Hi all, hopefully you are all well and enjoying the weather.
As reported last week, we reached 75% of our initial target of £1000 towards the cost of installing a lift and disabled toilets for the club. Seven days on we have hit an incredible 120% of the target. I am humbled to be sending another heartfelt thanks to everyone who has very generously donated and supported me so far. If you would like to donate and help to keep pushing up that total please visit the Just Giving page here.
Through Just Giving, I send an individual thank you to everyone who donates. I would like to particularly mention the committee at the Northants Branch of Retired Police Officers who sent my link to their members. This has resulted in more generous donors and a request to write an article for their next Newsletter.
The last 3 weeks has been good practice to put our minds to how we can meet our ambition to raise nearly £40000.
Before moving on, a quick shout out to those of you who responded to the 'gel or not to gel' survey. No further forward with 50/50 split, but thanks to Johnny Ironmonger for the advice 🚴
Training Practice.
This week’s training has been both brutal and enjoyable. As a family, we managed to get a late booking at Brixham in Devon. Last Friday we packed up the family, Alfie our dog, boyfriends and as you would expect, the trusted bike to test that expertly built (!!!) Cycle carrier.
During an amazing week, bonding and tasting the odd Devon ale, I survived 3 very different sessions. Firstly a mindfulness coastal route taking in Torquay, then a brutal ride in Devon Hills Dartmouth. On Friday I decided to escape from the Long drive back, or did Zoe just throw me out at Coventry, to stop me talking about the challenge!! ...... I will let you decide. The intended cycle back home via Lutterworth and Foxton, was distrupted when my sat nav sent me off road. When I finally found a suitable road surface, I found home via Kelmarsh, hot, stuffy and gasping for fluid, Irn Bru to the rescue 😁 . Thankfully I have left the big day route plan to coach Andy.
Clubhouse Practice, Chairman's message.
We cant quite play it yet but we can do the next best thing and thats watch the "all new behind closed doors Premiership Rugby" starting Saturday the 15th August with Exeter Chiefs v Leicester and then Bristol Bears v Saracens. So drag yourself away from yet another garden centre visit (there are only so many hanging baskets a house needs) and come and do what you should be doing on a Saturday afternoon, join me over a pint watching the beautiful game. Not wishing to brag but we have air conditioning so your cool refreshing drinks stay that way all day long. We will of course adhere to all our protocols and government regulations
Closing message
If this is the first time you have read my blog, I have included my earlier suggestions on how to get involved, even if you cannot afford to donate.
A few ideas.
1. Speak to your business contacts, to
• Purchase a pitch side advertising board.
• Provide a donation for the lift to be branded in their name.
• Identify local lift company as potential sponsors.
2. Organise a fundraising event from cake sale or car boot sale to an extreme challenge.
3. Let me know if you have or know someone with experience in identifying, writing the applications for and securing Grant funding.
4. Hold a family or other small event at the club and make a donation for the use.
To get in touch with me about your ideas please email: tomsm.b66@gmail.com
Pease help us practice what we preach 'A community club’ and give S&L a lift and share this post.
Till next week, Tom.
