Hello and welcome to all Members of the CWFC 100 Club.
On Saturday 25th October, we made the draw for Octobers CWFC 100 Club, at half time during the very busy and eventful game with Dartford, in front of 1,252. To relieve the pressure at the main bar, we opened “The Wanderers Inn”, just to the left of the turnstiles as well as a small bar, underneath a canopy, at the far end of the Club House. We had a Prostrate Cancer UK stall, holding a raffle for a Signed shirt and an extra food outlet with Curry Mahal of Sidcup, serving up two signature curries. Talking about Replica shirts, a supply of them finally arrived at the Club shop and are selling at £40. We are hoping for more to arrive as we only received a supply of the smaller men’s sizes, with no junior sizes being received. We also had the conclusion of an event in aid of our U7s coach, Steve Deehy who had sustained a bad injury playing in a friendly fixture. A parent of one of the U7s, Michael Weight had run a marathon that morning and wanted to end it with a lap of Flamingo Park and he arrived before kick-off welcomed with excitement by some of the U7s gathered around the turnstile entrance, some of whom, joined him in his journey around the ground. To read his story and donate, please visit the Gofundme page
https://www.gofundme.com/f/
As for the game, played in cloudy but bright conditions, with what sounded like a bout of hailstones in the middle, after a cagey start, Dartford continued their good recent form, did just enough, with a goal in each half, and win 0-2. A mention for long time committee member and friend, Peter Jackson, who sadly passed away in February 2025. Always remembered, especially when we play Dartford. Living in Dartford but ways showing a “comedic” discontent for them, I’m sure he would have been watching, giving us his support as well as naturally showing his contempt for the opposition and would be, like us all, naturally disappointed with the result. Lots of positives to come from a game though, against an opponent who should be knocking on the door of promotion at the send of the season, but we dust ourselves down and go again next week away to Cheshunt.
At half time, while sourcing out someone who could do the draw for us, I bumped into a supporter I hadn’t seem for a long time Philip Wylie. Known at Cray for quite a while, he moved down to Orpington from Bury, Greater Manchester and started following his local team, the mighty WANDS!
I finally asked him 2 questions: Are you a member of the 100 Club? (I should know that the answer was no but asked anyway). And secondly, asked if he could do the draw for the 100 Club and he gratefully obliged and it was done at half time, underneath the clubhouse balcony, where I could also enjoy that irresistible (IMHO) smell of curry!
So the first ball drawn by Philip out of the tombola was ball number 6, which belonged to Steve Blendell of St Pauls Cray who wins the first prize of £150. Well done Steve and many congratulations on being this month’s winner.
The second ball drawn out for the second prize of £100, was number 65. This ball belonged to Alan Richardson, of Orpington. Congratulations Alan.
The third and final ball, drawn by Philip and the winner of £50, went to John O’Grady, also of Orpington, with ball number 14. Congratulations John.
Many congratulations to all our lucky winners and thanks again to all members for your continued support and participation in the 100 Club. I will be in touch with the winners shortly to enquire how they would like the delivery of their prize money.
Now for the usual any other business!
If any of your family and friends wish to join the 100 Club, to boost the prize money and enable me to give more back to the club, please go to the 100 Club tab on the website, (which is finally going to be more regularly updated) print off a form and send the completed form to me at the address provided. A form is also in the new-styled matchday programme. Again, copy it if you don’t want to ruin your programme and again send it to me. I will contact you to select a preferable and available number. We do have a new member joining us for the next draw, a wife of a recent winner. No names mentioned but many thanks for joining.
Please also contact me with any changes to your personal circumstances as soon as possible. I will always check first but makes it easier for me. For one, how will I know where to send your winnings?
Log onto to https://radio-wands.mixlr.
You have to set up a log in and it did make me download an app called ”Mixlr”. So now when I click on the Mixlr app, it goes straight to “Radio Wands”’
The petition started by Talia Wilson, who helps with matchday hospitality and catering to improve accessible travel to Cray Wanderers FC, is still running. Please support her efforts and get your friends and family involved too. It can be found at https://chng.it/kyZj9j7zYx
I’ve been using the 162 bus to Slades Drive and then the walk along the “footpath” (??) but will have to revert to other ways during the winter months.
Saw a policeman, outside Flamingo with a speed camera on Saturday. Could they be researching ways to reduce speeds (A zebra crossing perhaps) or is it just wishful thinking on my part?
So, until November’s draw which is earmarked for the Burgess Hill match on the 22nd, take care and “Be lucky”.
Cheers!
COYW!!
John
John McArthur
Admin of 100 Club and P.A at Cray Wanderers Football Club
