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CCLSC - Socials and Announcements

SOCIALS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

SOCIAL REPORT.

Hi everyone, hope all is well in the land of the cclsc. Sorry for the delay in getting this report and the player of year report to you all. Certain things in life cannot be foreseen (I would be rich now if they could) and after a few years of upheaval things our pretty much back to normal. So hopefully reports and such wont take to long and I wont be on the missing list. Any way lets look at last season’s socials. We never had a question and answer night due to the 30th anniversary. The report of which is on the web site. That was one hell of an event to organize but we got there in the end. We then had our first event at the Ricoh for the player of the year, report of which is in this mag. Thanks to all who helped out on getting those events to turn out as well as they did.

As for this year, two events are pencilled in. Firstly back to the Q & A which is down for the 15th or 22nd of November and will be held in the Calthorpe Arms. Numbers for this event have tended to drop recently but with last years absence and a new manager hopefully lots of you will attend, if not we may have to cancel this event in future which would be a great shame as those who do attend can tell you we have a great night. So stick those dates in your diary.

Secondly, the player of the year event. This will be held on April the 12th. Which is the game against Stoke City. Hopefully it will be a better game than last year. Don’t forget we need at least 40 people for this event to go ahead and I know all the usual faces will be there but if there’s anyone who has never attended one of these then please try to come along, it really is a great day not just for the goings on at the club but you can meet up with other members and make new friends.

I am also in talks with the club of putting on a truly great day out for our members at the Ricoh. This event will be held at the end of the season and of little cost to our members who attend. I don’t want to say to much just yet incase it all falls apart but I can assure you that if it does go ahead its an event cclsc has never had before and WILL be a great day. Keep your eyes peeled for more info.

Lastly, if you’re fed up with these events, and you have any ideas for new ones please let me know. We do get suggestions now and then but in this day and age (as our travel sec knows) its not to easy getting every one together. For the two events mentioned people can pit aside that date and make plans, through out the season for smaller events its seems difficult to get any one to commit. But im willing and happy to listen to ideas.

That’s enough rambling from me so see you all soon.

Ian

PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION AND SOCIAL UPDATES..

 

The player of the year presentation for last season was held at the Ricoh on the game versus QPR. As this was the first event we had at the Ricoh it was important that all went well for ourselves and the club. We had 41 members attending on the day which went along very nicely. The first problem I had was each and every person I lined up to be our star guessed could not make it. So we went ahead without out one. Still not having enough raffle prizes and such I arrived at the ground, 1, to see the room and help in there and 2, to scrounge as many raffle prizes as I could. I was also picking up a prize from Jenny Poole who at this time I still had not caught up with. Once that was done we all met up outside the ticket office where passes and tickets were handed out. We then went on a tour of the ground, changing rooms, press office and the tunnel/pitch. After that we took our positions in the suite and proceeded to relieve the bar of any alcohol they had. A set menu had been picked and we sat down for our meal. Except for yours truly who had to meet Colin Heys at the entrance to pick up the trophy. Which meant by the time I got back in the room everyone had eaten and I had to stick mine in the microwave. Still had not met Jenny with our star raffle prize but had scrounged some more prizes of the lovely Jo Lumani (press officer).Before the game we had ex players Kirk Stevens, Barry Powell and Mick kearns give a little talk and answer questions on their time at the club and what there now doing. G Robinson, Joe Elliot and Paul Fletcher all came in to give a talk to us all. The match itself as anyone who was there will know was a non event and most were pleased when it was over. Back in the suite still not having located Jenny with the star raffle prize I had each and every one I know at the club ringing round and looking for her. Eventually Raj Athwell and myself tracked Jenny down to a bar on the first floor. The star raffle prize of Andy Marshal’s gloves safely with her. By the time we got back to our room Andy Marshall had received the player of the year award and was giving a speech. Iain Dowie also gave a talk and our player of the year drew the raffle prizes and our very own Jon Strange won his gloves. Now with the delicate fiddle playing fingers of Mr Strange these gloves must have been way to big for him. Havent seen them on ebay yet though so I presume there under lock and key in Jon’s mansion. All in All everyone had a good time, the price of the event was the same as two years previous at our last one at highfield road so that to was good. This year’s event will be held on Saturday the 12th April which is the game against Stoke. So get voting. I must thank Jenny, Raj and jo for all their help and once again putting up with a barrage of requests from yours truly.

30th Anniversary Dinner.
Report by Ian Spriggs

The venue was the Marriott, Swiss Cottage. The date, Thursday 23 November. The event, CCLSC 30th anniversary. After a few last minute casualties 76 members and guests attended the evening’s event. The guest list included Geoffrey Robinson (current acting chairman), Mike McGinnity (ex-chairman), Joe Elliot (director), Micky Adams (manager), Ken Sharpe (marketing director), James Parkinson, Dan Walker and Chris Bedding (ticket office), Raj Athwell, Jenny Poole (secretary to every manager at the club since Noel Cantwell) and last but by no means least Sun columnist and Talksport host Jon Gaunt. The guests were joined by 65 members, their partners and friends. Some had flown in the very same day from places like India and Canada. Also present was our member and regular visitor from Sweden, Rune Nyland. This had all the makings of a great evening. 

Unfortunately two of our special guests were unable to attend due to ill health. Jimmy Hill (foot injury) and Paul Fletcher (flu) and we wish them a speedy recovery. Mal Brannigan could not make it due to the loan transfer period ending on the Friday. Our MC for the evening was our very own Robin Morden who from start to finish did a magnificent job. We were seated at 8pm after a few beers had already been consumed in the bar area. Some of those beers were needed by a few whose trains were late or were caught up in traffic but got there just in time. Two members, Paul and Helen Mackey, after leaving Coventry at 3.30 pm were still lost at 7pm. We managed to get them there in the end after many frantic phone calls were made. Paul, there’s an A TO Z of London on its way to you for Christmas. 

Anyway, after we were seated starters were served (a fine parcel of goat’s cheese). Robin then held two interviews with Joe Elliot and Micky Adams, who was in fine form cracking jokes and filling us all with enthusiasm for the future of the team. The main course followed which comprised a pre-selected choice of salmon, risotto or guinea fowl. Most people who ordered guinea fowl asked me at some stage what it was, the reply “a little bit like chicken” never really satisfied them. I presume the real thing did as it was fine bit of bird. Main course was followed by two further interviews with Mike McGinnity and Jon Gaunt. Mike, who is a great supporter of our club, said some very nice things. Jon, who was attending his first CCLSC event, was also in fine form. You couldn’t really call it an interview as he took the microphone from Robin and off he went, talking about Coventry City, the city of Coventry, cracking a few jokes, he was great value. 

By this time we had been informed that Geoffrey Robinson was going to be late but had promised he would show up. I think he had a problem at home and was waiting for a locksmith to arrive as I was told he was stuck in the House. Our own chairman, Jon Strange, delivered a great speech which had the audience captivated. He even managed to plug his new book about Keith Houchen in the middle of it, but I don’t think it had the desired effect though as he tried to buy a copy later in the auction!

After having my nerves tested the previous day with the cancellation of Paul Fletcher and panicking about what to do, Ken Sharp stepped in and agreed to do the after dinner talk about “Operation Premiership”. He came well prepared with a projector and delivered a superb presentation on all the things the club are doing to ensure our return to the top flight. Ken you did a great job, thank you. Geoffrey Robinson finally arrived as promised and delivered a short speech. He then went round to every table saying hello and talking to members before he had to rush away. We thank him for his time, it was much appreciated.            

We finished off the meal with a desert of tarte au citron with raspberry coulis (game bird for main and tart for desert, it really wasn’t that kind of event if you’re wondering) and we then had a presentation to make. Colin Heys and Micky Adams presented the lovely Jenny Poole with a boxed brandy glass engraved with CCLSC 30th anniversary on it and a bouquet of flowers. This was for her great support to our supporters club over so many years. Jenny has had a very demanding time from yours truly, as I’m always on the phone asking, “can I have this or can I have that, can you get this signed, can you call this person or that”. Not once has she ever moaned to me, Jenny is a truly remarkable person and great friend to CCLSC. Jenny would like to thank all for the presentation. A small presentation was also made to the staff of the hotel for looking after us so well. 

We rounded of the evening with a charity auction in aid of Cancer Research - which is a good time to mention our great friend Terry Potts who died of cancer 5 years ago at the time of our 25th anniversary. Nothing needs to be said except, Terry, we all miss you. Items were donated by members of CCLSC, publishers, CCFC and members of the public. Thank you all kindly for your donations. I can tell you that even knowing nearly everyone in the room I was still doing the proverbial in my pants while conducting the auction. Printed below is a list of the highest bidders. On behalf of CCLSC I would like to thank each of you for your contribution. In total we raised £915 pounds which will be handed over to Cancer Research. As mentioned earlier I recommend you all to buy a copy of Jon’s new book (since even he tried to buy a copy, it must be good!). Micky Adams trying to buy 4 tickets for the Stoke game (come on CCFC, surely you can afford to provide our manager with a few freebies!). Items sold ranged from £20 to £350. Here is a list of who bought what, you are all as important as each other, once again thank you.

Paul Hoffman – 1987 FA Cup signed ball and Richard Shaw signed shirt

Peter and Heather Reynolds – hospitality package for the Ipswich game 

Jay Macdonald and Elaine Furze – hospitality package for the Ipswich game 

Dave Matthews – 4 tickets for the Stoke game

Dan Walker – TV memorabilia (hope the shirt fits Dan) 

Colin Henderson – 1996 signed home shirt 

Ken Sharpe – signed copies of Jim Brown’s and Jon Strange's new books 

David Ahearne – new home shirt, signed by current squad 

Geoffrey Mann – signed ball by current squad 

After proceedings concluded I think or hope everyone had a great evening. Some people had to catch trains and taxis. Most stayed behind for a good chat, some members meeting others for the first time. The guests all stayed for a beer or two before heading back to Coventry.  Most people had left by 1am after large amounts of beer or wine had been consumed but for those of us staying at the hotel the party continued. The night finally ended at 3am when Barry Chattaway and I could take no more and retired to bed (I hasten to add it wasn’t the same bed). Waking at 9am there were a few faces in the restaurant for breakfast. Not much was said as most were still suffering, but we all agreed it had been a great night. 

Judging by the phone calls I received the following day, the evening proved a massive success. I spoke to all our guests who all had a great time. Gaunty gave us a few mentions on his show on Talksport, he had a great time and would like to thank CCLSC for the invite. Jon, that’s no problem and I’m sure an invite to other events will come your way. I heard that the office door to Raj Athwals office is to be made wider as Jon mentioned him on the show and Raj has been signing autographs ever since.

 Lastly, I would like to thank all who helped me in any way, however big or small, in making the event one truly to remember. So, in no particular order, Colin Heys, Jon Strange, Mike Bradshaw, Robin Morden, Charles Tompkins, Jenny Poole, anyone who donated items for the auction, people at CCFC. If I have forgotten anyone I do apologise. You mean no less to me, it’s just my mind is still pickled from large amounts of alcohol. PS - I am currently trying to decide whether to change my job or not. Both Christies and Sotheby’s apparently would like my services as an auctioneer.

Ian Spriggs


                                                                                                        
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