OFFICIAL HAVERHILL BRANCH - Christmas Meal at Great Wratting Red Lion on Friday 11th Dec 2009
Report by Barry Miller – Haverhill Branch committee member.
The Haverhill Branch returned to the Wratting Red Lion to enjoy its annual Christmas meal / function. Organised by Committee member, Stuart Isaccs, the event was once again fully booked with branch members including friends from Bury branch enjoying a lovely meal and festive fun!
Here are some 'photo's taken at the meal.
Branch Quiz - Monday 2nd November 2009
Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch committee member.
The Haverhill Branch held one of our quizzes at the Rose Tavern in Haverhill on what was a very wet and windy night.
At first, in fact right up to the last seconds before the start, it looked as if it was going to be a non event - the room that we normally use was being used for a wake after a funeral and obviously we were not going to try and lay our claim there so me moved into the back room with the company of pool players and drinkers - which did not look like a good option - but in the end the tables filled up annd the quiz started.
It was well run by Max who kept it interesting (where did he get those questions from?), with scores being kept by Iain.
A raffle was also held and sandwiches were supplied by the Cherry Tree.
Approximately £50.00 was raised in the raffle - for the branch.
Thanks go to all who attended and all who helped make it a great evening.
Branch Meal - held at Rede Plough on Friday 16th October 2009
Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch committee member.
The Haverhill Branch were very pleased to entertain Simon Clegg at one of our dinners at the Rede Plough. After a very good dinner of the normal high standard Simon Clegg addressed all present and gave details of what bought him in to football, his thoughts on the club, what his job involves, and what he is looking for in the future.
He was well aware about the concern being felt by supporters in respect of the position in the league of the club but said he was sure that it would not be long before this would improve. He then spent time answering member’s questions and concerns. He promised to look into a couple of issues brought up by the Branch committee members.
Even though the dinner and the question & answer session ended well into the evening, he still found time to go round all present, to say goodnight and thank all attendees for their support.
A great night was enjoyed by all. Here are some photographs taken during the evening.
.......Derek and Joan - enjoying their evening........................................Stuart and Paula......................................
...........................Betty, and Chloe............................................................Eddie Last and Nick Keeble ...
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..........Simon Clegg - answering questions............
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Ipswich Town v Newcastle United - 26th September 2009 - Remember and Honouring Sir Bobby Robson
Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch committee member.
Like every other branch, the Haverhill Branch turned up to see the naming of the North Stand as the Sir Bobby Robson Stand. As we walked to the ground we saw legends from the past and the various events such as the laying of flowers and wreaths at the statue of the late Sir Bobby Robson.
Players from the past including Eric Gates. Alan Brazil, Mick Mills and Laurie Sivell mingled with the crowd as they walked round the ground.
The main event at half time, the naming of the North Stand in honour of Sir Bobby was a very emotional event. With the ground full of Ipswich and Newcastle supporters the atmosphere was electric. The singing of “I'll Do It My Way” must have brought a few tears to the eyes and it was great that those at the game joined the singing in such a respectful way. Balloons were released on the pitch representing the number of games that Sir Bobby Robson had been in charge at Ipswich. All the players past and present showed their appreciation of Sir Bobby and I am sure that it must have been a very moving and heart warming experience for his wife and two of his sons who were present who officially opened the newly named stand.
This was a fitting tribute to such a great ambassador for the club.
Here are some pictures I took during the afternoon / evening;
.......................Suffolk Punch Horse......................................................................Mick Mills......................................
............................Old ITFC players......................................................................The UEFA Cup................................
.......................Balloons released...................................................Alan Shearer - BBC commentary team........
Car Boot Sale at Little Wratting
Below are two photos of branch members at a car boot held at Little Wratting on Sunday 16th August 2009. From left to right, members are Stuart, David, Barry and Derek. Approximately £40.00 was raised for branch funds.
...........................Car Boot Sale at Little Wratting
...............Branch members Stuart, David, Barry and Derek
Sir Bobby Robson
Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch committee member.
At the first home game of the 2009/10 season, members of the Haverhill Branch joined many other Supporters in paying their respects to the late Sir Bobby Robson by firstly visiting the Statue of him and looking at all the shirts, flowers, and scarves which had been left as a remark of respect - we then joined the queue to sign the Condolence book before making our way into the ground.
On behalf of the Branch we say thank you Sir Bobby for so many wonderful memories, thank you for being such a great ambassador to Ipswich Town, and thank you for being so assessable. God bless you, Rest In Peace, you will never be forgotten.
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Fundraising - Haverhill Big Bash - July 2009
The branch fundraising stall at the July 2009 Haverhill Bash raised over £350 for branch funds - thanks to the hard work of our branch members.
OFFICIAL HAVERHILL BRANCH 2009 A.G.M
Our 2009 A.G.M was held on Thursday July 16th at 8.00 p.m. at The Rose Tavern Pub, Haverhill.
CONCERT AT THE HAVERHILL ARTS THEATRE - FRIDAY 29th MAY 2009
Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch committee member.
The Official Haverhill Branch of the Ipswich Town F.C. Supporters Club were proud to be able to present a fantastic concert in Haverhill on 29th May 2009. The concert was headed by the son of the late great Matt Munro - Matt Munro Junior.
He was supported by Ian Stephens who did a tribute to Jim Reeves and by Zak who has toured professionally for many years - as well as our very own Moggie.
Also helping out was Richard on the Guitar, from Haverhill.
It was a fabulous concert, throughly enjoyed by the 100+ audience.
The event raised over £800 for the branch.
The Haverhill Branch were proud to be able to present Honorary Life Membership Certificates to Matt Monro Junior (even if he is a QPR supporter), Ian Stephens and Zak.
The amount of work that Zak and Moggie put in to make this such a great evening is hugely appreciated. Our thanks are unlimited. It must be said that Matt Monro Junior was so down to earth and was willing to spend a lot of time talking to the fans - well done Matt and many thanks.
It is also very important to inform you all that all these people did this job for nothing and even when they were offered expenses they turned it down. It is so easy to say thank you but it is very difficult to say anything else but I must admit I was overwhelmed by their generosity - so much so that I am willing to forgive Matt for his connections with QPR.
I hope that he will keep his promise of coming with us to see the Ipswich v QPR game, however he might shy out as he has a bet on the result with me and I might feel guilty in taking his money!
Here are some photographs taken during the evening;
Matt, enjoying a pre-concert break
Matt performing on stage
The Haverhill audience
The five performers, receiving and giving applause
Our Chairman Eddie, handing Honorary Life Membership Certificates to Zak and Ian
Eddie thanking his team for organising the show, and thanking the performers and audience
CAR BOOT SALE - MAY 2009
Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch committee member.
Early in May 2009, Iain, Max, Stuart, Sue and Eddie ran a car boot sale. We set up by 8.00am on a Sunday, however within half an hour we were covering up due to rain and we all took shelter in our cars. A half an hour later we were out again selling like mad. Stuart showed his usual flair with the door mats - he said at times he felt like one!
Silly prices were being charged just to clear stock. At 10.30 it started to pour down and by 11.00 it turned very wet and cold so we packed up and went home to a nice warm and dry house. Within an hour and a half the sun came out and everything dried up. Unfortunately, we had all pulled our curtains and failed to notice this.
In bad conditions and in a short time we still managed to raise approximately £80 pounds. A good effort by all!
Stuart, Sue, and Max - Car Boot Sale 2009 - waiting for customers
Door mats sold well - Stuart reckoned that he felt like a door mat!
PRESENTATION EVENING - AT REDE PLOUGH - FRIDAY 8th MAY 2009
Report by Iain Ross – Haverhill Branch committee member.
22 members of our branch arrived at Rede Plough to celebrate 25 years service from 4 of our committee members where each was presented with a trophy in appreciation from the branch.
Our secretary Betty Cooper was presented with an engraved silver tray by Derek Ling. Our Chairman Eddie Last was presented with an engraved clock by Max Eason.
Our Vice Chairman Martin Thulbourne was presented with an engraved clock by Sue Shepherd. Committee Member Julie Cooper was also presented with an engraved clock by Barry Miller.
The recipients of the awards were unaware that this was going to happen - so for all of them it came as a complete, but nice, surprise.
(A collection towards the cost of the trophies was made on the Branch Coach).
Betty and Julie were presented with flowers by Chloe Cooper and Thomas Miller, and were also they were all informed that their meal was being paid for by the branch.
Iain then presented Jean and Nigel from the Bury Branch framed certificates confirming their honorary life membership of the branch as appreciation for their help with the promoting of the branch.
Joyce, the Landlady of the Plough was presented with a signed picture of herself with Jim Magilton (photo’ taken at a previous meal) in appreciation for the way she has looked after us on our regular visits.
The final presentation of the night was to Betty who also received a signed picture of her hero Mick Mills, congratulating her on 25 years service to the branch.
As usual, the food at The Plough and the service was of very high calibre.
Here are some photographs taken during the evening (hover your mouse over the pictures for captions) :-
TRAINING GROUND VISIT - 19th March 2009
On 19th March 2009 several branch members made a visit to the Training ground at Ipswich and were able to watch the town squad in training for nearly two hours. Whilst is was an experience it was a shock that having left Haverhill in warm weather members found that they were standing watching the players in very cold and bitter weather. At times I think some of them wished that they were on the pitch running about! (report by Iain Ross).
Inter Branch Quiz - held on Monday 6th April 2009
Sue, with her Haverhill Team - The Winners of the quiz
Betty and Julie
The Isaacs Haverhill Team
Max and Barry - deep in concentration
OFFICIAL HAVERHILL BRANCH - Christmas Meal at Great Wratting Red Lion on Friday 5th Dec 2008
21 of our members and 3 of our friends from the Bury Branch tucked into three courses of excellent food at our Christmas meal held at Great Wratting Red Lion on Friday 5th December 2008.
A hugely enjoyable time was had by all - a really friendly and happy evening, at a SUPERB venue.
Here are some photographs taken during the evening;
Max tucking into his meal, and Lynn in a YELLOW! hat
The pub was superbly decorated, outside and inside - a great venue
All concentrating on our meals
Betty, Julie, Chloe, Jean L, Nigel, and Jean W - the food soon disappeared!
Smiling faces after enjoying a delicious meal
OFFICIAL HAVERHILL BRANCH - Dinner held on Thursday 13th November 2008
The Haverhill Branch found that the 13th was a lucky day when they held a dinner for members at The Plough, Rede, on the 13th November 2008 when the guest for the night was Jim Magilton. After enjoying a first class meal, Jim delighted and amused members with his various stories and quotes about football. All were very impressed with his passion for Ipswich Town Football Club and his willingness to answer questions.
We took some photographs during the evening:-
Committee member Iain Ross, with Jim Magilton
Haverhill committee members, with their better halves
All attendees enjoyed Jim's company
Chairman Eddie Last, in conversation with Jim
ZAK, and MOGGAR - Friday 15th August 2008
Although not intended as a money maker - more as a social event - the evening went on to make well over £150 profit for club funds. Zak went down very well with a great singing voice and when joined with Moggar (our own Maurice) the two of them kept the audience attention spellbound. Playing to a packed house it ended up going down very well with a great deal of calls for more - so much so permission was granted by the Rugby Club for the evening to run late and resulted with an extra half hour being played. Thanks must go to all those who helped, the BBQ staff, raffle prize donors, ticket sellers, bar staff and the committee of the Supporters club for their support.
We look forward to holding a repeat performance at the end of the season.
Here are some photographs taken during the evening:
Fundraising - Haverhill Big Bash - Sunday 27th July 2008
A lovely sunny and enjoyable day saw the crowds turn out in huge numbers to support local organisations on the town's recreation ground. We were there with our now traditional Barrow of Booze together with a pitch on the Car Boot Sale and a raffle for a signed ITFC shirt. The efforts, dedication and support of committee and branch members saw the branch make a superb total of £540.50 towards their funds and running costs. Although just £25 short of last year's total this was the second successive year that we had made over £500.00 profit from the event.
The breakdown of the fundraising was as follows:-
| Barrow of Booze: | £308.00 |
| Car Boot Sale: | £162.50 |
| Raffle for signed ITFC shirt: | £70.00 |
The Barrow of Booze was won by a delighted Mrs Betty Walker from Haverhill with the signed shirt won by Mr Doug Chambers from Haverhill.
Many thanks to everybody that helped or contributed to making the day such a success.
Official Haverhill Branch 2008 A.G.M
Our A.G.M was held on Thursday 24th July 2008 at 8.00pm, at the Rose Tavern in Haverhill.
Great News regarding membership of our branch!
Our supporters branch continues to thrive with membership continuing to grow and bus numbers increasing. Another three new members joining and traveling with us on the coach to last seasons Plymouth home match night saw our active membership grow to over 60 members - the highest for several seasons!
More great news!
Despite the indifferent current Town form the Branch members and numbers on the coach have steadily been increasing all season which culminated in the coach for last seasons Cardiff and Norwich matches being fully booked. Great news for the branch!
Car Boot Sale
We raised over £200 for branch funds through a car-boot sale in May.
Here are are couple of 'photos taken at the event;
Inter Branch Quiz - held on Monday 7th April 2008
The annual Haverhill inter branch quiz night was a huge success with a full house at Haverhill Snooker & Bowl with nine teams enjoying a fun packed evening.
There were five teams from the Haverhill Supporters Branch which were superbly supported with teams from Bury St Edmunds, Long Melford and Ipswich branches.
After the unique and infamous 'Deal or No Deal' game which saw the lucky contestant discard the £50 envelope to win just £3 from the banker the quiz started.
Ten tense but light hearted rounds which included general knowledge, taped TV themes, name the face, who am I (accidentally ruined by an over enthusiastic member of the Ipswich Branch who gave the answer away after the first clue to the amusement of all present!), famous deaths, the ever unpopular spelling test, and much more the quiz finished with a three way tie between Haverhill 'B' and the two Long Melford teams. The first tie breaker knocked out Haverhill with the decider resulting in Long Melford 'A' winning the quiz.
There was then a raffle and auction for a signed ITFC shirt before a sumptuous and over generous buffet!
The evening, which is always planned more as a social event rather than a major fundraiser, saw a profit on the evening of £201 for Branch funds.
Organiser - Iain Ross
Quiz Master - Barry Miller
Scorer - Max Eason
Raffle - Maurice Dale
With thanks to the rest of the Committee for their help and, of course, all those that took part, attended and contributed on the night.
The quiz in now a permanent fixture in the calendar and plans are already in progress to get the trophy back from Long Melford in 2009. We are in the process of discussing a bowling night for all members young and old - date to be advised.
Here are some photographs taken during the quiz evening;
A very studious looking Long Melford team
A more relaxing second Long Melford team - the winners of the quiz
Iain, and Barry - Organiser and Quiz Master - Iain is about to make an announcement !
Max checking the scores and Barry on the Microphone
Junior True Blue of the Month for October 2007 - Tommy Portman Miller
Committee member Barry Miller's son Tom (above) has been named the Junior True Blue of the Month for October (The E-on competition featured in the programme and on the club website), and as a result he was mascot for Ipswich Town for their match against Bristol City on Saturday 10th November 2007 as well as going on the shortlist for the main prize at the end of the season.
He inspired Ipswich to their 6-0 victory - nice one Tom!
He was basically nominated because he has been a season ticket holder since he was 3 yrs old and due to his unusual middle name and famous namesake . . . . . . . . Tommy Portman Miller!
Here are some more pictures, taken on Tommy's big day;
Branch Quiz
On Thursday 1st November 2007 our branch held a quiz at The Rose Tavern, to raise money to cover the losses incurred on home coaches. While it was intended to be a local, Haverhill quiz, we were very pleased to welcome a team from Bury.
Questions were set by Max Eason, and ranged from Dr. Who to Shakespeare, from famous people with David as a christian name to identifying bald women!
Question master was Max and he was assisted by Iain Ross, who kept an expert eye on proceedings and also kept score.
After a tense struggle, the winning team was The Dream Team, consisting of Joan and Derek Ling, Martin Thulbourne and Caroline Drew.
The Branch would like to thank the landlady of The Rose Tavern for allowing us to use the pub.
ITFC Programme book, and Programme & Memorabilia club
Alasdair Ross has had a book published called Ipswich Town F.C. Programme guide.
It lists all Ipswich Town programmes from 1936 to the present day.
It costs £9.00 including postage.
To obtain a copy, send a cheque for £9.00 made payable to A Ross, to:-
Alasdair Ross
58 Lonsdale Close
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 4HD
Alasdair also runs an Ipswich Programme and Memorabilia club, which has over 100 members.
It is
£5 to join and for that you get 4 issues of club magazine- "Town Collectables"
Please contact Alasdair on the address above for further details.
Here is the front cover of the book:
