Summer 2007 Free to Members Issue No

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TRUST MEMBERS NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2007 FREE TO MEMBERS ISSUE NO. 10

SPECIAL CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

In this issue...

“My greatest We look back at the Championship season

ever achievement The players tell us about the ‘title- in football” winning feeling’ and their hopes for next season

Trust members celebrate title £1

Buy Official Championship Merchandise @ www.berwickrangers-shop.co.uk As is customary, I’d like to to �� thank all those connnected � � Inside this issue... � � SPECIAL � � to the Trust for their efforts Champions! 4 & 5 � � � in providing a worthwhile � The Berwick Brick Wall 6 & 7 � � service to fans, community � � CHAMPIONSHIP

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� and Club, and once again The Title Run-in 8 & 9 � � highlight the huge amount � Trust Promote Decider 10 ISSUE � of work undertaken by a � � � �� Player of the Year 11 �� relatively small number of � � � � individuals.The excellent Trust Hall of Fame 12 �� work done in supporting the Membership Report 13 Youth Initiative, newsletters, 8 PAGES OF COVERAGE the Trust web-site and Trust & BRFC A.G.M. 14 Newsletter No. 10 Champions through a Lens! 15 Summer 2007 Trust Shop, for example, START OVERLEAF Hello and welcome could not happen without Trust Shop Update 16 c/o 10 Golden Square to the latest, and very the dedication and whole- ‘Foreign Fields’ 16 special, edition of the hearted commitment of Berwick-upon-Tweed Vice Chairman’s Report 17 Northumberland BRFC Supporters Trust perhaps less than half-a- TD15 1BS newsletter. dozen people which the Trust Trust Help Away Travel 17 are extremely fortunate to News Snippets 18 & 19 Telephone: Special indeed, as its not count on as members. 01289 333103 often that we have cause to celebrate a Championship! The Trust continues to Fax: Twenty-eight years since grow steadily, but we really 01289 306980 the last one, to be precise, would appreciate some and those of us who were ‘new blood’ on the Trust E-Mail: fortunate enough to be at Board to keep development [email protected] the nail-biting climax to the going. So if you have a little season against Arbroath time to spare, please make Chairman: witnessed the culmination yourself known. Thanks to John Bell of a great effort by all all who attended the recent concerned with Berwick AGM - as organisations Vice-Chairman: Rangers. go, we always have a very Colin Pike healthy percentage of our There’s no doubt that for membership in attendance. Secretary: two seasons in succession Our guest speakers John Mark Swanston John Coughlin has done Coughlin and Elaine Millar an extraordinary job at from Supporters Direct Treasurer: Shielfield, and success did an excellent job of Gordon Dickson was fair reward for a huge keeping us entertained and amount of work put in this interested. Membership Secretary: year. Even the most die- Bill Purvis hard supporter would have I hope you enjoy reading struggled to dream of this this edition, and please Committee Members: achievement after the exodus feel encouraged to put pen David Cook of experienced players from to paper and contribute a Karen Thorburn the Club, and the Trust few words for the next one. Paul Smith can take some satisfaction There’s a lot of interesting George Thompson from the part we played in stories out there waiting to Stephen Scott helping to bring about the be heard. Keith Hall signing of Gary Wood. Ronald Kirk Take care, and have a safe There’s no doubt too that and enjoyable summer, and Newsletter Designed & support from the terracing roll on Division Two! Edited by Paul Smith has been appreciated by the players, and although often Best wishes, Printed by Fantasy Prints, small in number, the vocal Berwick. Tel 01289 303242 encouragement provided Pictures by Joe Payne, throughout the year surely Kevin McCormick, David Morton helped in some way. John Bell (Trust Chairman) & Doug Stenhouse ��

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� � � � � � � � � �� 28/4/2007 - A DAY TO REMEMBER � �� Champions! � � ��

Everyone has their own personal Colin said: “I can remember very little about “Both Tai and I witnessed all the pre-match recollections of what happened on that that night at Cowdenbeath all those years ago build-up from the tunnel area – the boys were glorious afternoon where the 28-year-long so I was determined to take as much in of the so up for it. However - one thing will live me wait for a Championship finally ended. day as I could especially at the end of the game forever. because you never know how long we may wait I’m sure we could fill the Trust to lift another championship again. “The team were getting ready to go into their newsletter five times over with pre-match huddle and Tai was looking a bit everyone’s memories of that “This success means just as much as left out of things as he stood outside the group. memorable day - from the moment the first one did but this was more of But Big Kevin seen him standing there all on his when Assistant Manager Matt Kerr a team effort because the last one own and called him over and tucked him under addressed The Ducket moments was very much the Dave Smith show his arm into the huddle amongst the team before kick-off with a gripped fist to – he was very instrumental on the - what a gesture by the big man, this was the fire the fans up ready for the war-cry field.” biggest day in most of these players careers yet right until Robbie Horn and Grant they still had time to make Tai’s day by involving Without doubt the most touching McNicoll received the trophy. him in the circle as Robbie lead the battle-cry to Tia Meakin with Gary Wood and Kevin Haynes story of the day is recalled by ardent ensure the team let no one down. Black & Gold fan David Morton Speaking to the media after the final whose partner’s son Tai Meakin was “Footballers often get bad press that they don’t whistle, manager John Coughlin mascot for the day. care about the fans – that cannot be said about said: “I’ve won championships with The staunch trust member paid our players – what a bunch.” both Alloa and St Mirren in the past tribute to talisman striker Kevin as a No2 to Tom Hendrie but this one Haynes for a tear-jerking gesture means the most as it’s my first title as he showed towards Tai seconds before the big a manager in my own right.” kick-off.

Trust Vice-Chairman Colin Pike stood on David added: “I had arranged for Tai to be the terrace at Central Park back in 1979 mascot for the day for the Arbroath game well when the Dream Team won their last league before we knew that the game would take on as championship at Cowdenbeath. big as importance as it did. Fans Celebrate: (L to R) Dale Jones, Ian Gregory, Michael Bell, Martin McLeary, Mark Swanston, Rich Swanston, Brian Parkin, Steve Parkin and David Morton

Above: Kevin Haynes and Iain Diack. Below: the Ducket in full swing

Ian Little and Gary O’Connor with the trophy

4 ORDER YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP T-SHIRT TODAY @ www.berwickrangers-shop.co.uk JOIN TODAY FROM ONLY £2 PER MONTH! 5 ��

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� � � � � � � � � �� by Chris Sanderson � �� ‘The Berwick Brick Wall’ - Horn & McNicoll � � ��

Supporters Trust Player of the Year I seemed to get a tough reception at the time Man for all occasions Grant McNicoll speaks volumes for what the gaffer and his Robbie Horn couldn’t hide his emotion but I feel that’s behind me and the support has sampled all the highs and lows that backroom staff and this squad has achieved. after receiving the accolade at the club’s that not just me but the team has received Berwick Rangers have faced in a ten year annual presentation night in The Black over the past couple of seasons has been career at Shielfield Park. “Everyone writing us off actually spurred us & Gold Club shortly after clinching that immense. on and don’t forget we were a good 13 points elusive third division championship. Promotions, relgations, cup shocks, various behind leaders East Fife at one stage before “If anything that spurred us on to go one heartbreaks and playing on all the big stages we went on that record breaking run of eight The rock solid defender’s contribution to better and lift the title for the fans who have – the long serving defender has been in the back-to-wins in the league which paved the title chase didn’t go unnoticed by trust been superb as well as everyone connected trenches for all of them but the championship the lifting of the Championship members who were polled in the weeks with the club. win is the icing on the cake insists the 29- trophy.” CS leading up to the final game of the season. year-old “I’ve been touched with all the awards I Speaking in the aftermath of the picked up – it wasn’t until a few days after the Grant added: “I played in all the big championship celebrations, Robbie said: championship win that everything began to cup shocks against Rangers and Hearts, “This award means so much to me. ”If the sink in and I must admit when I looked back I played on some big stages and played in a truth was known I always felt a bit emotional. promotion winning side back in 2000 but felt I struggled to win make no bones about it this is the pinnacle of the fans over during “But it was a team effort and I must pay my career. my first couple tribute to both Grant McNicoll and Jordan of seasons after I Smith who were both immense during the “There have been great players at this moved to Berwick season at the back with myself. club who have never been able to win from a championship medal so to win Forfar. “It has been a long time since Berwick won something like a title makes you a title and we all knew what that meant to appreciate what we have achieved. everyone connected with not just the club but the town too. I’m sure we’ll savour all the “I’ve waited ten years for something memories over the next few weeks during the like this to happen and perhaps the summer break.” only downside personally was to have missed out on the run-in due to injury.”

Being so close to the big prize a year ago no doubt spurred everyone who suffered the heartache back then. The hurt and pain which everyone felt will always be difficult to put into words but as Grant goes onto say can now be finally put to the sword for good.

Grant continued: “To be so close last time around and then lose the bulk of that squad

6 CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP NOW AVAILABLE - SEE PAGE 13 BUY OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE ONLINE @ www.berwickrangers-shop.co.uk 7 ��

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A three week holiday in Barbados might version (just a few seconds behind in fact) so this what I wanted and can mean one of two things; sound like heaven to most people, but for one would do the just fine. Sitting down with the Pina they are jumping around like idiots or are so gutted Kensington Oval, Barbados Berwick fan, a trip to the sun-kissed island Colada’s to hand (watching the DT turns you to they have broken their phones I am presuming the proved to be, at times, far from paradise. drink at times) ready for battle then, Goal Kettering former but could do with confirmation. The title run in was an exciting and very have scored, this is going to be long afternoon. nervous time for us all, but spare a thought for As more people crowd around the screen wanting A text from JP confirms we are champions, fantastic committee member GEORGE THOMPSON. to know the scores of their teams the banter ensues now I need to speak to somebody though so I will and before long I am up off the seat, we have keep trying them. On and off for twenty minutes After following Berwick Rangers home and away scored, Stuart Fraser no less, well that sends me with only an occasional connection, can hear the all season, George had booked a trip, in January into overdrive and I start my very own Ducketvision ducket in full voice and brings tears to the eyes, 2006, to watch England in the Cricket World Cup, song contest much to the amusement of others have returned to my seat now and must look a right which happened to clash with our own title run-in. around the computer who thought I was mad (if sight but do I care, not on your life I do, I maybe only they knew the half). Half time arrived- more far away but after all I have been through watching George reported back on a regular basis and Pina Colada’s needed and just on queue my good them over the years, I sure as hell will enjoy it. kept this record of being 4000 miles from lady arrives with them, meaning I don’t need to Shielfield Park whilst all the action happened. leave the only seat in the room that would inevitably Emotions are running high now and the Cricket is have been stolen by Mick, a Hammer or Steve, a starting to get exciting as well, life can be hard can’t Elgin City (h) – 7 April Gooner (Cockney geezers can be well dodgy). Still it as I want it over with quickly so I can check Pie Delays, delays, delays, only in the UK can on with the second half and no further score but and Bovril. a plane be delayed for 3 hours (longer the Smokies have beaten Queens Park so they do than the flight itself to Gatwick) still it mean business then, oh well! The decider is now Well would you credit it the closest finish yet on the would give me chance to watch Jeff next week. second last ball but an England win to round off the Monday 23 April and the boys discuss the big boys and day, right now to surf websites. Should calm the celebrations down now, then again hopefully get a glimpse of the Friday 20 April maybe not, one more night should do it. What a DT hammering Elgin and To calm pre-match nerves we go on a cruise with It is amazing to think that being so far away you decision that was as I end up being in company getting a step nearer to the former West Indies Barbados legends and end up can actually be part of celebration but thanks to with Freddie Flintoff, no less. Holy Grail. meeting Joel Garner (god he is huge), Gordon the web it can happen and within six hours of it Greenidge and Sir Garfield Sobers happening I was watching the trophy in Robbie and Missing out on the club’s second ever A Wetherspoons bar meal with Grant’s hands with over 2000 there. championship was always going to be Magners is hardly the most Arbroath (h) D-Day 21 April agonising if the eventuality did arise, but I was exotic way to start the England now out of the World Cup but playing the Now what would any Berwick fan do now, yes over the moon going through the agony as hols but if it meant hosts today in a Carnival atmosphere, this is what that’s it I will get hammered big style (more that had meant we were number one, top of seeing Diack’s it is all about - the noise, the passion, two sets of than normal that is). One great advantage of all the tree and cream of the crop. name on screen fans shouting on their teams, no hang on that is inclusive is free drink, so now I can try and concoct that would do for Shielfield, that’s where I should be, behind the mic a Championship cocktail, in fact why not two From a distance I was able to keep in touch me. No names egging on the Ducket or winding up the Smokies. (one black and one gold obviously) after several with all the happenings but it was not the appear on screen attempts at each I think I have managed to come same as being there with my friends going and the flight 4000 miles from Shielfield watching Cricket, I just up with them just in time for last orders. Fourteen of through all the emotions and build up to is called never do not want to be here, I should be in the Pilot for these please Eugene (not all for me though) and we the big event and the following aftermath of mind may catch it the Brekky then the Lowpin Trout. toasted the Dream Team long into the night as we parties and celebrations. at Gatwick on route hit the strip outside the hotel. to the hotel or text the England are being taken to the cleaners by the West Whilst I tried my best to celebrate, it didn’t gruesome twosome would Indies openers (beep, beep) a text from Smudge, Sunday 22 April mean anything and to have had the chance suffice. I cannot look, here goes Get In!! 1-0 Diack. I am No sleep, then up to watch the Toon play Chelsea to share the moment with fans who like the only Englishman with a smile on my face and at 8.30am, football in these parts are no good for me have been following the DT for years to With all the screens and duty free shops at Gatwick shouting, can we keep it up, how are we playing, those who like a lie in. More celebrations follow Cowden, Stranraer, Forfar, Elgin etc to finally I cannot believe there is no scores on. Still Swano how many glory hunters are there? back at the hotel with the full repertoire of songs see silverware at Shielfield it is something I turns up trumps with the devastating draw outcome being sung, then of all things a complaint about will have to live with. Let’s hope it is not nearly and a Haynes sending off. Not the start needed for All these questions and more will have to wait the songs, only tongue in cheek though as it turns as long the next time as I will be drawing my the start of hols. just now as I need a drink and it is quite a walk. out the couple is from, of all places, wait for it, pension by then, but it is what following a wee Another text in, kick off was delayed to allow the ARBROATH. All that way and meet some Smokies. team is all about- that magic moment when Albion Rovers (a) – 14 April crowd in, good lord how many are there? He then comes up with the most ridiculous question you are the winners, when you have a ( c ) First week off to a flier as I watched England ever - “did Arbroath win?” After some cheeky after your name on tv and in the press, when struggle to beat Bangladesh and the Aussies Midday now, High Noon only Mads Dogs and comments about anything and everything he you are the SPECIAL ONE. hammer Ireland but for the main event I have Englishmen go out apparently, now added to that walked away knowing full well who the champions managed to get permission from the hotel manager is a desperate Berwick fan who wants to know his were. End up managing a Cricket team Mango Bay Well done to Coff and the boys for doing it so I could use the internet to access the scores on a team’s result. Thirty two degrees with no breeze, still Blasters who are playing a St Peter’s Parish Select on the park and for Bob and the directors for Saturday between 10 and 12. should only take a few minutes to get through to containing Pedro Collins (he is touring England with backing him off it. Now for that open top bus Smudge. No answer, again no answer, try Swano the West Indies this month) in a supposed friendly from Highcliffe to Highfields! Sky Sports online service is just as good as the TV instead, no answer, again no answer this is not cricket match.

8 JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP NOW AVAILABLE - SEE PAGE 13 JOIN TODAY FROM ONLY £2 PER MONTH! 9 ��

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� � � � � � � � � �� Player of the Year Awards � �� Trust Promote Decider ��

As usual this season the Trust asked its relationship and sponsorship of the youth members to vote for their own player of team. the year. This was done as the No votes available here though, season drew to a close using so we asked the Initiative coaches, our new website and another and they said the most deserving innovation for us, the Trust recipient amongst their ranks emails, which are now going was JASON INGLIS. We are out to members on a regular particularly proud that we alone basis with a variety of topics. chose to recognise anyone from the The bear with Bobby Sidey Berwick fan Walter Deicher Votes were also taken at our youth team, others may wish to take stopped by to chat to the bear AGM near the end of the note. Hopefully an initiative you, season. the membership, would have chosen to back us on. Our members voted, and a clear winner emerged. The awards themselves ROBBIE HORN was the man were presented after the who attracted the most votes from you our championship winning game Our Trust bear all set to members and I think you’ll all agree he is against Arbroath in a packed spread the word! indeed, a popular choice. Black & Gold, together with the awards from the Football and Supporters Club. Our very Our big-eared friend with a fan who had travelled from Seattle to This season as well, we thought it appropriate own chairman John Bell did the honours The bear with Trust member watch Berwick v Arbroath to make an award to the Youth Initiative for our awards with both recipients looking Ian Greggory player of the year, given our continued pleased as punch.

On Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday The response from the public was excellent CENTRAL BORDERS SUPPORTERS CLUB UPDATE 21st April, the Trust took the streets of with many people wishing us luck. We even Berwick to drum up some extra support for bumped into a fan, originally from Berwick, the title decider against Arbroath - with the who had made the trip from Seattle for the Fraser Scoops Central Borders Award help of our very own Trust bear. game. As part of the campaign, we also ran a competition on Radio Borders and our own STUART FRASER was the Player of the Year. Chosen

Committee member Paul Smith and Trust website, with the two winners picking up a pair by the members of the Borders Branch, Kenny from � �� member Cameron Waterhouse decided to take of free tickets to see Berwick v Arbroath. � � Kelso was our nominated Supporter of the Year, and he � �

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the initiative as the football club themselves � � � presented Stuart with his trophy. Thank you Stuart for your � � � � �� didn’t have any special plans to promote the We would like to think that our promotion of �� contribution to the Wee Gers. �� game against Arbroath at Shielfield. the game went some way towards generating the bumper crowd - over 2,000 turned up to The lads spent much of Thursday and Friday see us lift the title. CONDOLENCES are offered to the friends and family of distributing 2000 leaflets to over 50 shops and Pete Hardie, from Duns. Pete had been a supporter of supermarkets and 25 pubs and restaurants. BRFC for over 60 years. He died suddenly on Monday 23rd April 2007, 40 hours after watching his team win the league…our On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning thoughts and sympathies are offered to all who knew him. they were joined by Trust member Ian Gregory who helped them hand out over 1000 leaflets The Borders Branch of the Supporters Club meet on the Last Wednesday of every to members of the public on Marygate. month in the Black Swan, Kelso. Usually, everyone is there by 7.30pm, but you For more info contact Derek on 01896 668961 The sight of a giant bear standing outside the can come and go as you please. O2 store certainly attracted some attention of or drop an e-mail to; [email protected] passing shoppers and motorists! CENTRAL BORDERS SUPPORTERS CLUB UPDATE

10 IF YOUR DETAILS HAVE CHANGED, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY E-MAIL OR TELEPHONE SEND US YOUR VIEWS - [email protected] 11 ��

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� � � � � � � � � �� Trust Hall of Fame Membership Report � � � � � � � � ��

An idea we thought might be of However, voting will remain open for The success of the “Dream Team” on the Those of you who pay your subscription on an interest to Trust members of all ages, some time to allow all members the pitch and our new website coming online annual basis will shortly receive a reminder have both contributed to the continuing that this is due in June. Of course, some and something that we know is chance to get their nominations in. growth in our membership. Since our last members prefer to pay at the start of the new unique to BRFC in general. The end The general idea is that the eleven Newsletter, 19 new members have signed season and we are happy to accommodate product would be something, that up (seven via our website) while we have this. in the opinion of the existing Trust players polling the highest number of votes will be duly inducted in the first lost 2 therefore as at 1st May 2007 our membership, would recognise the total membership is 169 of which we Finally I include a list of new members who year. At this stage we will endeavour to most popular players to have worn the have 167 Full Members and 2 Junior have signed up since our last Newsletter was Black & Gold. contact said players and give them the Members. produced: - good news. Now whilst realising this is This of course does not necessarily mean hardly a life changing decision, we’d Currently a further 10 website applications for 189 David Grant Swinton, Manchester the best, as this term is purely down to hope the recipients would be happy membership are still in course of completion 190 Duncan Plummer York 191 Ian Patterson Malaga, Spain the individual eye. Voting is open to all to hear of their enduring popularity but hopefully most, if not all, will sign up current Trust members, with the only amongst the clubs fans who are Trust 192 Greg Stone Newcastle in the next few days. While the bulk of 193 Craig Atkinson Uxbridge, Mddx stipulation being that you must have seen members. Then in each subsequent year, applications are spread throughout the UK I 194 John Burton Sheffield have one outstanding at present from Western 195 David Blackburn Berwick Australia – this is the furthest distant so far. 196 John Anstiss Fulham, London 197 Ian Runciman Amble For a considerable period our initial target 198 Cam Waterhouse Spittal was to sign up 150 members and this 199 Robert McEwan Alnwick 200 Keith Howe Darlington was achieved around the time of our last 201 Ryan Waterhouse Spittal Newsletter. Our new target is 200 members 202 Marc Hope Lowestoft. Suffolk and if most of the outstanding website 209 Morag Driver Crieff, Perthshire applications sign up we are over halfway 210 Mark Brooker Spittal there. However we need your help in 211 Gareth Dennett Port Glasgow promoting the Trust at every opportunity and 213 Roy Murray Ferrers encouraging others to join. J02 Liam Smith Tweedmouth

JOIN THE TRUST FROM ONLY £2 PER MONTH! Trust Membership Corporate Membership Junior Membership From only £2 per month, you Support the Trust and help Sign up your children or order all the players you nominate in the flesh, after another period of voting, three can become a regular Trust promote your business! You a members pack as a present so to speak! You can nominate as many more players each year will also be member and receive: will receive all the regular for a friend’s child or relative. A Pin Badge benefits, plus: A Pin Badge or as few players as you choose. inducted. Membership Card A free advert in our Newsletter Membership Card Voting thus far has been slow but a Members Certificate A free advert on our website Junior Members Certificate So, if you’re reading this and haven’t Annual Calendar Calendar certain pattern is emerging with eleven Regular Newsletters Corporate membership is from Newsletters names drawing clear of the pack. At the voted yet, and there are quite a number of you, get moving. You can send them only £10 per month (£120 per Plus a Birthday Card time of writing it’s interesting to note Join today and help us support year)! that the fore runner has attracted 5.83% via our website or by snail mail with our football in the local com- Junior membership is only £5 munity! per year! of the total vote. Thus far 85 different address also on the site and of course players have been nominated. this newsletter.

12 VOTE FOR YOUR HALL OF FAME ONLINE - www.berwickrangers.co.uk TRUST DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES - 118813 13 �� e ��

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� � � � � � � � � �� Champions through a Lens! � � � Trust A.G.M. � ��

The Trust AGM was held in the Black and Gold contract. The club are fortunate to have Coff as www.theducket.com Social Club on Saturday, 7th April prior to the manager, and the only worry is that the more Those who regularly attend games home the championship home game against Elgin City, and attracted a successful he becomes, the greater the likelihood and away, will know the familiar sight of the visits to www. healthy attendance of 35 members. that he’ll figure on someone else’s radar. a Berwick fan snapping away from the theducket.com So let’s enjoy what he brings to the club while we sidelines. That fan is KEVIN McCORMICK, were four times To take the edge off some of the more mundane can. Supporters Trust member and the man who their normal level procedural business, the Trust invited BRFC brings you theducket.com. and it was very manager John Coughlin and Supporters Direct As for the rest of the business, Mark Swanston nice to receive His love of football photography started years complementary e- Development Officer Elaine Miller to speak at the announced his intention to step down as trust ago, as Kevin explains: “back in 1999 I bought mails from players meeting. secretary as soon as a replacement can be found, my first digital camera. It was a 1.3 mega-pixel and management although he will continue to serve on the Trust with something like an 8MB card for storing the at the club It’s always nice when people ask to Elaine gave a short presentation on future plans board. A big thanks to Mark for his excellent pictures on. Nowadays if you bought a mobile use my photos away from the internet. Over by that organisation to develop their working stewardship of the trust’s administrative work, with that sort of spec you’d be disappointed, such the summer Gordon Dickson contacted me relationship with established trusts and explore and if you’re interested in succeeding him, please is the progress in this field. The biggest problem explaining he’d like to produce a calendar for how support to trusts can be tailored to meet the contact John Bell, Trust chairman. You will need to with smaller digital cameras is the short delay Trust members. So in August and September I set differing requirements of each trust. The message be a Trust member to be appointed as secretary. between pressing the shutter and it capturing the about getting some shots for Gordon. I wanted was a welcome one - that Supporters Direct are action. In football that can often be the difference to keep them fresh for the calendar so they didn’t between the ball and players being in shot and appear on the website. I’ve been offering photos evolving with the increasing number of trusts The 2 outstanding vacancies on the trust board not! So you tend to get a lot of wasted shots, to the match programme too at times because and adapting their role to help ensure that the have been filled by members David Cook and however in the digital world that doesn’t really I’m conscious that with the Berwick Advertiser momentum of the trust movement is sustained Steven Smith. matter. Over time I taught myself to anticipate not using pictures for away games (certainly that and developed. the action and that meant I had more useable was true the last time I looked) that some fans John Bell presented the trust’s business plan for pictures, however when I eventually bought a will miss out on seeing action shots away from John Coughlin once again proved his credentials 2007/08, which was agreed by the membership, better camera that didn’t have a delay I had to Shielfield.” as a natural public speaker, even putting and details of which will be announced separately get used to pressing the shutter when the action microphone-hogger and Trust chairman John on our website. It was also agreed to reappoint took places and not before!” “It’s also been fascinating to see how many of Bell in the shade. He outlined his footballing Berwick-based accountants Greaves, West and my photos make their way unofficially on to the “I’ve been involved in running various guises personal bebo.com sites of players and fans philosophy and his future ambitions, and best Ayre as the Trust’s auditors for the new financial of Berwick Rangers website since around the alike. I stumbled across them when looking for news of all was his commitment to remaining at year. same time but they can be time consuming info on midfielder Steven Notman. Not really Shielfield for at least the duration of his current to do properly and since my son was born in being in the target age bracket for these things, 2004 I’ve been concentrating mainly on taking I’d not quite appreciated the way people use photographs at the games and putting those on these ‘social networking’ sites. For a Berwick �� www.theducket.com for all to see.” player my site is probably one of few places � � � �

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� � � they’ll find photos of themselves playing and the � � � � � �� Football Club A.G.M. � Adding: “The photos you see on the website are easiest way of showing their friends is to add the �� often crops from the full size picture. This trick pics to their personal site. “ cuts out a lot of empty grass and fills the frame The trust was represented at the football club consideration by the board of a newly-published with on the players and the ball. At Shielfield and Kevin will return for the Division Two campaign, AGM by board members John Bell,David paper setting out SPL2 proposals, and the other grounds we visit regularly, you can always adding: “another season comes to an end. I’m Cook and Gordon Dickson. implications of these for the football club get pretty close to the pitch which helps a lot. off to archive all the pictures and get some space I don’t really want to be too far away from the back on my PC… until next season”. The most notable issues arising from the meeting the development of closer ties with Berwick Berwick faithful either because it’s easy to lose were: Rangers juniors track of the how the game is going when you’re Thanks to Kevin for all his unstinting efforts the reduction in directors loans and the the U-19 side joining the East of Scotland Divsion watching it through a camera lens and the fans for both the club and the Trust, we feature One next season (with scope to play first team reactions are a good way of hearing how it’s his pictures in most of our newsletters and conversion of these to shareholdings going.” on the website. Why not log on to the reduction in the overall debt at the football squad members returning from injury,suspension www.theducket.com and take a look at his club etc) Kevin was present with his camera on work from games all over Scotland. Championship day: “the reaction to the photos the appointment of Bill Parkin,chairman of the The meeting lasted for approximately 38 minutes on the website has been great. When we won supporters club,to the football club board and was attended by 15 shareholders.

14 JOIN THE SUPPORTERS TRUST ONLINE - www.berwickrangers.co.uk JOIN TODAY FROM ONLY £2 PER MONTH! 15 ��

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SURF THE NET REPLICA SHIRTS A VERY WARM WELCOME to all our I hope you’ll agree its well worth a look, and The Trust shop has now finally made the From this month the club shop will not be valued members who are reading presently stands alone as the only website where you’ll get up to date info on internet. Simply go to the Trust website selling the replica shirts of the club. This this, our latest offering on the newsletter front. Trust as well as team matters. and follow the tabs. At the follows a request by the Still on communication, I hope moment there is a limited club who wished to sell the As usual, since our last edition you are finding the regular emails range of stock due to the shirts directly rather than use a vast amount of hard work has I am sending to you useful. As fact that the stock is run ourselves. To obtain a shirt been undertaken by some of our usual constructive criticism is most board members. As usual, we welcome, but do keep them clean! down towards the end of the you should go onto the club are always trying to be inclusive season. We are aiming to website or contact the club We have also recently launched two and transparent for our members, new membership types - Corporate extend the range in time for directly (the person to speak something I feel very strongly and Junior. If you wish to sign up next season. to is Craig Forsyth). about, as I know it marks us down your children, membership is only There are two ways to pay as very different to any other £5 per year. And if you own a supporters organisation. I hope you for your order; either by post business and would like to become feel our efforts in this direction are a corporate member, prices start from or by using Paypal (there was a credit card Everything else will continue as normal. well placed, but again, as usual, this is where just £10 per month. See page 13 for further option that hasn’t proven viable). I think the Trust movement is streets ahead, if details! you don’t, get in touch and let us know. We

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� � � � A very quick mention on the season just � �� time to send your nominations, and some �� Foreign Fields � �� finished, phew! And what a season and quite interesting patterns are forming. indeed finish. As one who was around 28 However some of you have still to contribute. TRUST MEMBERS Gordon Dickson, David years ago I made sure this time that I took it There’s still time so let me have them as soon Cook and John Bell recently made a trip all in and will remember the recent goings on as you can and I will make the results known to Berlin to take in a weekend of football with much clarity. to you all. - three games in three days. The Friday night Another initiative we are pushing on with is to That’s enough from me, so my thanks to all took in the top of the table (4th Division come up with Championship merchandise. concerned for making this another successful Brandenburg) clash between Tennis Berlin The Zentral Several items will be available and when they period for the Trust, and have a safe and Babelsburg. A 1-0 win for the home side Stadium are you’ll be notified - we intend to publish a journey………eh sorry wrong report! wasn’t enough to challenge the visitor’s top commemorative book and a DVD. place and who have subsequently went on Keep the faith the win the league (just like us!). What was for last year’s World Cup. It was very much Also a mention for our new website and the noticeable was the home supporters singing the Queen’s Park experience with only 1,900 hard work put into producing it by board member Paul Smith. songs in English, including “It’s just liking people in the stadium. The home side won Colin Pike, Trust vice-chairman watching Brazil”, a home from home. 3-1 although it must be said that if Dresdon Nord were to enter the Charities Cup this year �� On Saturday afternoon it was down the they wouldn’t be lifting the silverware. The � � � �

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� � � � � �� Union (pronounced Onion) Berlin to see wonderful thing about the new stadium is that �� Trust Help Away Travel �� them take on Fortuna Dusseldorf (with ex it is built inside the old stadium. To get in you � �� Glasgow Ranger Jorg Albertz in the side). have to go to the terraces of the old stadium In an effort to increase culminating in a subsidising the bus The game was decided by a floated free kick and walk over bridges into the modern our travelling support, demand to run two travel. We would also that somehow found the net via a hole in the version. Trust members Brian buses to Stenhousemuir like to thank Glen Valley keeper’s torso. Parkin, Mark Swanston on the final day of the Tours of Wooler. To make the weekend complete the Dream and Paul Smith season. There are already plans The final day (Sunday) was remarkable. A two Team won 1-0 at Coatbridge. organised coach travel afoot to run buses to to our last six away The Trust would like to selected away game hour drive south to Leipzig for the 4th Division games of the season. thank Doug Stenhouse next season, details of (south east) match between Sachsen (Saxon) Auf Wiedershen gadge and Robert Elliot for which will be on our Leipzig and Dresdon Nord. The match took Numbers at the games very generous donations website at the beginning place in the Zentral Stadium which was used gradually increased, towards the cost of of July.

16 ORDER YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP T-SHIRT TODAY @ www.berwickrangers-shop.co.uk JOIN TODAY FROM ONLY £2 PER MONTH! 17 ��

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ANOTHER RACING SUCCESS! The quiz was fiercely contested by 10 teams SUPPORTERS TRUST PRODUCE When ever you go online to purchase The Trust held another off 4 people, all keen to get a share off the CHAMPIONSHIP GOODIES! something - be it a DVD, a new TV or even a car, please use the ‘easyfundraising’ banner successful race night at prize money . To help celebrate our Championship win, ad which is on our homepage. The Pilot Inn on Friday, we acted fast to produce posters and t- The quiz master George Thompson got us 17th March. shirts in time for the final league match at Doing this will earn the Trust money - we are It was a classic case all working the grey matter with his questions Stenhousemuir. They went down a treat, with paid a commission on everything you buy of “everyone’s a ranging from football to television for the all the t-shirts being snapped up before kick by clicking through from our website. Most winner” (aren’t they next sixty minutes. Once the sheets had been off. In all, we have produced 100 t-shirts, companies tend to donate up to 5% to us on always?), with £530 marked, it was congratulations to the win- which have all been bought up. We have more all purchases. being raised towards ning of Berwick fans, including Trust member ordered, which are available to buy for £9.99 Trust funds, and David Spence, on a fine effort they were duly on our online shop - www.berwickrangers- You will find stores such as Amazon, Play. a contribution of shop.co.uk. If you order online you will receive awarded there prize from Trust Chairman com, Marks and Spencer, Dell, HMV, 10% of the takings a free A3 colour poster. going towards the John Bell. A pie and pea lunch was provided Direct Line, The Body Shop, Phones4U, national Red Nose charity event. for all entrants of the quiz, well done to every Woolworths and Comet - plus many, Plenty of punters went home with a decent wad one who participated in this event . many more. So go on, make sure you click in their pocket too, though the closing camel through our banner ad to earn the Trust money race caused some confusion amongst the Lets hope that we can continue these events for nothing! professional punters in our midst. prior to the occasional home game . Finally a big thank you for the Black & Gold and to our Guests of honour were BRFC manager John quiz master George Thompson for another SAVE OUR STAGGIES VISIT Coughlin and his partner Kirsty, who are successful Trust event. welcome back at any time, particularly since BERWICK ON GROUND TOUR Kirsty had the good grace not to clean out the On Friday 15th December 2006, committee bankers (that’s “bankers”) this time around. members Colin Pike, Mark Swanston and Coff was in good form, despite occasional Paul Smith met with members of Ross County choruses of “Coughlin’s the Special One “ VACANCY supporters group ‘Save our Staggies’. The breaking out from the front bar. group used Shielfield Park as their starting TRUST SECRETARY point for a tour of the 42 Scottish League Thanks again to mine host Spadge,not least Our current Secretary, Mark Swanston, is Committee member Mark Swanston grounds. for his ongoing hospitality and support for the unfortunately having to step down from ‘models’ the new t-shirt Trust, plus a couple of tiptop ales in Black Moss his position as Trust Secretary, although They completed the task at 3.08pm the next and Crouch Vale Brewers Gold. If you like a we’re glad to say he will remain on the day, just in the nick of time to watch Ross good pint and spending an evening with a Over the course of the summer we will be Society board. We are therefore look- County at Victoria Park, Dingwall. Members load of slavvers, then this is the place for you. producing a brand new range of leisurewear ing for a current Trust member to fill the to celebrate both the 2007 title win and also of the committee chipped in to donate £50 to Especially when the Chief has overcooked their worthwhile cause. his beer tasting. Thanks also to Andy and position. It will obviously be helpful if you the 1979 championship. Phil for running the race night - good work, have the required clerical skills, coupled and Trust members too; to Paul Smith for with the ability to use Microsoft Word Please keep checking our new online store for his organisational and publishing skills, and & Outlook. If you think you would like details and don’t forget to visit our Trust shop everyone else who mucked in. to become involved with the running of just inside the ground, which will be given a re- the Trust please get in touch and we can fit over the summer to include even more club answer any questions you may have. merchandise. TRUST QUIZ Berwick Rangers Supporters Trust held a quiz t: 01289 333103 EASY FUNDRAISING on Saturday the 17th March 2007 prior to our e: [email protected] Those of you who have logged on to our new home game against East Fife. We would like w: www.berwickrangers.co.uk website will be aware that we have signed up to thank everyone who attended this event. to the ‘easyfundraising.org’ scheme.

18 JOIN THE SUPPORTERS TRUST ONLINE - www.berwickrangers.co.uk JOIN TODAY FROM ONLY £2 PER MONTH! 19 You can now purchase prints from the Championship day online at www.funkyfoto.co.uk. Choose from over 200 pictures and have them delivered to your door in just a few days! For details on hiring Funky Foto to cover an event, please contact us on 07974137277 or email [email protected] www.funkyfoto.co.uk

Published by Berwick Rangers Supporters Trust