Royston Match Programme Notes 4th November 2023

Royston Match Programme Notes 4th November 2023

Dear Supporter

Sad news recently on the death of Dominic Genovese.  My memory in connection with him was the season Carl Shutt was sacked and Dominic was put in charge of the Poppies.  We were already relegated from Conference National and played, from memory, our last game of the season away to Barnet.  They pummelled us and we won 2-1 with a Barnet own goal and our only shot on target from Lee Clark.  Rest in peace Dominic.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  
Depending on whether the AFC Telford game went ahead in the week or not, this could be our first home game since Hitchin back at the end of September.  Prior to that we won back to back away games against Leiston and Berkhamsted – the first time in quite some time!  Hopefully, those victories will push us on and away from the relegation zone.
The Trust has sponsored a home and away shirt this season as usual – Luca Purse ad Lewis White respectively.  There will be a members draw at the end of the season to win these shirts.  Last season’s draw for the two shirts were won by Barry Grant and Mark Sewell.
Now we are in November it is probably safe to mention the impending festive season!  So if you are starting your present shopping don’t forget that if you shop on-line via:
 
Go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ketteringtownpoppiessupporterstrust and join for free.  Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
After you’ve checked out, that retailer will make a donation to the Trust for no extra cost whatsoever!  
Trust membership forms can be picked up from the Clubhouse on match days from Martin Bellamy.  Or we can e-mail one to you.  We are on the verge of launching our new website which will allow you to purchase membership on-line along with any fund-raising we do.  We are currently liaising with the Club as to what projects we can assist them with financially.  There are some projects in the pipeline so look out for details in the near future.  Your membership money will go towards one of these as and when it is decided which one works best for the Club.
Adult Trust Membership £10 - must be over 18
Lifetime Trust Membership £100 – we currently have 32 lifetime Trust members
Junior Trust Membership – FREE! 16 and under
Below is a reminder of THE AIMS OF THE TRUST which were put in place over 20 years ago.  The Trust was formed in 1992 but the only aim back then was to save the Club (a good one obviously).  These now form the basis of the Trust:
• To strengthen the bonds between Kettering Town Football Club and the community and to represent the interests of the community in the running of the Club
• To encourage the Club to take proper account of the interests of its supporters and of the community it serves in its decisions
• To encourage and promote the principle of supporter representation on the Board of the Club and ultimately to be the vehicle for democratic elections to the Board
• To raise money and donate in such a way to promote the aims and objectives of the Trust and to the benefit of the local community and the supporters of the Club
• To benefit present and future members of the community served by the Club by promoting, encouraging and furthering the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus for community involvement
• To maximise the potential, future success and stability of Kettering Town Football Club

Karen Spencer-Lewis
Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust, PO Box 6492, Kettering, NN16 0YT
enquiries@poppiestrust.co.uk
Facebook: Kettering Town 'Poppies' Supporters Trust;
Twitter: @poppiestrust
Trust Board Members:  Karen Spencer-Lewis (Chair), Mark Severn (Treasurer),
Richard Atkinson (Vice Chairman), Bill Pringle, Lewis Horne, Martin Bellamy and Dave Tailby.

AFC Telford Programme Notes October 31st 2023

AFC Telford Programme Notes October 31st 2023

Dear Supporter
Been a while since we had a home fixture what with FA Cup and FA Trophy fixtures taking up our Saturdays recently.  It is always disappointing to go out of the Trophy – a competition we could actually win but have never come anywhere near close (apart from 1979 and 2000 and even then we were second best both times).  The FA Cup this season has been a reasonably successful one and we have managed to sneak back to the top of the all-time FA Cup goal scoring charts.  Of course, that came to an abrupt end recentlyy when we bowed out away to NationaL League leaders, Chesterfield.  We went there more in hope than expectation and so it proved to be.  
Unfortunately, the home game against Mickleover was postponed due to a water-logged pitch – the victim of Storm Babet.  Although, luckily, this area did not suffer anywhere near as much as other parts of the country.
Tonight we face our old foes, AFC Telford, who were relegated from Conference North with us last season.  Neither team have set the Southern Premier League Central alight so far this season although Telford have fared better than us so far.  With the FA Trophy and FAP Cup behind us now, we need to continue to knuckle down and put some points on the board.
Trust membership forms can be picked up from the Clubhouse on match days from Martin Bellamy.  They can also be picked up from the Club Shop.  Or we can e-mail one to you.  We are on the verge of launching our new website which will allow you to purchase membership on-line along with any fund-raising we do.  We are currently liaising with the Club as to what projects we can assist them with financially.  There are some projects in the pipeline so look out for details in the near future.  Your membership money will go towards one of these as and when it is decided which one works best for the Club.
Adult Trust Membership £10 - must be over 18
Lifetime Trust Membership £100 – we currently have 32 lifetime Trust members
Junior Trust Membership – FREE! 16 and under.
The Trust has sponsored a home and away shirt this season as usual – Luca Purse ad Lewis White respectively.  There will be a members draw at the end of the season to win these shirts.
Don’t forget that if you shop on-line you can do so via
 
www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ketteringtownpoppiessupporterstrust and join for free.
Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
After you’ve checked out, that retailer will make a donation to the Trust for no extra cost whatsoever! 
Karen Spencer-Lewis
Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust, PO Box 6492, Kettering, NN16 0YT
enquiries@poppiestrust.co.uk
Facebook: Kettering Town 'Poppies' Supporters Trust;
Twitter: @poppiestrust
Trust Board Members:  Karen Spencer-Lewis (Chair), Mark Severn (Treasurer),
Richard Atkinson (Vice Chairman), Bill Pringle, Lewis Horne, Martin Bellamy and Dave Tailby

Sporting Khalsa Programme Notes September 16th 2023

Sporting Khalsa Programme Notes September 16th 2023 

Dear Supporter

 It is still early in the season and as usual the Trust are looking to recruit members. Scanning through some Trust data from 20 years ago, the Trust used to have 600+ members.

It tailed off during the noughties, that was until we were hauled off to Nene Park. Another crisis and the membership increased again. The Trust membership fluctuates up and down depending on the club’s state.  Whilst we now have around 30 life members, annual membership is once again very, very low. Even with the club in a minor crisis with an ‘owner in absentia’, supporters don’t appear to sense trouble is just around the corner and flocking back to the Trust to join up. Although it must be said the ‘Management Committee’ are doing a good job. 

I guess the message is, the ‘TRUST IS NOT JUST FOR CRISIS’.

It’s probably a good time to re-iterate the :- THE AIMS OF THE TRUST

❖ To strengthen the bonds between Kettering Town Football Club and the community and to represent the interests of the community in the running of the Club.

❖ To encourage the Club to take proper account of the interests of its supporters and of the community it serves in its decisions.

❖ To encourage and promote the principle of supporter representation on the Board of the Club and ultimately to be the vehicle for democratic elections to the Board.

❖ To raise money and donate in such a way to promote the aims and objectives of the Trust and to the benefit of the local community and the supporters of the Club.

❖ To benefit present and future members of the community served by the Club by promoting, encouraging, and furthering the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus for community involvement.

❖ To maximise the potential, future success and stability of Kettering Town Football Club.

Sporting Khalsa September 16th 2023

KETTERING TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB – PART OF OUR COMMUNITY! 

It is incredibly difficult to meet those aims without the backing of the Poppies supporters. To make a difference and contribute to the successful future of our club, we need many more members. So why not join up today, Adult member (18+) £10, Junior member £0, Life member £100. Membership forms can be found in the clubhouse before each home match by the Klondike and Programme sales desk. Or email us on ktfc_trust@hotmail.com we will send you a membership form by return email.

We are also looking for recruits to join the Trust Board, we need new young blood. Today we have just one young board member Lewis Horne, the rest of us have been involved with the Trust for decades.

We hope to have a new Trust website up and running shortly, so watch this space.

The Trust, representing our supports, have written to club owner Ritchie Juene, generally requesting for an update. Where are we with the club’s sale, is there a giant FOR SALE sign somewhere on the ether. Has there been any interested parties. Hopefully, Ritchie will update us shortly and we will pass any information on to our supporters. Although some info may be sensitive.

Needham Market Programme Notes 12th September 2023

Needham Market Programme Notes 12th September 2023

Dear Supporter

Bit late to the party but the Trust just wanted to wish Jon Dunham all the best upon his “retirement” from Northants Telegraph.  I first came across a very very young Jon many years ago when I was out for a midweek tipple in The Prince!  Poppies were playing away and the only way of getting scores back then (yes even Jon is pre social media) were via Ceefax/Teletext.  Jon dashed into the bar where the TV was and saw that the Poppies were losing and looked completely and utterly dejected!  Me and my other half entered into conversation with him as follow Poppies supporters and bemoaned the fact that our team weren’t doing so well!  All the best Jon in whatever it is you go on to do.
We are now into our new membership year so if you want to renew your membership or join for the first time or pay for a relapsed membership then see the details below.   
Adult Trust Membership £10 - must be over 18
Lifetime Trust Membership £100 – we currently have 32 lifetime Trust members
Junior Trust Membership – FREE! 16 and under
If you don’t want to join the Trust you can make a donation.  You can make a donation even if you join!
Forms can be picked up from the Clubhouse on match days or we can e-mail one to you.  Completed forms can then be dropped back to the Clubhouse, posted or e-mailed to us.
Kettering Town Poppies Supporters Trust, PO Box 6492, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0YT
OR BY EMAIL TO:
ktfc_trust@hotmail.com
PAYMENT CAN BE MADE BY CASH, CHEQUE (payable to Poppies Supporters Trust), BANK TRANSFER OR PAYPAL.  PayPal payments should be sent to ktfc_trust@hotmail.com.  BANK TRANSFERS can be made to Poppies Supporters Trust, 30-94-68, 07107391 (please add “membership” as the reference).
Below is a reminder of THE AIMS OF THE TRUST which were put in place over 20 years ago.  The Trust was formed in 1992 but the only aim back then was to save the Club (a good one obviously).  These now form the basis of the Trust:
• To strengthen the bonds between Kettering Town Football Club and the community and to represent the interests of the community in the running of the Club
• To encourage the Club to take proper account of the interests of its supporters and of the community it serves in its decisions

St Ives programme Notes 28th August 2023

St Ives programme Notes 28th August 2023

Dear Supporter

Some leftover news from last season – Trust members voted for their Trust player of the year which went to Gary Stohrer.  Well done Gary – a Kettering stalwart.  We presented him with a bottle of Champagne at the pre-season fans forum but he will get a keepsake trophy for his efforts in due course!
We are now into our new membership year so if you want to renew your membership or join for the first time or pay for a relapsed membership then see the details below.   Money raised from membership usually goes towards a particular project at the Club.  We are in discussion with the Club as to what projects they have in the pipeline.  Also, if we can boost our membership numbers and up our fund-raising efforts the fans may get to have representation/have a say in the running of the Club.  That future needs input from all of us – Ritchie may still be the owner of the Club but he is not putting any more money in and the job ahead is a massive one.  Don’t under-estimate the efforts that have been put in so far by the fans who have stepped in and taken up the reigns.  This is not an easy job and we all need to pull together.  For a lot of fans it will be what happens on the pitch that influences their attendance but we have a good hard core who know the importance of supporting the Club on and off the pitch.  The Events Committee, headed up by Paula Conde, are doing a great job and have had well attended evenings with Sean Dyche, Razor Ruddock and Big Ron.  Gary Graham has events on in the Clubhouse – quizzes, bingo, ladies nights etc.  These events attract non-Poppies supporters as well which is what we need.  The Club has revamped the hospitality lounge – treat yourself to a meal on a matchday up there, bring some friends, celebrate a birthday.  It is a really good afternoon (sometimes backed up with a good game of football, sometimes not!) and is another avenue which brings in much needed funds.
Below are the details on how to join the Trust/fees etc:
Adult Trust Membership £10 - must be over 18
Lifetime Trust Membership £100 – we currently have 32 lifetime Trust members
Junior Trust Membership – FREE! 16 and under
If you don’t want to join the Trust you can make a donation.  You can make a donation even if you join!
Forms can be picked up from the Clubhouse on match days or we can e-mail one to you.  Completed forms can then be dropped back to the Clubhouse, posted or e-mailed to us.
Kettering Town Poppies Supporters Trust, PO Box 6492, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0YT
OR BY EMAIL TO:
ktfc_trust@hotmail.com
PAYMENT CAN BE MADE BY CASH, CHEQUE (payable to Poppies Supporters Trust), BANK TRANSFER OR PAYPAL.  PayPal payments should be sent to ktfc_trust@hotmail.com.  BANK TRANSFERS can be made to Poppies Supporters Trust, 30-94-68, 07107391 (please add “membership” as the reference).
Life on the pitch has been tough in these opening games.  Rhys Sharpe’s tweet/post/x-message after the Barwell game was refreshing.  A player holding his hands up and saying the team’s performance was not good enough was, I am sure, appreciated by Poppies fans.
St Ives come to Latimer Park today – let’s hope we can build on the recent draw at home to Halesowen and that we got something from Redditch last Saturday.
Come on you Reds!
 
Karen Spencer-Lewis
Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust, PO Box 6492, Kettering, NN16 0YT
enquiries@poppiestrust.co.uk
Facebook: Kettering Town 'Poppies' Supporters Trust;
Twitter: @poppiestrust
www.poppiestrust.co.uk
Trust Board Members:  Mark Severn (Treasurer), Richard Atkinson (Vice Chairman), Bill Pringle, Lewis Horne, Martin Bellamy and Dave Tailby

Halesowen Programme Notes 19th August 2023

 

Halesowen Programme Notes 19th August 2023

Dear Supporter

We have been busy over the last couple of months reinvigorating the Trust Board.  We met with the Club’s management committee a 2-3 months ago to discuss the possibility of playing a part in the running of the Club.  To this end the current Trust Board has looked to re-invigorate itself as we have dwindled in Board members in recent years and have just “ticked over”.  If we are to play any part going forward we need to be in a position to be able to justify a place on any management committee both financially and practically.  To this end we have recruited two new Board members – Martin Bellamy and Dave Tailby, both of whom have been on the Board during the last 30 years at some point.  Our Board is now made up of myself, Mark Severn, Richard Atkinson, Bill Pringle and Lewis Horne as well as Martin and Dave.We hope to recruit one or two more members.  If anyone is interested, please contact us.

We are developing a new website so that all our fundraising and membership fees can be purchased/paid for on-line.  We have some fund-raising ideas in the pipeline but can’t really progress them until the new website is up and running.  They include the 300 Club which has always proved popular; FA cup goals raffle which was run 2-3 years ago and we have scored some more since then!

We are also looking to work closely with other groups within the Club to share the load to help raise much needed funds for the Club particularly looking to get our young fans involved.  

The new membership year is underway - fees have been kept at £10 with U16s free.  Membership forms can be picked up from the Clubhouse on match days from Martin Bellamy.  

The first two games of the season didn’t go our way – we could barely buy a goal last season and then scored 4 in those games albeit we let in 6!  These notes were written before the away game to Barwell but let’s hope we got our season up and running with three points.

Today we face Halesowen at Latimer Park.  The last time we played them was at their place when we won this league in 2018.  Sadly, Halesowen were relegated that season but we now both find ourselves back here – promotion for them and relegation for us – to face each other again.

Come on you Reds!

 

Karen Spencer-Lewis

Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust, PO Box 6492, Kettering, NN16 0YT

enquiries@poppiestrust.co.uk

Facebook: Kettering Town 'Poppies' Supporters Trust;

Twitter: @poppiestrust

www.poppiestrust.co.uk

Trust Board Members:  Mark Severn (Treasurer), Richard Atkinson (Vice Chairman), Bill Pringle, Lewis Horne, Martin Bellamy and Dave Tailby

Stourbridge Programme Notes August 12th 2023

STOURBRIDGE PROGRAMME NOTES 12th AUGUST 2023

Dear Supporter

So a quick precis since our last home game against Chester last season back in April – got relegated, Ritchie stepped down from the day to day running of the Club, Lee Glover stepped down as manager, some players stayed with the Poppies, some players departed, Poppies fans came in to takeover the day to day running of the Club (and what a fantastic job they have been doing – don’t underestimate the job they have had to do and continue to do); new manager appointed; new players on board; Doreen retired (all the best); Alan Doyle left the club (all the best) and breathe ……. Just another day (s) in the life of Kettering Town Football Club!  

The news of Ritchie’s departure from the helm of the club led to an outpouring of thanks and positivity from the vast majority of KTFC supporters.  Thanks and appreciation that the Poppies Trust is proud to echo and be associated with.  Simply put, without Ritchie we would not be here now.  It now falls to all of us to pull together to ensure his efforts have not been in vain and the club continues to develop and grow.

The Trust met with the new management committee very early on to discuss the possibility of playing a part in the running of the Club along with others.  To this end the current Trust Board has looked to re-invigorate itself as we have dwindled in Board members in recent years and have just “ticked over”.  If we are to play any part going forward we need to be in a position to be able to justify a place on any management committee both financially and practically.  To this end we have recruited two new Board members – Martin Bellamy and Dave Tailby, both of whom have been on the Board during the last 30 years at some point.  We hope to recruit one or two more members.  If anyone is interested, please contact us.

We are developing a new website so that all our fundraising and membership fees can be purchased/paid for on-line.  We have some fund-raising ideas in the pipeline but can’t really progress them until the new website is up and running.

Membership fees have been agreed at £10 with U16s free.  Again, we will be promoting this in due course.

The one bright moment at the end of April was the Legends Game.  What a great day – the weather held out and it was good to see so many fans turn up to watch players of yesteryear.  The Trust’s banners, charting the Club’s history, were on display in and around the clubhouse.  We had good feedback and fans wondering why they had not seen these before.  We are hoping for them to go on display throughout the season so more people get to see them.

So we face Stourbridge in our first home game of our campaign back in the Southern League Central – is it really 5 years since we won that title?  Ironically, our away game at Stourbridge was probably the turning point for both teams that season – Stourbridge were top of the table and leading 1-0 deep into the game before we came back to win 2-1 to leapfrog them.  We went on to consolidate our position and Stourbridge’s challenge for the title faded away.  Here’s to a bumper crowd and three points today.

Come on you Reds!

 

Karen Spencer-Lewis

Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust, PO Box 6492, Kettering, NN16 0YT

enquiries@poppiestrust.co.uk

Facebook: Kettering Town 'Poppies' Supporters Trust;

Twitter: @poppiestrust

www.poppiestrust.co.uk

Trust Board Members:  Mark Severn (Treasurer), Richard Atkinson (Vice Chairman), Bill Pringle, Lewis Horne, Martin Bellamy and Dave Tailby