Northampton Programme, 19th February 2007
The Fighting Chance Appeal closed at the end of January raising a magnificent total of £40,105. I expect few of us thought when the appeal was launched, after that dismal defeat at Cheltenham at the end of November, that such a fantastic sum would be raised. The new arrivals are making a much needed impact and have played their part in the recent improved team performances. I must say a massive thank you to everyone who contributed and in particular Darrell Rushton who thought of the idea and Andy Evans who organised it.
The success of Fighting Chance shows how an idea generated by a supporter coupled with commitment and enthusiasm can make a huge difference to the Club.
At our Club we are lucky to have active volunteers who are dedicated to doing something for their Club. Natasha Judge, the Bees United Fund-raising Director, recently organised a meeting of the different groups who are currently involved supporting the Club and it numbered fifteen different groups! Natasha is now encouraging everyone to work together to avoid duplication of effort and the sharing of ideas. She is also busy drafting a more detailed explanation of what the aims and objectives of working together are and this will appear in the Scunthorpe programme. In the meantime here are the groups involved:
- Bees United
- Brentford Lifeline Society
- Brentford FC Programme Collectors’ Club
- Bucket Collectors
- Fighting Chance
- Out and About with the Bees
- Brentford Independent Association of Supporters
- The Brentford Always Message Board
- Griffin Park Grapevine
- Beesotted.com
- Thorne In The Side Fanzine
- Brentford Supporters’ Association
- The Griffin Park Learning Zone
- The Hive gigs team
and - Brentford FC Community Sports Trust (who work very closely with the Club)
The other thing that came clear to me during the evening, is whilst we undoubtedly could work better between us, there were so many opportunities that were not being exploited as there were not enough volunteers. This is where you could assist. Do you have any spare time to support one of the many groups or individual activities?
If you do then please contact Natasha Judge either by writing to her care of the Club or email (natasha.judge@beesunited.org.uk). In some ways your time is more precious than the cash you give. Just look at what Darrell Rushton and Andy Evans did with Fighting Chance!
Let’s work together!
Jon Gosling
Comments can either be sent to me on or directly via comments page.
19th February 2007