Wimbledon Common Stables Open Day July 12th

Is there any sound more depressing than listening to the rain sheeting down at 4.30 am when you’re going out at 9am?

And not just ‘going out’ either, but having arranged for a AFC Wimbledon presence for the full day in the middle of a muddy Common.

And not just ‘you’ either, but the Community Football Scheme, Merchandising and a number of other volunteers.

I have to say I was fearing the worst... but guess what? No rain, sunburn and a really enjoyable time meeting loads of Wimbledon-ites eager to talk about the club. Old programmes were distributed, footballs were kicked, cups were admired and some money raised. All in all a great success – and the Stables Open Day itself was a very enjoyable, friendly and non-commercial day out, recommended to all.

Kevin unravels the mystery of the Speed Football Nets

Mark L-S drums up support for the CFS. Note small print on the 'Prize Every Time' board
Roger D. all set up and raring to go!

Of course there were still a few hiccups along the way. For all my supposed ‘preparation’ we ended up in a completely different part of the ground with less space for the CFS. There was a bit of wind which at one point led to the (literal) collapse of all Kevin’s hard work on the Speed Football tunnel and various individuals hanging on to gazebos and then we were presented with an original Jupp Wimbledon FC shirt with the GO:MK logo. Slightly fixed grins and ‘Thank you’s’ whilst at the same time wondering what we could do with it! (sorted – Dave M is adding it to the historic shirt collection where it will undergo rehabilitation…)

David M educates some locals and the Sierra Leone Cup takes pride of place

Ominous clouds but they managed to restrain themselves

We started packing up at 4pm when Kevin returned to collect the gazebos and the speed game, just as the rain started making its presence felt. So it was soon back home in a fully packed car for a well earned drink.

Roll of Honour

Kevin W – For collecting the speed football netting and gazebos and putting them all up and then coming back after a days garden-fencing and taking it all down again

Roger D – for manfully coping with the Dave Beasant Penalty Shoot out all day.

David M – For producing superb A3 copies of old photographs, being the on site historian, merchandising and guarding the Sierra Leone trophy

Mark L-S and his two coaches – For adapting their plans for a ‘slightly’ smaller and ‘slightly’ rougher coaching area.

Felix S-D – for putting in an afternoon stint when we were beginning to flag a bit.

Ben Y – for allowing himself to be dragged away from the Xbox 360 and thrust into daylight

Many thanks to you all!

"Quick darling, it's the AFC Wimbledon stall...hurry!!"