Hello and welcome to all Members of the CWFC 100 Club…. as well as those reading this, both members and non-members, in the matchday programme…. and if you’re not a member, <span;>WHY NOT JOIN US?<span;> Win a cash prize and help Cray Wanderers FC with gaining much needed revenue?
On Saturday 18th April, we held the draw for the CWFC 100 Club for April, on the day of Cray’s last home match against Welling United on a bright and sunny afternoon. And another busy time for yours truly. 100 Club (obviously) an award to Cray Wanderers for Performance of the Month, sponsored by Shepherd Neame for our victory away to Aveley and the welcoming back to 2 young players Albert and Stanley King on the completion of their 5k challenge for Steve Owen who is presently suffering and fighting Prostate Cancer. Believe there was also a “Beat the Goalie” comp on the pitch at half time, that I seemed to have missed. Did it actually go ahead?
If you wish to donate to Albert and Stanley King, please click on the following link:-
https://www.gofundme.com/f/hjp7b-raising-awareness-for-prostate-cancer
A large crowd was expected as our local foes, Welling United, who we earlier in the season, on their manor, beat by only a 2-0 scoreline when it could have been more convincing it has to be said, (and who cannot forget the performance of “The Mini Massive” on the terraces) were fighting possible relegation. The Cray Massive were full of hope and excitement, putting one over our Kent rival’s foes and ending the season on a high. A fantastic crowd of 1,182 witnessed a quite an entertaining match but unfortunately a classic game of two halves, with Cray getting a quick goal on 2 minutes from Ola<span;> <span;>Ogunwamide and second through Max Fiddes on 31. The second half began well from a Cray perspective until Welling were awarded a penalty on the 60th minute when Remi Sutton was adjudged to have pushed Welling’s John Ufuah in the penalty box and then, what seemed inevitable, after a mix up in defense, Welling equalised in the 75th minute to make it 2-2 and Cray’s 17th draw of the season. Both sides could have tasted victory but unfortunately Welling who took the 3 points after converting a 25 yard free-kick in stoppage time. For Cray there was obvious disappointment as this was the second time in three home games that a two goal lead had disappeared during the second half but in a season where the team have given everything and only missed out on the playoffs, unfortunately due to the number of draws, I think we can feel very proud of the team and all does look promising for the next campaign.
Now to the draw. I was a little late in meeting Mark Hunt at the designated draw area, where our battered tombola is kept as I was collecting votes for the Supporters Player of the Season. I spied Charlie Kerr, Flamingo Parks groundsman, who not only overseas the main 4G pitch but also all the other glass pitches on the other side of the Club House and he was happy to put down his half time beverage to do the draw for us.
The first ball drawn by Charlie, was ball number 76, which belonged to Frank Glanz, of West Wickham, who wins the first prize of £150. Well done Frank and congratulations on being this month’s winner.
The second ball drawn out for the second prize of £100, was number 74. This ball belongs to David Beadle, of Orpington. Congratulations David.
The third and final ball, drawn out of the tombola, and winning £50, was ball number 63, which belongs to Row Stow, of Westgate-on-Sea. Congratulations Roy.
Well done and many congratulations to all our lucky winners and thanks again to all members for your continued support and participation in the 100 Club. The winners have been contacted or were at the match and prizes will be paid when I get into work on Monday morning.
Now for the usual but necessary other business!
The 100 Club will continue throughout the break. But we would really love to get to the target of at least 90 members by the new season as it would to increase the prize money I pay out to you as well as enabling me to give more back to the club. So once again, if any of your family and friends wish to join the 100 Club, or if you are reading this in the matchday programme and would like to join, please either go to the 100 Club tab on the website where you can print off a form, or use the form in the matchday programme, (copies gratefully accepted if you do not want to ruin it!). Complete it and send to me at the address provided. I will contact you to select a preferable and available number. You can also catch me on most match days, “hopping” around the ground and I can give you a form.
CRAY WANDERERS NEEDS YOU
We’ve done really well this season but to progress further, we do need a bit more help. (For a start, the PA needs sorting out and we need more covered standing or seats) Please join the CWCF 100 Club draw. Help the club and win a cash prize!
Please also contact me with any changes of contact details or your personal circumstances (I will respectfully understand) as soon as possible. It would be nice that I didn’t have to find out after I have checked the account and have to make enquiries. However, I will always enquire first, especially if you are a winner, just in case and now I usually pay prizes out by bank transfer, it does make things easier.
The petition started by Talia Wilson, who helps with matchday hospitality and catering, to improve accessible travel to Cray Wanderers FC, is still running. It currently has 1,394 signatures. 26 last month but only slowly rising. We now need 106 more signatures to reach the next goal?? Please support her efforts and get your friends and family involved too. It can be found at <span;>https://chng.it/kyZj9j7zYx
Also, if you live near to Flamingo Park, write to your MP. I do know of someone who has and after a positive first response, received a lesser second rely. An underpass, a footbridge, the redirection of a bus route, all would. Please also see this related article by old friend of the club, Trevor Mulligan which tells you a bit about our issue!
https://www.coyw.co.uk/2026/01/transport-to-flamingo-park-whats-problem.html.
Better accessibility could mean larger attendances, bigger revenues and ultimately, we would hope, more success on the pitch!
So, until May’s draw? Ah no matches until July? Yes, the next draws will be “On-The-Road.
My thoughts?
May’s? I will be on Oxford, with an old school friend, on the last Saturday of the month. I could and probably will be taking the “Black Velvet Bag” with me and get him to do it. Probably in the Wetherspoon Pub “The Four Candle’s” and yes, it does relate to The Ronnie Barker, who lived and went to school in Oxford! Strange my mate doesn’t like football. Really do not know how I’ve remained friends for so long?)
June’s, I plan to meet up with a very old work colleague I haven’t seen for many years, who is also Cray Wanderers related. I haven’t asked him and he possibly won’t want to do it so his name will remain anonymous but we shall see. I may have to think of a plan B but I may just grab some other random from the pub? Then we only have to wait till July for the Friendly fixtures which will make things easier.
So have a great Summer. Would it be “Remiss” of me to say, “Enjoy the World Cup”?
Take care and “Be lucky”.
Cheers!
COYW!!
JohnJohn McArthur
Admin of 100 Club and P.A at Cray Wanderers Football Club
