Help the Hatters Update 64

It was with great sadness that we told you in November 2014  that Pauline Coddington had died.

Pauline was a talented Textile Artist specialising in hand carded felted goods and fibre art, and as a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, taught Felt Making very successfully, and had edited her own blog under her username `Hawkgreenfelts’ and was also a long time valued contributor to this Blog on which she penned many a fine article on a variety of subjects.

For some years Pauline was a much respected part of the Help the Hatters family, supporting the group both financially and via the various Working Parties which she joined in with, and she has been sadly missed by the Help the Hatters family.

Pauline is 7th from the left at the back on this WP pic.

In this somewhat skewed world that we live in, we are used to the dross and hard knocks of every day life, and when…..out of something awful…….a kind gesture emerges to herald a small shaft of unexpected sunlight, we are all the more pleased. I nearly said `surprised’ ….but the particular shaft of unexpected sunlight I refer to comes in the shape of a letter from the Executors of Pauline`s will which advises us that she has left a sum of £5000 to Help the Hatters  amongst her bequests- a typically altruistic final gesture!

We are gobsmacked and not a little grateful and honoured to have been thought of in this way, and we will follow Pauline`s wishes to the letter in using the money.

Pauline’s wishes were specific…..namely that Help the Hatters should spend the money on ` core Help the Hatters activities, ie the Maintenance of Edgeley Park for the fans, the  bringing in of players ( especially young players) to help the team and support the Management Team'- we are most happy to do so!

I make absolutely no apologies for including again one of Pauline`s items from the blog- `I Have a Dream ' from September 2013. 

The return of Halley's comet we may see in years to come.
The return of the Falklands seems a bit far-fetched to some.
The return of Lord Lucan would cause quite a mild furore,
but the return of Edgeley Park would make all three seem a bore.

Luther King dreamt of freedom for a world of black and white.
Dorothy dreamt of the Land of Oz and a wizard she must fight.
Dave Whelan dreamt of the F.A. Cup and Wigan's fight for glory.
My dream would see all County fans write their own unlikely story.

Every terraced stand and turnstile, every brick of white or blue,
every flag and every goal post, every spotlight, every loo,
every blade of rich green grass, every table, every chair,
would be owned by the fans who had each acquired a share.

So let's kick start the dream today, this challenge we must face,
The Supporters' Coop will draft the means to fight an honest case.
Mr Kennedy, if you read this poem, please soften to my plea.
Roll back the years of heartbreak and just hand us back the key!!

Pauline Coddington (A Footballer's guide to Feltmaking)

News next  regarding the Edgeley Park Working Party`s which are progressing nicely, and attracting growing numbers of County Supporters determined to preserve the fabric of their beloved stadium.

Last Thursday , albeit with the added attraction of a couple of well publicised cakes, we had 28 doing the biz for us.

Not a record , but the best turnout this pre-season, and lots was done...... predominantly, but not exclusively, on the Pop Side  where the aisles got some!

On Monday of this week.....


There were no cakes, but still I counted 30 willing County supporters sparing time and energy to help the Club out....

 The team spread out , a decent number, including some welcome new faces....

....got stuck into the lower tiers of the Cheadle End.

The Pop Side got the treatment as well whilst  Alan finished the railings around the home and away dugouts....

Add a touch of Jackson Pollock at the Railway End entrance from yours truly, some light refreshment provided by Jules and Nats who again doubled up working outside and sorting our nourishment, and another brilliant session had concluded.....

So.... ...onwards ...as I say, and the Edgeley Park  WP`s will continue on Monday`s and Thursday until Thursday 16 July 2015, when Help the Hatters will stage a barbecue at the Bungalow to thank all who have helped out . More details closer to the date.

 

To be repeated 16 July ,but at the Bung !

During the season supporters will notice that Help the Hatters will be trying to persuade fans to sign up , through Help the Hatters, to the Lottery, which we are proud sponsors of this season.

The Gold Bond Lottery benefits the Club enormously, and by committing to a regular payment of a quid a week ( £ 4.33 per calendar month) via ourselves supporters will earn Help the Hatters a significant commission. This sort of income is vital in ensuring we can keep doing the stuff we do, so please consider committing to the Lottery.

Just to give you a flavour of what you are missing by not joining, here`s a pic of my latest massive stroke of good fortune.

Me today.....you tomorrow?

Oh.....and you businesses out their, please note that there is a half page A5 available for your advert in the Results Booklet which goes out in hard copy and on line to the great British public, at a one off cost of  £50 for the season.
Please contact Mike Hopper via    hopsky@aol.com  if you are interested.

Another vital source of income comes from the Car Boot Sales at the Booth Street Car Park  and the next one is on Sunday 12 July.

If you can help out on the day please let Angela know on 07867856394

Finally...members of the Supporters Cooperative should be aware that a Members Meeting is to take place this coming Saturday 4 July at 1.30pm in the Bungalow.Please try to attend if you can.

Ian Brown