I heard a story that ashes from ICI were underneath the playing surface at the Central Ground which makes sense as it was a great pitch and I can never remember a game being called off!!
That’s true Paul ! The pitch did begin to break up a bit before we moved but had lasted some 60 years with the ashes base.
Did other football grounds use the same or a similar base in the old days? I have never heard of this other than at the Central Ground! Sounds like it was a stroke of genius.
I remember the corrugated sheeting along the popular side terrace, or the “granddads stand” as me and my mates used to call it. Made hell of a noise when the rain/hail was beating down but it certainly did the job!!
The Drill Field could not have an ash base - it ruined the taste of the rice !
Can I order 2 copies please WHS and the big hat must feature. Many thanks.
Some more names for you Al !
Sid Marshall was president for years - sure he his relation to Greg - if he still goes he maybe could give dates ?
Dave " Golden Goal " Nield’s family go way - his grandfather was Treasurer I think !
Who could forget " Nonk " ( Alan Foster ? ) ball retriever from the waste land the other side of the Popside where Matalan is now. Fight with away fans and home as well sometimes.
CHAD - started the " Choir " in the 60’s and has been a font of all knowledge ever since !
Big Hat?
WHS.
I am doing my utmost to give you all a book worth owning but if I put in everything it will weigh a ton! I now have orders for getting on for fifty copies, if I get a few more I will up the order to 75 but remember once they are gone they are gone as it will cost too much for re-orders. I am keen to receive by attachments on email any information about the Development Squad or the Ladies and the Junior sections so please send them to me at allen.lowe@sky.com
The book will be about as long as “Sons of Albion” but as it has smaller pictures it will have a lot more information.
Finally, I do not have to place the order until May so get your orders in and then I can make a good guess of the quantity to order.
WHS.
That will be your infamous Stetson hat WHS
Johno, I will tell you why I wear it in a private message.
WHS.
[quote=“WHS” post=68947]I am doing my utmost to give you all a book worth owning but if I put in everything it will weigh a ton! I now have orders for getting on for fifty copies, if I get a few more I will up the order to 75 but remember once they are gone they are gone as it will cost too much for re-orders. I am keen to receive by attachments on email any information about the Development Squad or the Ladies and the Junior sections so please send them to me at allen.lowe@sky.com
The book will be about as long as “Sons of Albion” but as it has smaller pictures it will have a lot more information.
Finally, I do not have to place the order until May so get your orders in and then I can make a good guess of the quantity to order.
WHS.[/quote]
Just a suggestion WHS but would it not be worth ordering on the slightly higher side rather than re-ordering in the future? If some copies are put on sale in the club shop and the museum I think there are bound to be Wittoners that would purchase a copy in the future and the odd away fan would probably be interested too. There are not that many non league clubs left with a history like ours (thinking along the lines of FCUM, Chester, Hereford, 1874 Northwich etc.)
I only say the above as despite being a Wittoner for 30 odd years I am yet to read the Sons of Albion. Not from want of trying I have just found I’ve more chance of winning a golden ticket to Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory. As I say just an idea but I think you might be surprised in how many local people (not just Wittoners) have in the history of Witton Albion. “Once they are gone they are gone” could leave people disappointed, just like I have always been with the Sons of Albion book as I have never been able to get my hands on a copy. UTA
Blythe Spartan have ash under their pitch and have no problem with water logged pitch
The problem is Paul is in knowing just how many people WOULD buy the book. The cost for 50 books is around £390, to order 100 would cost about £750! As we only make £3 on each copy we would need to sell 75 copies before the club started making a profit. If I could I would order 200 but it is just not financially viable. The sale of 75 books will put over £200 into the Club’s coffers, not a great sum, but better than nothing! I guarantee if you have ordered a copy you will get one. As for “Sons of Albion”, I managed to get two copies a while ago, one for each of my lads, they are out there, keep trying they are a damned good read!
WHS.
Regarding the number of pages in the new book. Having done a re-check, with this season still to add it will come to nearer 200 than 150.
WHS.
I can confirm that I have enough definite orders to increase the order from the publisher to 75. If you definitely want a copy please order it now or we may run out before you get the chance to buy one as is happening all the time with “Sons of Albion”, many people would like a copy but they are as rare as Rocking Horse droppings!! I have 45 definite orders to date.
WHS.
Just for anyone who may be interested I have a spare, good condition copy of Sons Of Albion complete with loose honours page, which I intend to place on E-Bay this Sunday afternoon.
I am sure it will not be there for long!
I realise that there is no way my book or any book for that matter will please all the readers. People will see glaring omissions in their eyes no matter how many people I mention. What I hope they will not see is glaring mistakes! I intend to type out on here quite soon a list of the people I am mentioning alongside the obvious people like Tom Stelfox, Sammy Powell and Mark Harris etc etc. The people I want to add are the unsung heroes such as Sammy Stanley, Nigel Nutt, Queenie Price etc etc etc particularly board members, ground staff and the like. If you have any suggestions just post them on here, if I have not already done so I will add them to the list. This is one case you do not say “Don’t tell him Pike” !!
WHS.
Would love this. Will PM you.
Al - how about as an incentive to reach 75 or 100 purchasers putting the names of these buyers in the book. Appreciate it would not be viable to personalise each copy !
PS - will it be available in Braille as some of us are getting no younger - only joking sure it will be out by Xmas !
I commend you for your efforts in taking on such a task !
Would love this. Will PM you.[/quote]Sorry Paul S, not ignoring you it’s just that my laptop won’t let me access messages, it says I need chrome or something.