A FISH AND CHIP FOOTBALL FEAST

 

To be printed in the National League South game v Eastbourne Borough Saturday 18th January 2025

It finally happened. I could tick off United along with Borough and Town to complete that unlikely Eastbourne accolade of three senior football clubs. And there used to be four (Shinewater Association since you asked). Eastbourne certainty is a bit greedy when it comes to football. And all three are on the up.

Town are not just the oldest in Eastbourne but the oldest in Sussex founded in 1881, with their listed turnstile in the more well-to-do part of town hemmed in by bowls and cricket. United have just had a million pound revamp, and well we all know about Borough. Infact the only person I knew at the Eastbourne Untied game was Andy the friendly Borough steward who seemed to be a minor celebratory and bought me a beer as he told tales of the worst behaved supporters. It certainty isn’t the Rebel Rabble. Both United and Town have an old potted footballing history against Slough when Borough was still just marsh land.

New committee, new owners, new ideas – all organisations need it from time to time or become trapped in a meat raffle mentality or just exhausted by the relentlessness of it all.

Eastbourne United's Oval ground – which apparently had been on its last legs for quite a while – has been totally rebuilt. This includes not just a new 3G pitch but also a huge revamp of the facilities inside and out, including the changing rooms, car parks and bar, entrance and clubhouse areas. They helped sort out drainage and flooding in the nearby park, and have managed to build something quirky and distinctive – they’ve even got sponsored urinals – and the clubhouse is now open to all rather than members only.

Their Chairman Matt Thompson added: “We are part of the Princes Park area that includes the Perch restaurant, Princes mini-golf, sailing and also the Park itself. Our site has been run down for too long – now we are proud of our contribution to the town & Princes Park itself.”

Teams using the new facility include: Eastbourne Rangers, Willingdon Youth , Allstar Soccer, Men Utd (Mental Health Team), Sussex Girls Teams and of course Eastbourne United.

Still its heartening to see some people, rather than celebrating what a great investment this is, have a moan up. And you can always find a Lib Dem councillor to have a moan about a football club. Local councillor Angry Fist-Waver frothed; "There's is anti social behaviour even now with just three teams playing a week. We don't think it is Eastbourne United, we think it is more likely to be the opposing teams.

“They sit on garden walls, they smoke cigarettes and flick them into the gardens. They’ve been peeing in the gardens. They even, on one occasion redistributed the dog poo from one of our dog poo containers. There has been damage to cars and sometimes loud karaoke music coming from the club. This is happening now, so what is going to happen when there are 18 teams using the club, possibly six teams at once, from nine in the morning to nine at night.

“This is going to increase parking, it is going to increase noise, it is going to increase antisocial behaviour, it is definitely going to increase pollution in terms of traffic, plastic and light pollution.”

Well quite, infact the best way to curb anti social behaviour is by having everyone locked up in their houses 24-7 rather than new community facilities where they can meet their neighbours; and anyone whose gone to County League football knows that baying hoards of away fans are always an er, problem...

Once person whose no doubt very happy is Daniel Ford who spent last season gorging himself on Eastbourne football – and I mean seriously, one-more-wafer-thin-mint gorging, with a book that's fit to burst. ‘Fish, Chips and football – a season by the seaside’ details all 103 games he went too, from park football to National League South, with an easy style full of football history and quirks. Infact I got my copy from a quirky sports memorabilia shop in Eastbourne.

As for the game, well after listening to two old blokes at the bar having the obligatory moan that Christmas goes on too long, and there’s nothing on TV (unlike when they were growing up and there was two channels).

I pop out in the cold to see a decent festive crowd of 446 snaking around the block before kick off, throwing dog poo bags around and sticking cigarette butts through peoples letterboxes. Or just standing politely in a queue. United's managers programme notes bemoans his lot ‘Work, injury, suspension, weddings, cats birthday, there’s always a forest to navigate through to try and get your best 16.” He seems to have managed it today.

I’m sure Newhaven had high hopes this season after losing in the play off final to Eastbourne Town. But a 4-1 defeat here saw their joint managers resign after 10 years and 500 games where they have transformed Newhaven into a Sussex County League (Southern Combination now) force. And it was good to hear people shout ‘come on United’ – especially as Manchester supporters think they own the copyright on that.

So if you want to feast on fish and chips and football while taking a stroll down the prom you know where to head.

TRUST IN OUR CLUB

 

Printed in the Boxing Day National League South game v Chesham United.  1-1 draw in front of 1,185 with one of the best long range goals you will ever see 

After all the excitement of the Christmas raffle I decided to interview two of the more familiar faces of the Supporters Trust. The Two Ronnies. Morecambe and Wise. Bill and Ben. The Chuckle Brothers.

Dean Beckett and Richard Kendall have been called all these and a lot more that aren’t printable, but have helped bring fresh ideas and fun into the Supporters Trust – acting as a link from supporters to the club. Unfortunately Dean was too busy having a massage and folding raffle tickets to answer my questions but Richard took time out from his busy retirement schedule and rang me from the Maldives to show me the scenery. I was just passing Hayes and Harlington on the train and both places looked very similar, so not sure why he didn’t save his money when he could have enjoyed a B&B by the Grand Union Canal.

What does the trust do for the club – why should people join?

Richard; “The Supporters Trust has been, and continues to be, a support to the football club and the wider community, both financially through our fundraising, and volunteering. Our membership package offers a range of benefits, including several agreed with the football club. Membership revenues are a key part of what we are able to donate to the football club.

“A lot more supporters come directly to us for any enquiries and we are pleased to assist. It’s a really good friendly group and everyone is welcome. One of our best and ongoing achievement is to offer coaches to away games. This is cost effective to supporters, appreciated by the club and players and ensures anyone who needs transport can attend. Our next plan is to run coaches to every single game, so in future we want to include mini bus travel to the Tuesday nighters where for some of these games the uptake can be challenging.”

What's your relationships like with the owners? Do you meet regularly? Do they listen to your ideas? Concerns?

“Our relationship with the club is excellent with agreed lines of communication to avoid ‘everyone talking to everyone’. Since day one, the new owners have been very appreciative of our efforts and have embraced our ideas, thoughts and initiatives for supporters. We were able to discuss a recent concern over seats and that will be a benefit for future planning. It’s important to note that the owners are not ‘hands off’ and work tirelessly behind the scenes. We considered regular meetings but found it quicker to talk to each other and discuss items as needed which works fine for us all.”

Since you two got more involved the Trust seems more fun! Has a much bigger social media presence, fully coaches etc. The Facebook page especially is busy and a laugh. Is that on purpose ?

“We purposely set out to make our Facebook page one for the supporters, giving information, and all round being more of a fun place. Anyone approved can post and we have a good number who regularly start posts and hundreds who comment all the time, or on the odd occasion. It’s a really good page, we have good and appropriate banter, and Scott often responds to posts. Of course it’s fun with Dean and myself having such a great sense of humour, well we think we do.”

Where do you see Slough Town in 5 years

“In 5 years time. I’d like to see our management team move the club forward. No doubt they will have exciting plans once sustainability is in place. Some ground improvements for our supporters experience would be excellent. We know some would love promotion, why not it’s something to aspire to. However, some still want Slough to do well, but not be promoted due fears of running costs for the club, full time or hybrid part time, distances, time and cost for supporters to travel etc. For me, like many, I crave success for Slough. Firstly, avoiding relegation is a success. I’d like a promotion, I’d like the 3rd round of the F A Cup, and I’d like Wembley, not being too greedy.

I feel the Trust could also explore ways for our supporters to become a part of the club through investment, yes I did just say that.”

Cheers Richard and hope you enjoyed your massage Dean.

So how important is the Trust for the football club? I asked CEO Ashley Smith

“ Financial stability and support

Supporters’ trusts can bring significant benefits to clubs, particularly at the non-league level helping to supplement the club’s budget and allow funding towards new projects.

Advocacy and Representation

Voice for Fans: The trust ensures that fans’ interests are represented in club decision-making.

Volunteer Support

Access to Volunteers: Supporters involved in the trust are more likely to volunteer their time and expertise, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.

Enhanced Club Culture

The supporters’ trust fosters a culture of inclusivity and

pride, aligning the club’s values with those of its supporters.

Preserving Heritage

Trust involvement ensures that the club’s history and traditions

are respected and preserved.

For Slough Town FC, which has a rich fanbase, the backing of a supporters’ trust can help cement its position as a central hub for local football and ensure its growth and sustainability for future generations.”

So don’t delay, join today

Membership forms are available from the Trust stall situated by the programmes or go to http://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com 

And why not join the 500 Club. Cash prizes every month for as little as £5 a month

THE WHEATSHEAF PUB

The club has more partners than a gigolo but across the town pubs and clubs are starting to throw their support behind the Rebels.

To be fair the Wheatsheaf has always been the unofficial Slough Town pub, taking coaches in the past to big away games. It’s been a leading music venue and a hub of activity that has recently sprung back to life with Ollie and Lianne taking over. Trust members get 10% discount on pints on matchdays and they’ve started serving up free food for people going to the game. A shuttle bus to home matches is planned for the future.

THAT EXTRA ONE PER CENT

 

Printed in the National League South game v Salisbury 14th December 2024 We drew 1-1 in front of 661 people. 

Photo by Scott McNeish

Before Sir Dave Brailsford became head of British Cycling the team had only ever won a single gold medal in its 76 year history. But under his leadership that all changed, with British Cycling dominating the 2008 Olympics winning an incredible 60% of the gold medals. They repeated this success at the 2012 Olympics. Brailsford then went on to manage Sir Bradley Wiggins who became the first ever British winner of the Tour de France following this up with Chris Froome's success.

So what the hell did he do? It was all about the “extra one per cent rule”—or rather, what Brailsford refers to as “marginal gains” in action.

Sir Dave believed that the road to success was through small—not giant—strides, having become influenced by the concept of “Kaizen”— a Japanese word meaning ‘continuous improvement.’

His team examined and improved upon everything from aerodynamics to mechanics in the truck they travelled in. He ensured that each team member made positive adjustments to their diet, sleep habits, and overall health. There was one catch: Every team member had to be committed, or the marginal gains approach would not work.

I was thinking about this story the day after the SL Classico victory and remembering a flustered Spreadsheet Stu. He burst into the bar telling us that our manager and kitman had dragged him into the dressing room to give a team talk to the players about just how important the game meant to the supporters. It was a genius move and gave the extra per cent that can make the difference.

Stu himself had been promoting the Wheatsheaf pub on the Slough Town socials. The Wheatsheaf opened early and by 12.30 was rammed, no doubt helped in part with a free bacon sarnie for anyone going to the game. If ever there was evidence of how new owners can inject new life into a place, here it was.

I lived with my dad in Alpha Street for quite a few years. Well, he mainly lived in the Alpha Arms. It was a lively, vibrant place (the area, not so much the postage stamp Alpha). We got together with neighbours and set up a residents group that focused on positive change rather than wasting our time moaning. In one fun rubbish run we picked up all the discarded McDonalds wrappers after they told us it was unhygienic to have proper plates and cutlery; oh and in any case people always put their rubbish in the bin. Oh yeah so how comes we’ve just collected bin bags full from the neighbouring streets. How they thanked us when we returned it all to them.

As I stared out the window enjoying my obligatory pre match breakfast curry I couldn’t help but think that some serious positive action was needed right now. The streets were a complete tip, despite the fact that wheelie bins were everywhere. On this showing, it’s not surprising that Slough had just been voted worst place to live in the country.

But scratch beneath the surface and there’s civic pride because people want to make the places they live better.

The annual #OneSlough Awards returned in November, attracting a record 134 nominations. Organised by the charity Slough Council for Voluntary Services the awards recognise the commitment of volunteers, charities, and supportive businesses.

Here’s just 3 examples

Slough West Indian Peoples Enterprise or SWIPE have been making a difference since 1997. Committed to helping those at risk of exclusion, particularly young people, develop their potential through music, arts, sport or community service, fostering unity among different races and faiths, promoting a shared sense of belonging and community cohesion.

Slough Art for All Adults is a community project aimed at adults who take part in arts and crafts activities at the accessible St

Mary’s Church and at Slough Town FC

Slough Hub has four programmes #DRIVE is the employability and skills development #ARTSCAPE an ambitious initiative that seeks to make Slough a beautiful, vibrant town that becomes a talking point for its unique attractions. #BOOST promotes physical and mental health #IGNITE focuses on the economic development of the area including helping people to start small businesses and create an environment where businesses and people can thrive.

Where does our football club sit amongst this?

Slough Town FC partnered with Slough Hub during the summer to host the extremely successful Slough Olympica which saw over 1600 residents attend and over 30 different sports organisations showcasing their activities.

On the pitch the best of Slough was also in evidence at Arbour Park come 5pm as Rebel supporters where left with smiles on their faces as wide as a giant MarsBar. Not even Storm WhatitsFace could spoil the day.

As we celebrated the win, the players serenaded us with their version of Twist and Shout. As one supporter put it so well ‘I was right in front of this celebration and it was awesome! They really include the fans after every game.’ Getting everyone involved, feeling part of Team Slough Town, squeezing that extra 1% out of all of us.

Ashley Smith CEO of the club told me “Slough Town FC is more than just a football team; it is a pillar of the local community, fostering pride, unity, and opportunity. Its contributions to social cohesion, youth engagement, and economic activity make it a vital part of Slough’s cultural and social fabric. As a club with a long history, Slough Town FC connects the present-day community with its past, creating a shared narrative that many residents take pride in. The club acts as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to support a common cause. This is particularly meaningful in a town as

culturally diverse as Slough. By actively engaging with Slough Town FC, the community not only supports a local institution but also builds a thriving, interconnected, and vibrant town.”

The human soul can’t survive on a diet of takeaways, Netflix and social media. People need to belong and our club are right in the mix trying to make a change.

But things will only change when people step up. Maybe I will bring a litterpick next time I’m in town and try and clear at least 1% of the rubbish on the way to the pub. I might be some time.

And if you think all this is hot air and impossible; well just ask the British Cycling Team.

SL CLASSICO WITH CHRISTMAS BELLS ON

Printed in the FA Trophy 3rd round game v Maidenhead United Saturday 7th December 2024  We won 2-1 in front of 1,770 

Football is all about hope, oh and having fun. As I tuned into Talk Sport to listen to the Trophy draw, like all Slough fans I was hoping for Maidenhead. Bingo! After 23 years – give or take some Berks and Bucks Cup – we get them at home. The SL Classico is finally back.

Now, I’ve got a confession to make. After nearly 50 years of watching the Rebels I’ve never seen us play Maidenhead in a competitive fixture – not even a Berks and Bucks one. Sure I’ve popped over to their ground occasionally to watch them but never the Rebels v the Magpies. This isn’t all together surprising as we’ve passed like ships in the night.

When I was growing up it was Wycombe that were our biggest rivals and games to relish. The most memorable was that almighty ding-dong in March 1993 when we were challenging for the Conference title as it was known then. My local pub the Wheatsheaf was full of Slough supporters up for travelling to the big games – with unofficial coach trips to Colchester, Reading and Wycombe. The problem was getting people to leave the bloody pub and so inevitably we always arrived late. Usually that wasn’t a problem, but at Wycombe the ground was full to bursting, so a few of us more determined ones jumped over the fence while the less nimble watched from the hill side. The official attendance was 7,230 but unofficially it was a lot more and was the record Conference crowd for many years. Wycombe eventually became an established league club while we became a homeless basket case.

As we plummeted down the leagues only Windsor had any semblance of a proper derby; no disrespect to Burnham or Beaconsfield but these matches just didn’t do it for me. And we always seem to lose to them – Beaconsfield helped in part by our money as we swapped our Windsor tenancy for their place. It was soul destroying If I’m honest.

So am I showing a lack of ambition saying I'm not bothered about being in the Grand National League? For starters it’s brutal and has got to be up there with the Premier League as the biggest jump up for promoted teams...just look at last seasons successful teams and see how they are struggling. And if Bromley and Woking's away day hospitality is anything to go by then thanks but no. I like swapping ends, chatting to opposition supporters and having a beer on the terraces. There does need to be three up to the Football League as its created a bottleneck for successful clubs and maybe a Midlands National League but I’m not sure how that would work logistically.

Maidenhead hit the jackpot by having a sell on clause for one of their ex players and they looked like they were getting a new ground before a change of council changed the goalposts. York Road might be one for the historical romantics but it seriously has its limitations. I’d love to know how much some clubs are spending just to keep their heads above water in the National League. If it were up to me I would get clubs to publicise warts and all their monthly accounts to give supporters a better idea of just what it costs running a football club. I’d also do this with council accounts, especially highlighting how the majority is spent on social care now with nothing left for places people can meet like youth clubs, libraries and community centres.

Ambition can also be about what’s happening behind the scenes not just on the pitch, and how a club like Slough – where the council is one step beyond bankrupt – can be the social glue that binds a place together. We’ve already seen this turbo charged since the signing of the lease for Arbour Park.

What we’ve also got to remember is what we see of any organisation is just the tip of the iceberg – the majority of hard work hidden under the waves. Yes we can see the tangible stuff like the new bar, the smart link up with the local boxer, the fancy food trucks and we’ve got more partners than a gigolo! But I know from being involved in community groups; the meetings, phone calls, earache, worries about finance, policies and procedures…..its relentless and when you get it wrong, boy do people let you know.

It’s games like these that will drive attendances, let people know that Slough the Town has a football team where you can have a laugh, meet new friends, maybe even get to bang a bin or shake a tambourine. Get it right today, on and off the pitch and we will pick up a few more supporters, a bit of prize money and some bragging rights. Where down to the last 64. Not a time to dream about Wembley just yet. But that wont stop us hoping – and having a laugh while we pray to the footballing gods that we put one over our near neighbours.

TERRY REARDON – A SLOUGH TOWN LEGEND

Printed in the National League South game v Welling United Saturday 23rd November 2024  We lost 3-2 in front of 805 

Today is all about remembering a true Slough Town legend, Terry Reardon.

Terry was a midfielder who holds the record for the most number of appearances of any player in a Slough Town shirt – an incredible 475 games.

Beginning with two goals in a 7-1 demolition of Erith in August 1964 in the Athenian League at the Dolphin. Ending in April 1981 with a defeat to Hendon at Wexham Park in the Isthmian Premier Division, as the club edged towards a title-winning season. He scored 90 goals, amongst them were some vital strikes, including two from the penalty spot against Alvechurch at the Dolphin in a tough replay in the Amateur Cup in 1970 in front of a gate of 3,768. In 1973, the clincher as Slough beat Blyth Spartans 2-1 in front of 3,500. He also represented Slough in the 1973 Amateur Cup final defeat to Walton & Hersham at Wembley in front of a 41,000 crowd.

After retiring as a player, Terry returned to Slough in the capacity of manager and set about creating a good side consisting of local players. He famously masterminded the FA Cup defeat of Millwall in the 1982/83 season with Gary Attrell scoring the winner.

GARY ATTRELL

Local lad Gary played for Slough 66 times netting 21 goals – he also played for the supporters club and still comes to home games. His most memorable one was coming on as a twenty year old and scoring the goal that knocked Millwall out of the FACup – the first time Slough had ever beaten a league club.

“I was playing for Britwell Hawks when the club got a message saying that Terry Reardon would like me to come to training at Slough Town. When i got there I was surprised to be greeted by Rod Haider and find that the all time England amateur international caps record holder was the Slough reserves manager. After playing well and scoring goals for the reserves Terry gave me my debut in November 1981, coming on as substitute for the injured Keith White in a 1-0 home defeat by Dulwich.

Terry was a great tactician and taught me a lot on the training pitch that helped improve my game and i will always be grateful to him for all of that. RIP Terry.”

KEITH ‘CHALKY’  WHITE

‘Chalky’ only ever played for Burnham then Slough making 466 appearances and scoring 87 goals. He was also in that Millwall victory side.

“All I can say about Terry is that he was the best player to ever play for Slough and a good manager. I played with Terry at Slough in midfield and he was on my back if I made mistakes. He wasn't easy to play with and was always shouting at players to knock the simple ball. Terry got a good local team together and some of them could have gone higher...He loved a drink or two after every game and enjoyed chatting to people..Terry was the best and hopefully will be remembered by all Slough Town supporters. RIP mate.”

MICK CARTER has been supporting Slough since September 1962 going to the Dolphin with his dad.

“My first memory of seeing Terry play was as an 8 year old at the Dolphin, his all action, end to end game quickly made him my new Rebels favourite, Terry had remarkable stamina and was non stop, scoring at one end then clearing at the other.

Luckily for me my dad knew Bob Gibbs (Slough player then manager) quite well and a few of the local lads in the team which was my pass into getting my programmes signed as they sat having an after match ciggie as they did in those days. Terry became my first football hero and I was known for always saying I'll be Terry Reardon in playground footy games; sadly i didn't have his talent.

I think the biggest compliment I can pay to Terry is that on first sight of Bryan Robson in a Man United game i said to my mate that used to travel up from Slough with me ‘We've got a really good one here he reminds me a lot of Terry Reardon.’ Now I mean in playing style because we didn't know at that stage that Bryan's love of a pint or three would become almost as legendary as Terry's, but his singing wasn't a patch on Tel's

In conclusion there is no doubt in my mind that Terry is the best I've ever seen in a Rebels shirt and he's right up there as one of our best managers also. For the younger Rebels that were not privileged to see him in action I hope that will give you an idea of just how good he was.

Thanks for the memories, RIP Terry.”

SIGNING ERIC YOUNG

Terry sets off for Staines Towns ground to meet their chairman to discuss the signing of Eric Young for Slough. Taking son Miles along who sat in the car while Terry went in to negotiate a deal with a signed, blank cheque from Gordon Greig (Sloughs chairman at the time) with permission to go up to two grand. So Terry says we'd like to sign Eric Young, how much do you want for him ? The reply was oh you can have him but Terry insists we must give you something for him. Their chairman says ‘Well he's run up quite a bit in fines, £25 to be exact and if you're willing to pay that off we will be happy with that!’ Terry snatches their hand off at that and sticks £25 on the table, then they speak to Eric who agrees to sign providing he gets a new pair of boots and he says I always have Puma Kings. Terry agrees to that but later finds out that Eric wears a size 16 that has to be made to order and cost more than his transfer fee! 

Despite Terry saving the club up to two grand Gordon wouldn't pay for them so I think Terry must have. So back to Miles sitting in the car , this wasn't the only time during Terry's managerial time at Slough that Miles was left hanging around as he was once left behind by the players coach at Tooting's old Sandy Lane ground. In Miles own words "Well I was dicking around playing football on that big terrace they had there" in fairness they eventually realised Miles wasn't on board and returned for him half an hour later!

PAY CUTS AFTER THE MILLWALL GAME

Terry is told that the budget is very tight and is instructed to ask the players to take a £5 a week pay cut, so he goes around each player asking them; a couple wouldn't have it but more on that later. He gets to Peter Skerrit who says - How can i take a £5 pay cut boss when I'm playing for nothing? Terry wasn't aware of that but very funny nonetheless ! Back to the players that said no i believe that could be the reason why Kevin Mitchell suddenly replaced Big Frank in goal and played against Bishop Stortford in the round after Millwall.

AWAY DAY TO SCARBOROUGH

So with the coach approaching the outskirts of Scarborough Terry tells the coach to pull up and tells the players they are going to stretch their legs out; well they did that and more after finding that Terry had underestimated the distance to the ground, something i find hard to understand because having worked with Terry I know he was a very good Estimator? However they finally arrived at the ground about 20 minutes before kick off, no warm up necessary.

STEVE NORMAN had a number of spells playing for Slough establishing himself as a first team regular. Was captain of the Slough Youth side which won the Isthmian Youth Cup in 1979.

“So many things spring to mind, from my time of both playing with Terry at 18 years old, and then playing for him as a manager. I can still see him at Wexham Park in the bar with a pint and a fag after the game.

As a player he was as competitive as they come, never suffered fools, and expected high standards all around. As a manager he gave so many local lads a chance (something pretty unique these days).

But overwhelmingly Terry's simple approach to the game, his fantastic dedication to STFC along with his coaching will always be remembered. One story I can remember is when we played away to Walthamstow on a Tuesday night. I had to drive there and travelled with Frank Parsons. The team coach got delayed but the supporters coach arrived with Terry's wife Julie on board. In the days before mobile phones the teamsheets had to be handed to the ref 30 minutes before kick-off. Without hesitation Julie picked the team and handed it to the referee, The coach arrived 15 minutes before kick off and we went out and won. That shows what a football family they really are. Have a great day Saturday, Terry deserves it, a true one of our own.”

So today is a day to say thank you for everything Terry Reardon achieved for his home town club. He Served Slough Town with Honour.

With massive thanks to Mick Carter for pulling all these stories together.

A GARDEN OASIS AMONGST THE MADNESS

 

Printed in the FA Trophy 2nd round match v Chatham Town Saturday 16th November 2024  We won 4-2 on penalties after a last minute equaliser to make it 1-1 in front of 547

Why do we fall for snake oil salesmen over and over again?

Why do we vote for politicians who spout meaningless slogans and snappy soundbites MAKE CHEESE GRATE AGAIN That spend all their time pointing their finger and shouting that if we just rid of those people over there, then we will all be bathing in milk and honey (the people pointing the fingers are always, already bathing in plenty of milk and honey).

I was pondering all this and the fact that I can’t do much about it last week, and that all we can really change is the immediate places around us.

I also maybe stupidly think the impossible is possible. Our community pub is an example of something that shouldn’t really exist and another is our community garden set up years ago by a group of friends.

This year its the 30th anniversary of Moulsecoomb Forest Garden, our little garden oasis which has grown from a half abandoned allotment site into a wildlife haven that supports adults with learning disabilities and children struggling in mainstream education. As well as home for wildlife who have taken up residence but ungratefully scoff half the food we grow and badgers that have even learnt how to build bridges while digging the place up looking for worms.

Being good neighbours we have also helped transform the surrounding area. We’ve breathed new life into the neglected woods, came up with a management plan for the old farmers field behind the woods; the train station has got a bee and butterfly bank and we regularly do rubbish sweeps and collect all the leaves which we turn into compost. Because if a place looks loved and looked after it’s less likely to be trashed.

We are part of the team that has helped transform Moulsecoomb Primary schools grounds where we’ve planted hundreds of trees; there's an orchard, wildlife ponds, chickens, veg gardens and replica pre historical houses, ….a place for children to thrive and learn and play at a school where 65% get free school dinners. In the most recent OFSTED report inspectors said “Gardening activities boost pupils’ mental health and well-being, giving pupils opportunities to proudly develop their impressive school grounds further.”

For many of the pupils we work with, the only qualifications they will get will be from us. Being around for so long, we have built up relationships with families that go back years and means we can contact those families that often don’t fill in the forms, make sure their children don’t miss out, and step in when there are crises.

As one head told us “Since working at Moulescoomb Gardens, H has shown a complete change in both his maturity and the way he responds to both adults and students. The mentoring and 1-1 support provided has not only improved his confidence, but also his skillset. Without this programme, this student would be excluded from education"

While the idea of the garden is to grow food for many of the adults with disabilities that come along its much more than just that.

‘Coming here is therapeutic. If I didn’t come here, I would feel more alone.’

‘I like coming here for the friendship and banter. If I didn’t come here, I would be laying about and my health would suffer. Being out in the fresh air is makes me feel good.’

‘I have been coming 20 years I really like the people. I like being out in the community even though there’s not a lot I can do because of my disability.’

That’s not to say our little haven isn’t immune from the outside world. Money is always tight and we can’t help but notice less bees, butterfly's and insects. And I can’t remember the last time I saw a hedgehog. Mind you, we have got plenty of badgers. And slugs. You’re welcome to them. As the climate has warmed up there’s now a lack of frosts that would kill of the bugs, and the never ending rain that fills up our water tanks but soaks the soul as well as our socks.

We need more politicians who help us make the impossible possible. And we all need green spaces to keep us sane. I'm counting our 3G pitch and the dulcet tones of the One Slough Beyond Orchestra as a place to come together, forget your sorrows and create somewhere better. It’s much more fun than always pointing that finger of blame.

Take a peek at what we do https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eingys9NJeM&t=7s

APOCALYPSE SLOUGH

Printed in the National League South game v Dorking Wanderers programme Tuesday 12th November 2024  We won 3-2 in front of 1047

At last Saturdays game Alan ‘specialist subject Slough Town’ Smith presented me with the first ever programme at Wexham Park. On the Supporters Trust Facebook page Gary Attrell put “Can't believe it's 50 years ago today November 2nd 1974 that I went with my Dad to watch Slough Towns first ever game at their new Stadium 'Wexham Park'. Slough played Sutton United in a FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round match winning 1-0. I remember being a very happy 12 year old.” Gary then went onto make some Slough Town FA Cup history himself, didn’t he Millwall?

My first ever match at Wexham Park was a few years later at the age of 11 when my dad took me and my brother to see Slough Schoolboys Under 15’s play Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup Final. Somehow eight thousand people squeezed into Wexham Park – which unsurprisingly remained a record.

I started going too games the following season and while the matches remain foggy I do remember a lot of queuing at half time at the sweetshop Leigh Hunters nan ran. I got the bug (and tooth decay) and the next season I persuaded my parents to get me a season ticket for Christmas in August for just £12. I used to cycle up Northern Road to ‘help’ with clearing up and improving Wexham Park on Sundays, and at some point me and my mate Wise managed to convince our parents that we should go to an away game. So Carshalton in the FA Cup it was. I can’t remember the score, just being excited sitting in the sun on the grass banks – although the late, great Chris Sliski told me in later years my dad had warned him that he better look after us!

I used to love the away games more – and still do. Being one of the first to be picked up by the coach outside the long gone George Pub on the Farnham Road I would stare out the window and wonder why everyone wasn’t going to football – and still do!

This was also the era of Terry Reardon being manager. The whole Reardon extended family used to go to games, and I had a crush on his daughter. A girl who liked football and whose dad was manager, was almost too perfect. The only flaw in the plan was she didn’t feel the same way about me!

When I started playing football for Crusaders – playing in the very loose sense of the word - we trained at St Joseph's School, and afterwards would go en mass to Wexham Park. We were coached by two Slough players, Brian McDermot and Joe Maloney. McDermot ended up with a spell at Arsenal and managing Slough. I certainly can’t remember many of those matches either, as the gossip and the mass football on the training pitches usually took precedent.

When we reached the dizzy heights of the Conference, we started to produce a football fanzine ‘Rebels without a Clue’ which let’s just say, pushed the envelope. Eventually the club banned it from sale inside the ground after we printed a letter that was rather abusive to our local Conservative MP. This sparked a mass debate in the local papers and was even picked up by a few national papers.

Then it all started to unravel. We were kicked out the Conference for financial reasons, lost Wexham Park and became homeless for 15 years.

Ironically despite all that history, I never had that much love for the ground but understand when you build memories with a place you start to cherish and miss it. It certainly had more character than most new grounds. I mean where else would you get a tea bar bang next to mens urinals. Never did trust the tea being served from there.

I like to get to ‘home’ games early and took a stroll down the High Street on that 50th anniversary to jog some memories. But blimey. The bus garage still charred, the old College just piles of rocks, the Queensmere half shut and most of the major brands gone. Destination shopping location it ain’t. As someone who feels that without places for people to meet, we are doomed, there’s still cafes left at the bottom half (but oh I miss the most misnamed cafe ever The Classy Touch) but it’s a pub apocalypse. How and why has the Rose & Crown been left to fester? How do you even get into the Alpha with all those bins piled up outside? The Rising Sun is now just a buddleja farm while so many others are closed and unrecognisable. Even by the unofficial home and new lease of life Wheatsheaf was an abandoned car and piles of rubbish.

So what’s the solution to the state of the place?

The answer is staring us in the face. Slough Town couldn’t continue to punch above its weight if its wasn’t for so many people pulling together to support their club. To put in the volunteer hours to a place where they feel at home and where memories and good times are being made.

As for Slough – the town. Well the council is one step beyond bankrupt but its not just about more street cleaners but about people having pride in a place that can turn things around. Living in Alpha Street with my dad 40 years ago (well he lived more in the Alpha Arms) a few of us set up a residents group Herschel Village which represented the back of the high street. We made a rule that instead of continually moaning about dog poo and parked cars we would come up with a positive action at every meeting. We did everything from litterpicks and road safety. We helped the Herschel Park regeneration, we got a group of derelict houses converted into housing association flats. And a whole lot more. But probably most importantly we met our neighbours. We worked together and had a laugh.

We can shout at politicians and we can moan about the council. We can get hard working councillors on board, but in the end its about people coming together to make a difference that does it. And so ends my manifesto for a tidier Slough the Town and a life lived less miserably.