As part of the Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust’s 30-year anniversary celebrations, a series of accounts from staff, volunteers, partners and participants have been compiled in the ‘30 Stories for 30 Years’ publication, that also includes the annual Impact Report for 2022.
All of the stories, and the Impact Report, can be viewed online HERE. Should you wish to request a hard copy, please email kristian.hitchins@watfordfc.com.
Next up is the story of a fundraiser called Frances...
My initial knowledge of the Trust came from the football training sessions that they ran for local children during school holidays. My nieces attended and absolutely loved the experience.
Then, when I joined the board of the Watford Supporters Trust, I got to know about the other good work that the Community Trust was doing. At the time, as I was aware of its charitable status, I looked into ways to financially support the Trust, but the website at the time was only offering sponsorship options of thousands of pounds aimed at businesses. There did not seem to be an option for an individual to support them. I found out that this had changed when the wonderful book was released to celebrate 25 years of the Trust. It was sent out to all Season Ticket holders at no cost, but with a suggestion that you made a donation. That was when I discovered that I could set up a monthly donation that continues to this day.
In recognition of my support, I was invited to a celebration event at the club in January 2020 at which a number of participants talked about the benefits that they have received from taking part in some of the Trust schemes. I was particularly moved by the story of a man who attended Golden Memories, a scheme for people with mild to moderate dementia. The sharing of stories and memorabilia from Watford’s history helps to stimulate the senses of the attendees and to evoke memories of their own from their time supporting the Hornets, and it had brought a smile back to his face after he and his wife had moved to a care home. I was particularly pleased to hear that Rita Taylor had been invited to one session as a guest, but continued to attend as a volunteer making tea for participants. The event had been attended by players, Adekite Fatuga-Dada and Adrian Mariappa, who talked about their experiences at Trust schemes when they were youngsters, and by Daniel Bachmann who has volunteered at Trust events. I was very impressed that Adrian Mariappa stayed behind at the end to put away the chairs.
I was also a participant in the inaugural Taylor Trek last year. With my sister and my niece, I walked the 18 mile route, which took me to parts of Watford and the surrounding area that I had never seen before, but also past the flat that I lived in when I was a baby. I particularly enjoyed the walk along the towpath of the Grand Union canal from Cassiobury Park to Kings Langley. It was a long day, but a great achievement when we finished.
Back at the stadium we were greeted by Rita Taylor and her granddaughter, Rhiannon, who were a sight for sore eyes. I have met Rita on a number of occasions, and she greeted me with a big hug that took away all the pain that I was suffering after the walk. We also saw my friend, Don Fraser, who, with Trond, had completed the family route around town. At the end of the day over £10,000 was collected for the Trust, to allow them to continue the wonderful community schemes. This year the trek will take place on October 15, and I am very much looking forward to taking part again.
