Notes from the Chair – Dates for your diary
As announced last week, this weekend we are delighted to be opening up the ground and The Chess Suite to enable supporters to come along and safely enjoy a drink and a bite to eat chatting to old friends from a safe distance. Initially the bar will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 6pm, please, if you do feel happy to do so, come along and support the Chess Suite.
Due to current restrictions there will only be limited seating allowed inside the venue and a queue system to access the bar and take drinks outside. There is plenty of room on the terraces to enjoy a socially distanced drink and in the event of rain there is cover around the ground. This will give you the perfect opportunity to see all the hard work that has gone into tidying and maintenance by our volunteer supporters. Entry will be via the ground and the pitch-side doors rather than the usual Chess Suite entrance – come into the ground through the gates near the clubhouse and follow the signage.
Don’t forget that the management duo of James Duncan and Michael Murray will also be joining us between midday and 1.00pm on Saturday and will be very happy to chat with supporters about preparations for the season ahead, and there will be small-a-side pitches coned out on the pitch where the youngsters can run off some energy.
It is exciting to be opening up again of course, but I am also aware that many people will be uncomfortable with going back into a gathering, and we must all show respect to each other when it comes to social-distancing and each other’s feelings; and that of course includes respecting and appreciating the bar staff who will be working hard to make this happen. I’m sure I don’t need to say it, but a reminder that common sense should be used at all times as we, along with all pubs and clubs up and down the country, open our doors in truly unique circumstances.
Whilst many of us look forward to the re-opening, we must also not lose sight of what a tragic time this has been over the last few months, and still is for many. I know we have sadly lost some supporters, and stalwarts of the town, in this period whom we would normally have remembered appropriately on a matchday. We will not be overlooking this and have plans afoot to remember those lost, and to show our appreciation to the NHS and all Front-line Workers for the amazing work they have and are doing.
If you have lost any Chesham-supporting family or friends due to the awful effects of COVID-19, please get in touch with us. We would like to recognise these supporters and friends of the club in a special tribute in our match day programme at the start of next season. If you would like them to be included, please submit a short obituary or tribute – 25 words or less would be ideal – along with a photo. We do not know yet exactly when the league season will start, but please ensure that we receive this as early as possible to provide sufficient notice for it to be included in the programme.
Finally I would like to thank all those supporters that have purchased season tickets for the new campaign, there are nearly 80 sold already which is absolutely fantastic under the circumstances – Your loyalty, commitment and support is appreciated.
Stay safe, and I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Peter Brown, Chairman
Chesham United Football Club