tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57075226503737821572024-03-05T17:18:50.239+00:00Chester ExilesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-69290014723471448722017-08-06T18:47:00.000+01:002017-08-06T18:50:20.035+01:00Pre-match meeting pubs for Chester ExilesThe pre-match meeting pubs for Chester Exiles during the early part of the 2017 season are shown below:<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Aug 26: Aldershot - La Fontaine at 92 Windmill Rd, Aldershot, GU12 4NJ.<br />
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Sept 2: Torquay - The Buccaneer at 41 Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LN.<br />
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Sept 16: Dover - The Lanes Micro Pub at 15 Worthington Street, Dover, CT17 9AQ. We'll then move onto The Cricketers, Crabble Avenue CT17 0JB, which is close to the ground and welcomes away supporters.<br />
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Sept 30: Eastleigh - Wagon Works (Wetherspoons) at 28 Southampton Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9FJ, and then onto the bar at the ground.<br />
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Oct 28: Maidstone - The Flower Pot, 96 Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RJ.<br />
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Nov 18: Bromley - Richmal Crompton (Wetherspoons) 23 Westmoreland Place, Bromley, BR1 1DS.<br />
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If you want to suggest meeting pubs for any other games, such as Hartlepool on August 15 and Gateshead on September 12, please get in touch by emailing info@chesterexiles.co.uk so we can publicise them to fellow members.<br />
SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-49086651781892478402017-02-24T19:25:00.000+00:002017-02-24T19:25:09.119+00:00Chester FC: A reality check<i>I am on the Exiles committee but the views expressed here are mine alone.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>It appears that the recent run of results has resulted in some negativity being directed at those in charge, both volunteers and salaried.<br />
<br />I have been a supporter for many years and experienced the best and the worst. I would suggest during these more difficult runs we all think about what we can do to support those who are charged to make Chester FC successful. Success is the key word and together with realism. A theme I will return to later.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>If things do not go as we would all like then I feel it as much as anybody. Ask my wife about my reaction when we lose? Fans care and it hurts when the results do not go the right way. I am sure it hurts the management as much. We live in a blame culture and it no doubt it helps some fans to look for people to blame. The manager and his team are and always will be responsible. They know when it goes wrong and I am sure they are not planning to fail.<br />
<br />Whilst we are currently in a difficult run don't forget the excellent work and successes at youth levels and with the women's team. Off the pitch we have been going through a long period of learning. Part of that learning process is to make mistakes and learn from them.<br />
<br />Any business needs to have clear goals and a structure. At the heart of our objectives are that we are a community owned club. We have a small group of salaried employees whose job is to ensure the vision is delivered.<br />
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The board's job is to hold those employees to account and to provide support and expertise in their particular areas of responsibility. Not an easy job however you look at it. So when the financials are behind budget then it is right to ask questions but it should be asked, how useful are personalised attacks?<br />
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The current structure with clearly defined Chief Exec and Chairman roles is new and they need to be given time to deliver. I don't know, but I expect there has been a lot of firefighting going on. Next season is where we should begin to see the fruits of their work. Again I don't know, but I expect the plans and actions for next season are happening now.<br />
<br />Looking at achievements off the pitch: There are great things happening through the Community Trust. You only have to look at the initiatives since Jim Green was appointed and look at the new community website for evidence.<br />
<br />The Senior and Inclusive Blues are working to make a difference. Also not forgetting all the support coming from Ian for the youth, as well as Calum's and all the work of the volunteer coaches producing the players of tomorrow - and not forgetting the women's team. If I have left any group out I haven't done deliberately or maliciously. Apologies if I have.<br />
<br />I now return to the theme of what is success and realistic for the club. It is simply about income streams. On raising income for the club it comes around to involving not only the commercial income streams, but maximising the numbers who attend. The season ticket and CFU membership will be key for achieving a budget that will allow the manager to build the ideal team.<br />
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As Exiles we are committed to help and have put ideas forward to support Mark and his team in this crucial task. As a fans owned club supporter numbers equal income. Our current fan base gives us a budget which hopefully will allow us to remain the National League. If we want to maintain or progress then we must increase numbers who attend and are members of CFU.<br />
<br />It is also useful to realise in this increasingly competitive league where "sugar daddies or investors" are everywhere that we may not have the resources to avoid falling into the Conference North, where also "investors" are increasingly present. If this happens we will still have our club which is a core objective. This is not negativity it is realism.<br />
<br />After a number of different attempts we now have a structure to run the club. At its core are the volunteers and I would suggest then we as supporters need to redress the balance by acting as a critical friend and supporting all those whom we have elected to represent us. We need to nurture and encourage those with the passion, expertise and guts who have volunteered.<br /><br />From the Guildhall times it was about getting our football club back and we have done it. Let's celebrate the positives.<br /><br /><i>Peter Jones, an Exile </i>SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-89539733584508804752017-02-03T00:21:00.000+00:002017-02-03T00:37:46.779+00:00Forthcoming meeting pubs for the Exiles<div id="yiv5513402438yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1486044962505_68654">
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With few pubs close to the ground, the Exiles will be meeting in the Dagenham
& Redbridge FC Social Club at the club before the match on Saturday (February 4). Sky Sports is
available as is local betting outlet and a programme booth. Entrance
fee is 50p.<br />
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Meeting Places at Maidstone, 18th February</div>
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We will be meeting at the supporters club, the
Spitfire Lounge, at the stadium itself (located next to the main entrance)
which welcomes visiting supporters and has BT and Sky Sports Sports. En
route to the supporters club and close to the stadium on Sandling Road
(just off the main roundabout by the stadium) is the White Rabbit pub and
restaurant. A few minutes walk further along Sandling Road is the Flower Pot
pub, which is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. The stadium is only a ten
minute walk away from the town centre, where there are plenty of pubs to be found,
including two Wetherspoons outlets. The closest of these is the Society Rooms
on Week Street, which is also in the Good Beer Guide.</div>
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Chester v Tranmere, Friday, 3rd March</div>
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For Chester supporters who are unable to get back for the Chester v Tranmere
match on Friday evening, 3rd of March, the Exiles will be meeting at The
Horseshoe, 24 Clerkenwell Close, EC1R 0AG (five minutes walk from
Farringdon station) to watch the match on BT Sport. All Chester FC fans and
friends are welcome!</div>
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SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-75930071439318155942016-10-29T17:14:00.000+01:002016-10-29T17:14:42.294+01:00Eastleigh meeting pubOur meeting place for the Eastleigh match on Saturday, 26th November is Wetherspoons, 28 Southampton Rd, Eastleigh, SO50 9FJ. Hope to see you there!SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-43194925295880433852016-09-21T14:59:00.000+01:002016-09-21T14:59:42.923+01:00One Exile's view on the bubble<div class="MsoNormal">
This Saturday, at 12.15pm, the Blues will face Wrexham in
what is our seventh match against the Goats as Chester FC. Disappointingly, the
fixture was again designated as a Category C match by Her Majesty’s Police,
meaning Chester fans travelling to the Racecourse will have to endure the
bubble for the fourth season in a row. <br /><br />As published by the Chronicle, there are
more police for this 90 minute match than there are for the whole of a
three-day Chester Races programme in May. Indeed, there was one policeman for
every 23 fans at the home derby in 2015.<br /><br />So how has this happened?</div>
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In 2006, the government passed the Violent Crime Reduction Act.
This set of laws gives police much more power to enact stricter discipline when
it comes to particular football fans, and indeed particular football matches.
The act meant fixtures could be classed as Category C, which is shorthand for
games with a high perceived risk of violence. These games require fans to
travel to games in a bubble. Not a fun kind of squirty bubble, but instead a
bubble of armoured riot police. Since the act has been passed, there have been
well upwards of 50 Category C matches in the UK. </div>
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<br />These games force fans onto coaches without toilet
facilities and certainly without the freedom of movement one would usually
expect on the way to a football match. The police then pat themselves on the
back for spending a huge chunk of the taxpayers’ cash in cracking a nut with a
sledgehammer and limiting disorder at the game, despite the fact that the risk
of any misdemeanours was low in the first place. Bear in mind that the number
of fans arrested in at the Racecourse in 2009, the last away fixture before the
bubble, was a total of five.<br /><br />The justification for these assertive measures is in the
outmoded and yet continually recited idea that football fans represent some
kind of underclass who cannot help but be destructive at games. The authorities
continue to reference crowd trouble from 30 years ago, for example during
Heysel, as vindication for their actions. It must be the case that Chester and
Wrexham fans are seen as very much part of this misanthropic crowd. <br /><br />There have been calls to have the bubble categorisation
revoked from individuals both internal and external to the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>process.
In 2014 Wrexham fan Andy Pierce eloquently tried in vain to get the decision on
the bubble overturned, citing draconian measures and restrictions on an
individual’s freedom of movement in his case. The Football Supporters
Federation supported him and has been behind calls to stop the cross-border
bubble. They were instrumental in lifting the Category C status from the
Tyne-Wear derby in 2014.<br /><br />The newly incumbent Cheshire Labour Police and Crime
Commissioner (PCC), David Keane, promised to review the situation on the bubble
this year. This has been echoed by his North Wales counterpart Arfon Jones.
This is in refreshing contrast to previous PCC, the Conservative John Dwyer,
who reiterated the antiquated view that football fans are primitive beings with
no rational control over their behaviour when he insisted that
"(Racegoers) don't cause trouble in the same way (as football fans) as
they are not a gang. In football you have one gang against another."<br /><br />So things may change, and yet they easily may not.<br /><br />Reading the <a href="https://chesterexiles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/normal-0-in-bubble-any-thoughts-of.html" target="_blank">blog</a> on here by a previous Exile, I am in awe of
the effort that he went to in getting to the bubble match in 2013. I hope that
any fan who goes to anywhere near this effort, as many will, are rewarded by
yet another win over the Goats amidst scenes of jubilation.<br /><br />Currently exiled in the capital, I will regrettably not be
travelling to the derby game this season. I will not give myself undeserved
political points and call this an official boycott, in the same way that this
blog post is not a piece of overt propaganda. Instead it is a response of
nurtured apathy to a situation which treats me, as a law abiding fan, as a
petty criminal. One North London pub which is fortunate to have a BT Sport
subscription will see me on Saturday morning instead.</div>
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<br /><i>Matt Butler</i></div>
SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-58507721362670629232016-08-28T18:56:00.000+01:002016-08-28T18:57:48.886+01:00Chester Exiles' AGMThe Chester Exiles AGM will take place on Friday September 9 in the upstairs room at the Horseshoe pub at 24 Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0AG (<a href="http://chesterfc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0c8ec172531ceb6f1856f50ac&id=695ccfdb0f&e=0f5a66f237" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://horseshoepub.wix.com/clerkenwell</a>). Please try to arrive at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start.<br />
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Apologies for those who aren't within reach of London, but we've deliberately picked a date on the eve of the away game at Aldershot in the hope more people will be in the area. Please email us if you can't attend and there's anything you want to raise. <br />
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After the formal business, there will be certainly be chance to discuss the roller-coaster start to Chester's season! Let us know if you can attend - email <a href="https://uk-mg42.mail.yahoo.com/neo/b/compose?to=info@chesterexiles.co.uk" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:info@chesterexiles.co.uk">info@chesterexiles.co.uk</a> - to help us plan the catering.<br />
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<br />SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-46087161393142195082016-08-26T09:21:00.001+01:002016-08-26T09:21:28.326+01:00Woking meeting pubThe Exiles will be meeting before, and after, the Woking game on Bank Holiday Monday in The Sovereigns pub.<br /><br />It's handily placed on the way to Kingfield, with a car park behind for those driving. The address is Guildford Road, <span class="postcode">GU22 7QQ.</span><br />
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<span class="postcode"><br /></span>SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-54348519291211405782016-08-07T17:09:00.003+01:002016-08-07T17:09:46.353+01:00Meet the Exiles in Boreham WoodThe Exiles will be meeting up before the match against Boreham Wood on August 20 in the Alfred Arms pub. This is situated between the station and the ground at 20-22 Shenley Road, WD6 1DR. (the shopping street through Borehamwood). We met there before last season's draw on a very wet day in November, and the highlight of the day was the pub's excellent Thai food!SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-7113155669625982742016-03-27T17:25:00.001+01:002016-03-27T17:48:22.098+01:00Guiseley meeting pubThe Exiles will be meeting at Coopers at 4-6 Otley Road, LS20 8AH, before the 'six pointer' versus Guiseley on Easter Mondey. More infomation on the pub's website: <a href="http://www.mttcoopers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Coopers</a>.SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-27661906816372282352016-02-10T10:04:00.000+00:002016-02-10T10:04:34.533+00:00Halifax Meeting PubFor those going to the FA Trophy match at FC Halifax Town, we shall be meeting beforehand in The Shears Inn,1 Paris Gates, Halifax HX3 9EZ. Details <a href="http://whatpub.com/pubs/HAL/1270/shears-inn-halifax" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-7840316526103853812016-01-11T10:44:00.000+00:002016-01-11T10:44:26.350+00:00Chance to watch FA Cup draw live!The BBC are looking for a Chester fan who wants to appear in the audience at tonight's FA Cup draw. It takes place live on The One Show on BBC1.<a name='more'></a><br />
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If you can get to Broadcasting House in central London for 5pm tonight and have a replica Chester shirt to wear, please let us know ASAP.<br />
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Sorry for the last minute request, but it'll be fun for someone to join dozens of other football fans watching the draw as it happens. If you can make it, email <a href="mailto:info@chesterexiles.co.uk">info@chesterexiles.co.uk</a>.SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-28535280995184054592016-01-04T17:29:00.001+00:002016-01-04T17:29:58.559+00:00Aldershot meeting pubOur meeting pub at Aldershot on January 9 will be La Fontaine, Windmill Road, Aldershot GU12 4NJ, which is close to the away end. <br />
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There are a number of other pubs en route from the station but we will end up at La Fontaine before the match. Hope to see you there!SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-45878234075438600042015-12-01T10:27:00.000+00:002015-12-01T10:28:54.231+00:00Christmas social and Cheltenham meeting pub<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448965377848_2697">
We will be holding our Christmas Social for London-based Exiles in The Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0DR on Wednesday, 2nd December from 6.30pm onwards (to late)! The pub (an old bank converted into a very attractive Wetherspoons) is approx 8-10 min walk from Liverpool Street Station. <a name='more'></a><br /><br />This social is open to all Chester Exiles wherever you are and willing to travel!<br /></div>
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We do regret that we are currently unable to organise more Exiles socials round the country although our newly formed Leeds branch may be planning a similar event too! </div>
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We usually don't get much time to speak to fellow Exiles during matches so it would be great to meet up socially and catch up on all the news from the Club and the outcomes of the CFU AGM this week. </div>
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Then on Saturday 5th December, our meeting pub for the Cheltenham match is the Sandford Park Ale House (<a href="http://www.spalehouse.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.spalehouse.co.uk/</a>) in 20 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1DZ.</div>
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This pub has just reached the final four in CAMRA's annual pub of the year, and usually has a choice of about 9 real ales, plus 16 craft keg beers and ciders. Its upstairs bar shows BT Sport and it does a range of reasonably-priced food. It even has a bagatelle table!</div>
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It's about a 15-minute walk from there to Cheltenham's ground in Whaddon Road (GL52 5NA) via Hewlett Road, All Saints Road, Selkirk Close and Selkirk Gardens. This is a straighter walk than it sounds - just follow the crowds!</div>
SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-63206298820756051152015-11-10T15:07:00.001+00:002015-11-10T15:09:07.404+00:00Our meeting point at Boreham WoodHertfordshire-based Chester Exile Rick Goby has written the
following travel and pub advice for those heading to Boreham Wood on Saturday (November 14).<br />
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For travel by public transport, use Elstree &
Borehamwood Station which is a mile from the ground, Meadow Park, reached via
the main shopping street Shenley Road.<br />
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<strong>The Alfred Arms</strong>: This new pub was launched five months ago
and is our Exiles’ meeting pub. It has Thai food, real ales, TVs,
interesting décor and is rather plush. Bear left from the station
drive-in and turn an immediate right at Divan Restaurant on the near corner and
Sainsbury’s Local on the far corner into Shenley Road. Just 30 seconds
walk on the right hand side is The Alfred Arms. Further down on the same
side is the Golden Plaice fish shop, which is not bad at all.<br />
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For those looking to park near the pub, Behind the
Sainsbury’s Local, there is a very large car park which serves a complex of
large retail outlets. There are a limited amount of parking opportunities
in the Brook Road area, but these are probably taken up by 2pm.<br />
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<strong>The Hart & Spool</strong>: This is a small Wetherspoon’s with a
relatively new manager. Some may also call in here on the way to/from the
ground. It’s further down still on the same side of Shenley Road from The
Golden Plaice.<br />
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To reach Meadow Park, cross Shenley Road from The Hart &
Spool and continue further on the left had side towards the Studio
Roundabout. Keeping left on this roundabout, pass Eldon Road and the
National Westminster building with works and refurbishment to the extension
beyond it. Then ease round left into Brook Road. The ground is a
short way down on the right hand side, beyond a school and a bowling club car
park. The nearest approach after this is the Away Supporters' entrance. </div>
SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-50562795121853197052015-10-27T11:04:00.000+00:002015-10-30T13:34:52.435+00:00Meeting point at Forest Green Rovers<div>
Those brave enough to face a Halloween encounter at the New Lawn Stadium on Saturday (October 31) will be meeting up in the Forest Green Rovers' Social Club.<br />
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Afterwards, some of us will pop down the hill for a post-match drink in the Village Inn in Nailsworth.<br />
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If anyone is interested in buying a Senior Blues mug on the day for just £5, we will have those for sale. Look out for Sue, who will have them with her.<br />
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<li>The Club are also planning to send a few Chester FC Christmas Raffle<strong> </strong>tickets out to all Exiles so we hope everyone will try and sell to friends and relatives. <br /><br />First Prize is £1,000! Rather than throw them in the drawer and forget about them, please try to do your best to sell them or just make a donation and return money to the club. Every little helps, especially now we are out of the FA Cup!<br /><br />If you want more books to sell then please get in touch with Commercial Manager,Tracey Smith at the Club on 01244-371376.</li>
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SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-25648776150973195082015-10-14T09:55:00.000+01:002015-10-14T10:04:16.656+01:00The Exiles' Leeds Hub is up and running!<em>After several attempts by the Chester Exiles to get a few hubs of fans together around the country (and world) we are now pleased to say that the new Leeds Hub is a first and up and running! Read on for a report of their first meeting.</em><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />On Monday 12th October a hastily advertised Exiles Meet and Greet was held in Whitelock’s, Leeds.<br /><br />The city centre pub is the oldest pub in Leeds and was a most appropriate location for the first Leeds Branch meeting!<br /><br />Six passionate Blues fans shunned the England game on the telly to talk all things Chester FC, aided by the pub’s excellent beer selection (I sampled several pints of the Kirkstall Pale – which a fellow exile described as tasting of toast!) and a pie menu. A pie menu. <br /><br />Talk ranged from our first Chester games to our most shudder inducing away trips and everything in between. As Leeds is a commutable for Chester games, all of us were pretty regular attendees and many records were set straight on the current squad.<br /><br />It was a most pleasant evening, and all of us were keen to have another meeting soon, with the youth team game away at Silsden being a great excuse to meet again. I might even try to make a ‘Chester Exiles Leeds Branch’ flag for the game. <br /><br />As for another pub session, a meeting with a special guest of Dan Toronczak was suggested! Watch this space; I’ll advertise the meeting well in advance this time. <br /><br /><strong>Richard Bellis</strong>SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-7309584073431383092015-10-01T09:07:00.000+01:002015-10-02T11:48:03.314+01:00Steve and Grenville meet the Exiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpNSXJxavtj4ii32UR3aTMn6AhRz8S66CcWgHNmSngy3JllD71Fz_7bPGnY4fg05T9ORrL1KDx2AWaFCPdMLwat2kflct6t-y_SlCgrs6bwykLjgEeTry1bblRbxZIP-4Mh62e0IOyQcn/s1600/exiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpNSXJxavtj4ii32UR3aTMn6AhRz8S66CcWgHNmSngy3JllD71Fz_7bPGnY4fg05T9ORrL1KDx2AWaFCPdMLwat2kflct6t-y_SlCgrs6bwykLjgEeTry1bblRbxZIP-4Mh62e0IOyQcn/s320/exiles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Exiles were delighted that Chester manager Steve Burr and Chairman Grenville Millington came down to meet them on the eve of the Bromley defeat.<br />
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They answered questions from the floor, during a lively Q&A session, which went on 45 minutes longer than planned.<br />
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Grenville's passion for the club's 'Our City, Our Community, Our Club' motto was impressed on everyone in the room. For him, it's "Club first, Others second, Yourself third".<br />
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Steve's commitment to the club was plain and the Exiles were delighted that one of his management aims is to lead a club out at Wembley in the FA Trophy. Perhaps it will be our turn this season?!<br />
<br />
The meeting at the Rugby Tavern in central London followed the Exiles' AGM.SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-52748363513200904452015-08-11T18:08:00.002+01:002015-08-11T18:12:39.856+01:00Exiles News Update<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439300450219_70270">
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Dear Chester Exile,</div>
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We hope you had a good summer and are now looking forward to
the new season after the winning start on Saturday and a very creditable
final league position last season. Let's hope the success continues at
Halifax.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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Here is the first of our Exiles news updates for the
coming season which we hope you will find useful.</div>
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<strong>Meeting places for Dover and Woking</strong></div>
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On Saturday, 15th August, the Blues make their second trip
of the season away to Dover Athletic at the picturesque Crabble Athletic
Ground, Lewisham Rd, River, Dover, CT17 0JB.</div>
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The ground is two miles away from the centre
of Dover and the main railway station, Dover Priory. The
nearest station to the ground is Kearsney, which is 15mins walk from the
ground.</div>
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The Exiles' meeting place for this match will be The
Cricketers, Crabble Road, Dover Road, Dover CT17 0JB <a href="http://www.cricketersdover.com/#about-us" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cricketersdover.com/#about-us</span></a> which
is close to the ground. There is also a sizeable social club within the
ground which we will move on to around 2.30pm.</div>
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The following Saturday, 22nd August, the Blues make their
second trip down south in a week this time to Woking and the
Exiles will be at their regular meeting pub, The Sovereigns, Guildford
Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 7QQ which is about 10-15mins walk from the Kingfield
ground. <a href="http://www.emberinns.co.uk/nationalsearch/southeast/the-sovereigns-woking" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.emberinns.co.uk/nationalsearch/southeast/the-sovereigns-woking</span></a>.
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<strong>'Steve Burr had a Dream' - Crowdfunder</strong></div>
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As a CFU member you should have a received an
email promoting the 'Steve Burr Had a Dream' project asking fans to help
raise £20,000 for the transfer kitty. This project is using flexible
funding and will receive all pledges made by 6:00pm on 31st August
2015. you may be interested to know that pledges of £20 or more
will receive a signed print of Ben Heneghan scoring against our nearest
and dearest neighbours last season! We hope Exiles will help the
club raise this amount however great or small, every penny counts!</div>
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More information about how you can donate can be found at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ChesterFC" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ChesterFC</span></a>.</div>
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<strong>Exiles AGM and Meet the Chairman</strong></div>
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We are planning to hold the Exiles' 2015 AGM on Friday
evening, Friday, 25th September the day before Chester's first visit to
promoted Bromley. We have invited Chairman, Grenville Millington as
our VIP guest and are hoping that Steve Burr will be able to attend too
(depending on team travel arrrangements). The venue will be a central
London location. More information will be sent to you as details are confirmed
but please put this date in your diary as I am sure it will be a very good
evening once the official AGM business is over!</div>
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If you have any good suggestions or ideas as to what you
think we as Exiles should be doing to help the club off the field then we would
love to hear from you and even better, meet you to discuss! We are
always looking for more Committee members to join us
too. Please get in touch by emailing <a href="mailto:info@chesterexiles.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">info@chesterexiles.co.uk</span></a>.
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<strong>And finally........</strong></div>
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If you haven't done it already, please renew your CFU
membership NOW - and why not forward the link to someone you know who really
should be an owner of their football club. You can join online here http://www.cityfansunited.com/join-online.html or
pick up a CFU form from us at Dover and Woking.</div>
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We look forward to meeting you at one of
the Blues' matches soon.</div>
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Enjoy the season and C'mon U Blues!</div>
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All the best </div>
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Pauline Meakins</div>
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Chair, Chester Exiles</div>
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SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-54731463069007051662015-02-20T18:32:00.000+00:002015-02-20T18:32:11.157+00:00Wrexham TicketsThe club has kindly made a limited number of tickets for the Wrexham game available to bonafide Exiles.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
For any CFU members living outside the Chester/Flint area who are unable to get to the ticket office in advance send a cheque for £26 payable to Chester FC and a brief covering note explaining that you are an Exile, along with your CFU membership number and full name and address.The club will keep your ticket for collection on the coach on the day of the match but we suggest you call before travelling on March 7 to make sure all is in order.<br />
<br />
If you prefer to have the coach pass posted out, make this clear in your covering note and include a SAE. Include a telephone number in case of any problems.<br />
<br />
*All CFU members living away from Chester are automatically Exiles members. This offer is on a first come, first served basis. All match tickets will be issued on coaches leaving the Swansway Stadium at a time TBC (last year it was 11am)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792218561156790463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-61513678016853864052015-02-12T23:44:00.001+00:002015-02-15T13:55:58.813+00:00Early Bird Offer For The Play-Off Final<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1423784526732_2045" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We would like to draw your urgent attention to a great offer for the Vanarama Big Day Out at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 17th May 2015, aka the Conference Premier Play-Off Final which was recently posted on the official Chester FC website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with other Conference Premier Clubs, Chester FC has been given 850 vouchers for tickets for this season's Wembley Play-Off Final (dare we even think we could we be in it ourselves ?).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vouchers (redeemable for a Play-Off Final ticket) are available from Chester FC at a cost of £10 per adult (no concessions) and £5 per child (U16 at time of purchase) <span style="font-weight: 700;">until the end of February.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From 1st March onwards the vouchers will <span style="font-weight: 700;">double </span>from these early bird prices to the 'normal selling price' of £20 and £10 respectively.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The brilliant news is that ALL voucher sale monies raised will go direct to our club. So this is a great opportunity to see Wembley as well as the Conference Play-Off Final whilst donating money directly to Chester FC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should anyone purchase a pre paid ticket voucher and The Blues actually reach the Play-Off Final, the purchaser will definitely be accommodated within the Chester supporter designated area. All vouchers are in fact 'Club specific' printed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you are interested, please contact the Club on 01244 371376 as card payments can be accepted over the phone. Cheque payments (to Chester FC) will also be accepted but must reach the Club by Friday, 27th February. Vouchers will be posted out to you.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-33265381602268272872015-02-02T18:42:00.002+00:002015-02-02T19:31:53.698+00:00It's Grim Down SouthThe Door Hinge in Welling is the licensed trade's equivalent of Craig Hobson.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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To say this former electrical shop turned micro-pub divides opinion is an under-statement.<br />
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With its no lager, no TV football, no mobiles policy the real ale fraternity regard the place as a breath of fresh air, where brews such as Lemon Adder and hoppy IPA can be supped direct from the barrel in a chav-free environment. In case a reminder is needed, a selection of hand held telephones including a classic Nokia 1100 are nailed to the wall (presumably the offending users are buried somewhere out back). The availability of pickled eggs is a bonus.<br />
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To others it's an unwelcome throwback to a drinking land that time forgot, inhabited by rabid beardies who are obsessed with baffling terms such as specific gravity and cuddle up at night with a copy of the Good Beer Guide.<br />
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So it was that an hour before kick off the Exiles were in uncharacteristic disarray, spread out along the rather grim High Street.<br />
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A senior committee member was to be found sitting forlornly in the window of Wetherspoons, affronted by the Door Hinge serving her wine from a box last season and apparently intent on a one-woman boycott. Further down the road, the dubious delights of Hull vs Newcastle attracted a few more stragglers to yet another hostelry. Meanwhile one lager drinker who was lured to the Door Hinge, in spite of himself, was clearly out of his comfort zone. Tapping disdainfully on a pint of real ale he asked: "Where are the bubbles?"<br />
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It was an inauspicious start to the afternoon. Throw in near-freezing conditions, nagging drizzle, a quagmire of a pitch and a sparse crowd this had all the makings of a bad day out.<br />
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Going a goal down against the run of play didn't help matters but at least the rain had the effect of driving most of the Blues fans into a covered stand. By my count there were about 150, with the Exiles' ranks swelled by the arrival of a single Hipkiss and a train-load of exuberant drunks. It was a potentially toxic combination but an equaliser - a terrific header from on-loan Oliver McBurnie - lifted the mood.<br />
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When we actually managed to convert a penalty the place was bouncing and the late comers from the bar after half time will hardly care about missing yet another Rooney special. Frankly, it could have been six or seven. Craig Mahon hit the post and Gareth Roberts, the season's Mr Dependable, followed suit with a rasping 25 yarder. <br />
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After a depressing Christmas and New Year run the Blues have got their mojo back. Three wins on the spin and seven goals in the last two games. It's just like being back in the Evostik.<br />
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For Welling things aren't looking so rosy but us south-based exiles will, selfishly, wish them well and look forward to another visit to the Door Hinge in 2015/16.<br />
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Update - they are now serving palatable wine from a bottle. What ever next?<br />
<br />
<br />
Adrian LeeUnknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792218561156790463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-91039955883944046012014-12-09T17:27:00.001+00:002014-12-09T23:13:00.334+00:00Que Sera, SeraEarly kick offs are a double-edged sword for us south-based Exiles.<br />
<br />
The agony of an early start and the possibility of scraping ice off the car windscreen, but home in time for Match of the Day. <a name='more'></a>Throw in a twitchy Driver, who's heard rumours of a cone somewhere on the M1 near Kegworth, and wagons roll from Sussex at 7.30am in order to make the meeting point on the M40 at 9.45.<br />
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We're agreed that all we ask at Barnsley is a good day out, a respectable performance (goal-less for at least 15 minutes) and a rousing sing song. The Tykes' home form is patchy but they routed Burton 5-0 in the last round and our defensive display at Nuneaton doesn't bode well. A Fulham-supporting mate tells me they have a lad called Trotta on loan at Barnsley and he's an Italy under 21 international. Kieran Charnock will have him in his pocket, I insist unconvincingly.<br />
<br />
After rather too long at Cherwell Valley Services waiting for the meet (there's only so long you can spend browsing in Cotton Traders) it's a trouble-free run. We're parked and inside the Dove Inn, with its balcony overlooking the impressive Oakwell stadium, by 12.30.<br />
<br />
It's good to see the Blues out in force again - there's even someone sporting a retro-looking Seals rosette (ask your Dad) - and a warm welcome in the pub despite the bizarre 'no singing' policy which is in operation. We manage to resist buying one of the 2014 Barnsley FC calendars which appear to be on sale behind the bar (unlike the £6 carvery, not good value).<br />
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We're all veterans of Blackburn in the Cup and, with claims of up to 3 million Cestrians on the march, determined not to be caught out again by crowd congestion. At the turnstiles by 2.30 but as it happens only 2,143 Blues turn up. It's still a squeeze. Health and Safety would have a field day but it's rocking.<br />
<br />
15 minutes go by. 0-0. Job done in my book. Then it dawns on me - they're not very good and we're looking more than comfortable. Half time and we're looking the better side, unlucky not to score. No-one knows if Hobbo's header crossed the line or not. Second half and Mahony is roasting their full back. Kingsley is Kingsley. Gareth Roberts' sprint to win the ball deep in the Barnsley threatens to bring the roof down. I'm waiting for the inevitable harsh late goal but we hang on - Worsnop is immense. Chester heroes one and all and there's Steve Burr on the pitch playing air guitar. <br />
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There's even a slight feeling of deflation, a sense that the game was ours for the taking and Barnsley can't be that poor in the replay, but I tell myself that's being churlish.<br />
<br />
It's been another great FA Cup away day. It wasn't backs to the wall stuff, or kick and rush. Burry stuck to his principles and we're in the hat for the 3rd round. And I can't wait to tell my Fulham mate that his man Marcello Trotta played more like Del Boy.<br />
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Adrian Lee Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792218561156790463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-19848939657595258252014-12-09T11:42:00.003+00:002014-12-09T11:52:10.051+00:00Barnet meeting pubOur pre-match meeting pub for the Barnet match on Saturday December 20 will be JJ Moons (Wetherspoons), near Queensbury tube, at 553 Kingsbury Road, London, NW9 9EL.SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-73030338218423747382014-12-09T11:29:00.000+00:002014-12-09T11:33:16.313+00:00Christmas Social We'll be having an Exiles Christmas social on Thursday December 18 from 6.30pm in the Crosse Keys (Wetherspoons) at 9 Gracechurch Street in the City of London at EC3 0DR. Nearest tube is Bank. It will be busy on the night, so look out for our Chester scarves!</span></span>SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707522650373782157.post-56608205551156239352014-11-21T21:43:00.002+00:002014-12-09T11:36:15.263+00:00Meeting points for Dartford, Nuneaton and BarnsleyThe Exiles have picked meeting points for three upcoming
Chester games. It would be great to meet you at some of them. Hope to see you
at:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Dartford on Tuesday November 25 (7.45pm match KO): The Malt
Shovel at 3 Darenth Rd, Dartford, DA1 1LP. This pub is en route from the
town and the ground.<br />
<br />
Nuneaton on Saturday November 29 (3pm match KO): The Crown, 10
Bond Street, Nuneaton, CV11 4BX. This pub is two minutes’ walk from the station.<br />
<br />
Barnsley on Sunday December 7 (2pm match KO): The Dove Inn, 102
Doncaster Rd, Barnsley, S70 1TP. This pub is en route from the
station to the ground.<br />
<br />
For the Barnsley match, you can get reduced advance matchday
tickets on the Barnsley FC website. Go to: <a href="http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/tickets/tickets-on-sale/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/tickets/tickets-on-sale/</span></a>
and look for the Reds v Chester link. SueChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04014159997648061752noreply@blogger.com