the UK. We are proud to have already despatched 40 shirts for early delivery, with many more scheduled to be shipped in the coming weeks and months. We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who helped set up this initiative, the dedicated workers in our shop, and each and every one of you who has purchased a shirt for the upcoming season. Your direct support through shirt purchases plays a crucial role in sustaining our club. Please remember that our shirts are exclusively available through us at the club, and a matchday shop will be open, offering these shirts as well as other items, both at the ground and through our internet shop.
Moving on, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of four individuals who have been investing significant time in preparing our stadium for your enjoyment and safety. Their tireless work is aimed at ensuring everything is in place for the highly anticipated Luton fixture. We are also excited to share that the construction of disability ramps and other necessary facilities is well underway. These additions will open up a significant area of the ground that was previously inaccessible to our disabled supporters.
However, we kindly request your assistance as it would be unfair for only a few to shoulder this responsibility. If you have the time and resources, we would greatly appreciate your help in completing these important projects around the ground. Please contact me directly at chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk.
Mark your calendars for an upcoming event that is sure to be a highlight of the social calendar – our Sportsman’s Dinner with the fantastic Ian Holloway on Thursday 14th September! Stay tuned for more details regarding this exciting occasion, which promises an evening filled with camaraderie, laughter, and cherished memories.
Before that on Thursday 20th July we will be hosting a joint Ladies and Men’s training session, before they split off to do their own individual training. We will also be inviting the youth section to join us on the evening for one large photo shoot to get an all-inclusive One Chesham team shot, as well as individual team photos. This date coincides with the funeral of Ian Ellis, with the family having accepted our invitation to host the wake at The Chess Suite, I am sure Ian would approve of the progress being made in unifying the clubs’ different section, it will be a special day to reflect, celebrate Ian’s life and begin to build on his legacy.
Don’t forget that season tickets are now available for purchase. New tickets are currently being produced and will be ready for pick up in time for our only home pre-season friendly against Luton Town on Tuesday 25th July.
Thank you all for your continued support, dedication, and love for Chesham United. I hope to see many of you at the game tomorrow – don’t forget the early kick-off – and together, we can start the new journey of a season which will no doubt bring more exciting twists and turns.
Peter Brown,
Chairman
