The unbeaten league run came to an end yesterday as the diamond formation lost it's cutting edge. This was in contrast to the 4-4 thriller in the morning between the fans where Jimmy Glass made an appearance and popped up with the equaliser for us.

Hit the Bar & Website

There are some great pictures on our website from Sheff Wed http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/photos/sheffwed2010.html

We need more photos - you and your family in colours, you at games, interesting things you have seen at games, pics of stadiums you have visited with Carlisle, your children as mascots.

We would like friends, colleagues or relatives who can provide opposition views for Charlton, Bristol Rovers, Southampton, Walsall & Leyton Orient. Please contact editor@carlislelondonbranch.org for the format.

Social 1 - 28th September

The plan is to have a social with Hartlepool fans based in London on the evening that coincides with the Hartlepool v Carlisle game. Unfortunately due to Champions League games clashing with the big game venues seem reluctant to entertain us. We will continue to look for a venue that has a pool table and wireless internet so as to have live commentary of the game.

If you are interested please contact Tony Little at social@carlislelondonbranch.org

Social 2 - Brewery Tour - 7th October

We have organised a night out on the Sambrooks brewery tour. This is one of the few breweries in London and situated in Battersea.

The tour will be on Thursday October 7th @ 7pm and the cost is £7 pp .

Each tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes free tasting ( Someone who has done this tour said his pint glass was never empty they just kept filling it up for him! )

There are over 15 booked so far. Please register your interest with Nigel Moss at nigemoss@yahoo.co.uk

Social 3 - 23rd November

A Jimmy Greaves & Geoff Hurst event has now been scheduled for the Orchard Theatre Dartford on Tuesday 23rd November. If anybody is interested let Mike Carruthers carruthers29@btinternet.com know. The Theatre is right next door to the Railway Station so getting back into London will not be a problem.

Mascots

The mascot experience is a great day out for both parents and mascots so sign up quickly with Helen Magee-Brown at mascots@carlislelondonbranch.org

Exeter 16th Oct
Bristol Rovers - TAKEN
Orient 4th Dec - TAKEN
Yeovil 18th Dec
Charlton 8th Jan - NOT AVAILABLE
Southampton 12th Feb - TAKEN
Swindon 19th Feb
Brighton 5th March
Peterborough 12th March
Brentford 25th March
MK Dons 9th April
Dag & Red 30th April


United Scene

You may have read on pages 43-44 in the HTB that on 2nd September a new 60 page high quality magazine ' United Scene ' was launched. It will be published every eight weeks making a total of six issues this season.

Carlisle United have approved for CUSCLB to be a sponsor as well as contributing articles. Because agreement was reached after the first issue went to print, we have agreed the following subscription deal.

Members of CUSCLB can subscribe to issues 2-6 for a total of £20 which includes p&p ( UK only ) - a saving of £4.75 compared to the standard rate . For overseas subscribers the cost will be £25.

If you are interested please send a cheque payable to CUSCLB to me at 11 Cedar Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5DA with the name and address to whom the copies are to be sent.

I will include reminders in future issues of vhtb once a deadline has been set. Remember this offer is only available to existing CUSCLB members ie those who have renewed.

Issue 1 can be purchased via the club shop 01228 554138 and numerous retail outlets in Cumbria.

I have received payment from Colin Hopkins, Allan Stamper, Eric Rothery, Dave Brown, Harold Bowron, Chris Tembey, Ken Hullock, Iain Davidson, Geoff Graham, Mick Simpson, Nigel Moss, Mike Carruthers, Chris Holmes, Ian Brown, John Walker, Ricahrd Shipley, Bob Ham, Nick Dawson & Mick Driver.

AWAY TRAVEL


It is essential that you review your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance at http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/tds.php


Tickets should be ordered from tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org or via our website only when you have sufficient funds on deposit.

Exeter 16th October

We await ticket prices. Groupsave will be available on the day. Please register with Al at travel@carlislelondonbranch.org and let him know if you have any suggestions for the pre match meeting place.

OTHER NEWS

Get it off your Chest

Your club needs you! We’re getting in touch with Carlisle United supporters to see if we can find any budding bloggers, writers, or people who just want to have their voice heard.

A new football website is being launched by BT on 4th October, called Life’s a Pitch, and they’re looking for Carlisle United fans to give their views on what’s going on at your club each week.

They’re not looking for War and Peace or professional journalism, just a handful of sentences (up to 200 words) each week on whatever’s on your mind – whether it’s the weekend’s result, off the pitch troubles or the latest transfer rumours, they want to know what’s on the minds of fans of clubs across all four divisions.

As a little reward, all contributors will be entered into a monthly draw throughout the season for a chance to win an LG 50” Plasma TV for your troubles.

If you’re interested and want to put your name forward, or just want to ask for more details, simply email Rachael@audacity-group.com with your name, club and contact details and they’ll do the rest.


Renewal Process Linking in with Teamcards

For those still to renew please find attached the renewal form. The standing order option is not currently available. Please note that Branch membership cards will be distributed together with Teamcards this season, with the exception of Premier Club members and Season Ticket Holders who will receive their Teamcards direct from CUFC.

Aside from those Members who opted out or redeemed their Teamcard points, all Branch Teamcard points will be pooled together and donated to CUFC in the form of a specific purchase. Once I know details of the total amount I will advise what the points have been used for.


Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson

*** 26 September 1987 - United secured a 4-0 win against Scarborough with goals from Brent Hetherington, Wes Saunders, Billy Wright & Malcolm Poskett ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).

Here's a question I wanted to look at. Have League 1 teams 3rd after 7 games often gone on to win promotion? In a word - No.

Going back from last season for the 3rd tier (now League 1 but Division 3 in old money), I've looked at the teams occupying the top 3 positions at the time the majority of the division played their 7th league game i.e. this corresponding weekend. This has then compared against how they finished up at the end of the season including any play-off outcomes. Separately, the team 3rd after 7 games has been noted along with their final position.

Headline summary:
On average based on the last 16 seasons, a team 3rd after 7 games has ended up 10th.

Over those 16 seasons, not 1 single team 3rd after 7 games has won promotion, either directly or through the play-offs.

The last team to break this sequence and the one for Carlisle to emulate was Reading in 1993/4. 3rd after 7 games, they went up as Champions.

On the 3 teams x 16 to be in the top 3 after 7 games, only 7 have gone on to be promoted. That's about a 14.6% chance.

Correspondingly, no team 3rd after 7 has been relegated.

In 2006/7, Scunthorpe and Blackpool were 21st and 22nd after 7 and ended up both winning promotion after finishing 1st and 3rd.

There are lies, damn lies and statistics :-)



LPO = Lost Play-Off

Another clean sheet yesterday but a failure to convert first half chances meant that although the unbeaten league record remained intact, an opportunity to go top was missed.

Diamond Geezer

Find out who at CUFC came up trumps as a ' Diamond geezer '

http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/news_files/b592cc51215248883e7b2e81e32670ba-32.html

Supporters' Match v Bournemouth 25th September

The game against Bournemouth supporters goes head with a kick off at 1030.

A pitch is booked in Kings Park and its literally a 100 yards from the away turnstiles ! Changing/shower facilities are available at Kings Park athletic stadium (approx 400 yards from the pitch we play on ).

If there there any others that fancy a game please let Chris Tembey know at football@carlislelondonbranch.org

The Groupsave train for players and supporters will be the 0805 from Waterloo ( calling at Clapham Junction at 0812 ) which arrives in Bournemouth at 1000. It's a short hop in a taxi from there.

4 adults on the Groupsave works out at around £19 each and I have the following confirmed - Nigel Moss, John Sawrey-Cookson, Jason Boswell, Simon & Sam Clarkson, Ken & Alun Hullock. Contact me if anyone else wants to join in.


Social 1 - 28th September

The plan is to have a social with Hartlepool fans based in London on the evening that coincides with the Hartlepool v Carlisle game. We are looking for a venue that has a pool table and wireless internet so as to have live commentary of the game.

If you are interested please contact Tony Little at social@carlislelondonbranch.org

Social 2 - Brewery Tour - 7th October

We have organised a night out on the Sambrooks brewery tour. This is one of the few breweries in London and situated in Battersea.

The tour will be on Thursday October 7th @ 7pm and the cost is £7 pp .

Each tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes free tasting ( Someone who has done this tour said his pint glass was never empty they just kept filling it up for him! )

There are over 15 booked so far. Please register your interest with Nigel Moss at nigemoss@yahoo.co.uk

Mascots

The mascot experience is a great day out for both parents and mascots so sign up quickly with Helen Magee-Brown at mascots@carlislelondonbranch.org

Exeter 16th Oct
Bristol Rovers - TAKEN
Orient 4th Dec - TAKEN
Yeovil 18th Dec
Charlton 8th Jan - NOT AVAILABLE
Southampton 12th Feb - TAKEN
Swindon 19th Feb
Brighton 5th March
Peterborough 12th March
Brentford 25th March
MK Dons 9th April
Dag & Red 30th April

United Scene

You may have read on pages 43-44 in the HTB that on 2nd September a new 60 page high quality magazine ' United Scene ' was launched. It will be published every eight weeks making a total of six issues this season.

Carlisle United have approved for CUSCLB to be a sponsor as well as contributing articles. Because agreement was reached after the first issue went to print, we have agreed the following subscription deal.

Members of CUSCLB can subscribe to issues 2-6 for a total of £20 which includes p&p ( UK only ) - a saving of £4.75 compared to the standard rate . For overseas subscribers the cost will be £25.

If you are interested please send a cheque payable to CUSCLB to me at 11 Cedar Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5DA with the name and address to whom the copies are to be sent.

I will include reminders in future issues of vhtb once a deadline has been set. Remember this offer is only available to existing CUSCLB members ie those who have renewed.

Issue 1 can be purchased via the club shop 01228 554138 and numerous retail outlets in Cumbria.

I have received payment from Colin Hopkins, Allan Stamper, Eric Rothery, Dave Brown, Harold Bowron, Chris Tembey, Ken Hullock, Iain Davidson, Geoff Graham, Mick Simpson, Nigel Moss, Mike Carruthers, Chris Holmes, Ian Brown & John Walker.

AWAY TRAVEL


It is essential that you review your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance at http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/tds.php


Tickets should be ordered from tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org or via our website only when you have sufficient funds on deposit.

Bournemouth 25th September

Groupsave train travel will be available - register with travel@carlislelondonbranch.org

There will be no advance ticket sales for United fans for this game. Fans can pay on the gate with cash only, with the prices listed below:

Prices

Category Price
Adult £19
Senior (65+) £10
Junior (under 16) £10
Students (with valid NUS) £10
Ambulant Disabled £10

For all disabled fan tickets and enquiries please contact Phil Tyrell on 07803 090047.

Hartlepool 28th September

Please note that we WILL NOT be taking orders for this game.

Tickets are available from the CUFC ticket office 0844 371 1921

Adult £20
Senior (60+) £10
Junior (under 16) £10
Students (with ID) £10
Ambulant Disabled £20
Disabled Concession £10

OTHER NEWS

Dave Nicholson - Memorial Service

A message from Dave's wife Christine - " For those of you who were unable to join us at the service we had here in France, we’d like to invite you to join us for an opportunity to celebrate David’s life. We will be holding a memorial service for him on October 4th, 2010 at 11:45am at Basingstoke Crematorium, Manor Farm, Stockbridge Road, North Waltham, RG25 2BA. Following the service, we will be going to the Fox, a favourite place of ours and the site of many wonderful evenings, especially Hogmonay, where Dave was always resplendent in his Nicholson tartan kilt.

As anyone who knew Dave can attest, his one great abiding passion, was his beloved Carlisle United. As we did here in France, we invite you to wear your Carlisle colours to the Fox – it would have delighted him and will ensure we give him a party to remember. "

Please let me know if you are going so that I can advise Christine for catering purposes. I have the following down for the train ( contact me for timings, etc ) Simon Clarkson, Dave Brown, Ian Jardine, Ken Hullock, Howard Atkinson, Dave Croxford & Jason Casey.

Also attending but going by car are Geoff Graham and Colin Hopkins ( 2 ) .

David and his son, Simon, have supported the Pituitary Foundation since his tumour was discovered and should you like to send a donation on David’s behalf instead of flowers please send me a cheque payable to CUSCLB and we will make a single donation from the Branch.

Renewal Process Linking in with Teamcards

For those still to renew please find attached the renewal form. The standing order option is not currently available. Please note that Branch membership cards will be distributed together with Teamcards this season, with the exception of Premier Club members and Season Ticket Holders who will receive their Teamcards direct from CUFC.

Aside from those Members who opted out or redeemed their Teamcard points, all Branch Teamcard points will be pooled together and donated to CUFC in the form of a specific purchase. Once I know details of the total amount I will advise what the points have been used for.

Hit The Bar!

Please send in your pictures in unusual places in United colours together with a short explanation to Dave Brown editor@carlislelondonbranch.org

If you are happy for photos to go on our website please send them to Paul Parke at webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.org .


Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson

*** 19 September 1960 - United secured their first league win of the season at the 10th attempt when winning 3-1 at Mansfield ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).

It’s not easy being a manager, or director of a football club. For many of us paying to watch games, the sympathy for those responsible for running a club, signing the players and devising the tactical master plans to entertain us doesn’t run too deep. However, a couple of things over the summer have got me thinking about the side of football few of us ever see. Firstly, I found myself playing host to a former work colleague of my wife’s over the summer. He and his wife live in Australia these days but I knew they had both been involved behind the scenes in football when she was a director of a club. I could name the club, but then that might stop me telling you that we had a really memorable evening discussing the grim realities of football directorship. The pair had been involved, she was a director, he’d helped with some of the legal business and the club in question was in a precarious state when they got involved. I guess I haven’t narrowed the field too much if I say this happened a few years ago, the threat of bankruptcy was real, there were issues about players being paid and there were fans who wanted blood. Oh yeah, and the club in question are located nowhere near the great border city. I know what that situation feels like as a powerless supporter, and – incidentally – the couple we had round shared a few Michael Knighton stories, a tactful way of summarising the stories might be to say they regarded our former owner as both ‘memorable’ and – ahem – ‘eccentric.’

What they told me about their days in the boardroom of a club involved physical threats to them both, coughing up their own cash in the interim when the finances at the bank didn’t allow for wages to be paid and the odd supporter loose in the corridors of the ground and looking to have it out with those responsible for the mess the club was in. The ‘mess’ as my guests explained it was inherited and their many hours of work helped save a club, and allow it to be sold on, survive relegation and continue to this day.

I mention this because there has been much debate over the willingness of the CUFC board to spend and set ambitious targets in recent years. There has also been some clear communication from our board, via both the local media and fan forums, as they have repeatedly explained their own case. This has happened, but whether everyone is hearing the same thing is debateable. There are still a lot of messageboard posts that start off critical, and run to thoughts that would be libellous if they appeared in a publication worth taking to court.

I’ll confess that over the last eighteen months I’ve got a lot more accepting where our board and manager are concerned. Largely because I can’t recall a time when the club was more open to trying to get the message across to fans. This is always a two way process and I think – at present – that those of us in the London Branch are probably better served than the exiled supporters of many larger clubs. Some of this has happened because the branch has made communication with the club a priority. But the club has been responsive and willing to listen to its supporters/customers, and I see that relationship causing trouble in some of the biggest clubs in the country, especially Manchester United and Liverpool.

One small example of the effort being made helped me this year, and the least I can do is say a public thank you and hold this up as something to be thankful for. When United played away at Norwich in May the London Branch invited the directors and management to a meal, Greg Abbott turned up and before the meal I managed a few minutes with him over a beer. I asked if he or someone from the management would be willing to turn up in Waterstone’s and sign books with me in July. I hadn’t a definite date at that point. Greg said he would be willing but I should ring to confirm this at the start of pre-season training.

By that point the date of the Newcastle game had been publicised and that seemed an obvious opportunity to promote a book about Carlisle United. Greg said he’d pencil in the date, but almost as soon as this had been agreed, Cumbria police advised rescheduling the kick off. With a 1-00pm start for the game I assumed I would be reduced to profiting from any pre-season injury to a player but – despite having a team to prepare for the highest profile of all the pre-season games – Greg still offered to come along and help me. So long as he could be out of the shop inside 45 minutes he would give up his own time. Bear in mind, this was in Waterstone’s. Carlisle United make no money from my book sold in that shop, they only make a profit from sales in the Blues Store. This was a PR effort on Greg’s part, the chance to meet a few fans. Bear in mind also that he’d been to a fans’ forum the night before in Whitehaven, so he could have made the excuse that he’d done enough handshakes and answering of questions about his tactics that week.

Most managers – in my opinion at least – would have cried off that commitment. It’s a measure of how much our club and our manager are prepared to go to meet their fans that Greg delivered on his promise. I don’t know how the new season will unfold in terms of performances on the pitch. As of this writing the bookies seem to think we’re one of the least interesting teams in our league and after waiting 21 years for a mid-table finish, we might be faced with exactly the same thing next May. But one thing I do know is that the last couple of seasons have seen some obvious efforts by the club to reach out to fans and develop an understanding.

As my friends once involved in directing a club will tell you, you can’t please everyone all the time. In fact, there are some people you can never please. But our board and backroom are trying and little gestures can go a long way. Thanks Greg.

So you’ve been to Wembley on a double-decker bus: celebrated the 35th anniversary with special guest Stan Bowles: produced 250 issues of ‘Hit the Bar’ and a fantastic book to record the achievement; sponsored the Good Friday game at Brunton Park: had a great day out at Goodison and organised the Annual Summer Trip to be able to watch the World Cup Final in the Malaga Bullring. Never mind all the other events in a fantastic season. This means the AGM, an event that reports and reflects on all of this, could, potentially, be something of a dull anti-climax.

But this is the London Branch. The Annual General Meeting, after many years of trying, was finally booked to be in the Tower of London. And we do not mean some back street tourist pub with the same name. The downside of the plan was an attendance limit of 50 as the London Branch would be there as guests of the Yeoman Warders. Although this would, on past years, be sufficient, the added attractions of the Tower of London meant that it was only just enough.

Thus the 50 members duly assembled outside the main entrance to the Tower of London at 7 p.m. on Monday July 19th. There they were met by the Yeoman Warder who was to be their host and guide for the evening. Once inside the party was given a quick introduction to the Tower with its elaborate rules and rituals, as we were not part of the daily tourist scrum. The Tower complex was empty apart from the London Branch group as they went on their tour.

The guide, as one would expect, provided a humorous and interesting commentary on the various points of interest, the towers, watergate and place of execution, never mind the ravens who, at that point of the evening, were on their way to bed.

The tour ended at the Yeoman Warders own club, tucked away in a corner below the tower walls. This enabled the members to enjoy a meal and hold the AGM from 8 p.m. onwards. Proceedings were started with a celebratory toast to the memory of David Nicholson who, sadly, dropped from the membership roll a month ago. After that the meeting followed its usual agenda with officer’s reports and elections for the committee posts for next season. The membership fee was held at the same £15 for yet another year.

The meeting was duly brought to an end in good time for everyone to be able to gather outside and be strictly instructed about the “Ceremony of the Keys” that would take place at 10 p.m. The RAF Regiment were the current guardians of the tower and would go through the ceremonial procedure that goes with locking up the tower every night. Members, particularly those with drinks still to finish, were reassured that there was a side gate left open after the ceremony.

And so ended the best London Branch AGM yet. However it has left a major problem. How do you follow that?

A fantastic day out yesterday. Has there been a better atmosphere at a league game this century ?


Branch Meeting

All our welcome at the next Branch meeting on Thursday 16th September.

**We are trying out a new formula with a view to making it even more of a social occassion.

The meeting will start at 6.30pm and should be finished by 8pm when for those wishing to eat can do so. The rest of the evening will be social craic over a few beers. There is no need to let us know in advance if you are attending.


Supporters' Match v Bournemouth 25th September

Are there any others that fancy a game of football on the morning of Sat 25th Sep against Bournemoth supporters ? We have 8 as listed below. Can any others let Chris Tembey football@carlislelondonbranch.org know before 5pm Tuesday at which point we will make a decision as to whether the game goes ahead.

Our squad so far: Dave Batey, Steve Batey, Chris Tembey, Alun Hullock, Ryan Wilson, Sam Clarkson, Simon Clarkson & Jason Boswell.

Social 1 - 28th September - Central London

The plan is to have a social with Hartlepool fans based in London on the evening that coincides with the Hartlepool v Carlisle game. We are looking for a venue that has a pool table and wireless internet so as to have live commentary of the game.

If you are interested please contact Tony Little at social@carlislelondonbranch.org

Social 2 - Brewery Tour - 7th October

We have organised a night out on the Sambrooks brewery tour. This is one of the few breweries in London and situated in Battersea.

The tour will be on Thursday October 7th @ 7pm and the cost is £7 pp .

Each tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes free tasting ( Someone who has done this tour said his pint glass was never empty they just kept filling it up for him! )

There are 15 booked so far. Please register your interest with Nigel Moss at nigemoss@yahoo.co.uk

United Scene

You may have read on pages 43-44 in the HTB that on 2nd September a new 60 page high quality magazine ' United Scene ' was launched. It will be published every eight weeks making a total of six issues this season.

Carlisle United have approved for CUSCLB to be a sponsor as well as contributing articles. Because agreement was reached after the first issue went to print, we have agreed the following subscription deal.

Members of CUSCLB can subscribe to issues 2-6 for a total of £20 which includes p&p ( UK only ) - a saving of £4.75 compared to the standard rate . For overseas subscribers the cost will be £25.

If you are interested please send a cheque payable to CUSCLB to me at 11 Cedar Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5DA with the name and address to whom the copies are to be sent.

I will include reminders in future issues of vhtb once a deadline has been set. Remember this offer is only available to existing CUSCLB members ie those who have renewed.

Issue 1 can be purchased via the club shop 01228 554138 and numerous retail outlets in Cumbria.

I have received payment from Colin Hopkins, Allan Stamper, Eric Rothery, Dave Brown, Harold Bowron, Chris Tembey, Ken Hullock, Iain Davidson, Geoff Graham, Mick Simpson, Nigel Moss, Mike Carruthers, Chris Holmes, & Ian Brown.

AWAY TRAVEL


It is essential that you review your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance at http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/tds.php


Tickets should be ordered from tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org or via our website only when you have sufficient funds on deposit.

Bournemouth 25th September

We await ticket prices. The ticket order deadline will be 1200 Monday 20th September.

Groupsave train travel will be available - register with travel@carlislelondonbranch.org

Hartlepool 28th September

Please note that we WILL NOT be taking orders for this game.

Tickets are available from the CUFC ticket office 0844 371 1921

Adult £20
Senior (60+) £10
Junior (under 16) £10
Students (with ID) £10
Ambulant Disabled £20
Disabled Concession £10

Walsall 20th November

Cheap train tickets for this one have been released. Virgin do not allow Groupsave. If you want to travel with the group and use the early bird price please register with travel@carlislelondonbranch.org by 5pm Tuesday.

OTHER NEWS

Around the Grounds

I have received the following message " Once again, thank you for your contribution to ‘Around the Grounds’ by Chris Nelson.

We were very short on review copies, therefore we have made a copy available to review online at the following address: http://www.footprinttravelguides.com/c/8951/football/&Action=product&Product_Reference=ATGR01

I’m also pleased to offer your readers a 25% discount to purchase the book. They can order online via the above link . To claim the discount, enter “footie” in the coupon code box at checkout. "

Dave Nicholson - Memorial Service

A message from Dave's wife Christine - " For those of you who were unable to join us at the service we had here in France, we’d like to invite you to join us for an opportunity to celebrate David’s life. We will be holding a memorial service for him on October 4th, 2010 at 11:45am at Basingstoke Crematorium, Manor Farm, Stockbridge Road, North Waltham, RG25 2BA. Following the service, we will be going to the Fox, a favourite place of ours and the site of many wonderful evenings, especially Hogmonay, where Dave was always resplendent in his Nicholson tartan kilt.

As anyone who knew Dave can attest, his one great abiding passion, was his beloved Carlisle United. As we did here in France, we invite you to wear your Carlisle colours to the Fox – it would have delighted him and will ensure we give him a party to remember. "

Please let me know if you are going so that I can advise Christine for catering purposes. I have the following down for the train ( contact me for timings, etc ) Simon Clarkson, Dave Brown, Ian Jardine, Ken Hullock, Howard Atkinson, Dave Croxford & Jason Casey.

Also attending but going by car are Geoff Graham and Colin Hopkins ( 2 ) .

David and his son, Simon, have supported the Pituitary Foundation since his tumour was discovered and should you like to send a donation on David’s behalf instead of flowers please send me a cheque payable to CUSCLB and we will make a single donation from the Branch.

Renewal Process Linking in with Teamcards

For those still to renew please find attached the renewal form. The standing order option is not currently available. Please note that Branch membership cards will be distributed together with Teamcards this season, with the exception of Premier Club members and Season Ticket Holders who will receive their Teamcards direct from CUFC.

Aside from those Members who opted out or redeemed their Teamcard points, all Branch Teamcard points will be pooled together and donated to CUFC in the form of a specific purchase. Once I know details of the total amount I will advise what the points have been used for.

Hit The Bar!

Please send in your pictures in unusual places in United colours together with a short explanation to Dave Brown editor@carlislelondonbranch.org

If you are happy for photos to go on our website please send them to Paul Parke at webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.org .


Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson

*** 12 September 1961 - David Oliphant became the first United player to score a League Cup penalty in the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).

A late flurry of activity on transfer deadline day saw the departure of Ian Harte and the addition of loanees Michalik & Marshall.

Despite getting 18 corners against Swindon yesterday it was us hanging on for a point.


Social 1 - 28th September - Central London

The plan is to have a social with Hartlepool fans based in London on the evening that coincides with the Hartlepool v Carlisle game. We are looking for a venue that has a pool table and wireless internet so as to have live commentary of the game.

If you are interested please contact Tony Little at social@carlislelondonbranch.org


Social 2 - Brewery Tour - 7th October

We have organised a night out on the Sambrooks brewery tour. This is one of the few breweries in London and situated in Battersea.

The tour will be on Thursday October 7th @ 7pm and the cost is £7 pp .

Each tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes free tasting ( Someone who has done this tour said his pint glass was never empty they just kept filling it up for him! )

The following are booked - Dave Brown ( 2 ), Nigel Moss ( 2 ) , Simon Clarkson, Mike Carruthers, John McGree, Iain Davidson ( 2 ), Ken Hullock, Jim Lawman, Jason Casey & Tony Little.

Please register your interest with Nigel Moss at nigemoss@yahoo.co.uk

United Scene

You may have read on pages 43-44 in the HTB that on 2nd September a new 60 page high quality magazine ' United Scene ' was launched. It will be published every eight weeks making a total of six issues this season.

Carlisle United have approved for CUSCLB to be a sponsor as well as contributing articles.

Because agreement was reached after the first issue went to print, we have agreed the following subscription deal.

Members of CUSCLB can subscribe to issues 2-6 for a total of £20 which includes p&p ( UK only ) - a saving of £4.75 compared to the standard rate . For overseas subscribers the cost will be £25.

If you are interested please send a cheque payable to CUSCLB to me at 11 Cedar Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5DA with the name and address to whom the copies are to be sent.

I will include reminders in future issues of vhtb once a deadline has been set.

Remember this offer is only available to existing CUSCLB members ie those who have renewed.

Issue 1 can be purchased via the club shop 01228 554138 and numerous retail outlets in Cumbria.

I have received cheques from Colin Hopkins, Allan Stamper, Eric Rothery & Chris Tembey.


Branch Meeting

All our welcome at the next Branch meeting on Thursday 16th September.

**We are trying out a new formula with a view to making it even more of a social occasion.

The meeting will start at 6.30pm and should be finished by 8pm when for those wishing to eat can do so. The rest of the evening will be social craic over a few beers. There is no need to let us know in advance if you are attending.

AWAY TRAVEL


It is essential that you review your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance at http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/tds.php


Tickets should be ordered from tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org or via our website only when you have sufficient funds on deposit.

Sheff Wed 11th September

The Ground is reserved seating

Prices Seated: Adult £21:00
Senior (65+) £12:00
Students (with ID) * £12:00
Junior (U18) £12:00
Ambulant (higher level disability) Same rate as above for age bracket
Carer FOC

This match is part of a Football League promotion being ran in conjunction with The Sun Newspaper **. Readers must collect 4 tokens and complete a coupon from this paper in order to qualify for these tickets and produce these at our ticket office upon payment. You can then gain the promotional ticket of 2 adults for a total value of £19.50.

There are 9 pairs of wheelchair & helper tickets at a cost of £10:00 per pair and a limited number of disabled car parking spaces at a cost of £3:00 each, payable in advance no later than 5 days prior to the game. Please contact Liz Higginbottom on 0871 995 1867 option 0 after 1 pm weekdays.

* Student concession is only available in advance of the game

** Please note that CUSCLB are NOT using the Sun vouchers as part of our order. You will need to do this direct with the club.

The below had ordered tickets as at 7pm last sunday. These have gone off in our first batch of 2 requests. The second batch has a deadline of 1200 Monday 6th September ( Al has been on holiday during the week but will acknowledge orders upon his return ).

Malcolm Roger, Iain Davidson, Dave Brown, Mike Carruthers, Simon Clarkson, Mike Simpson, Nigel Moss, Ken Hullock, Jim Lawman, Aidan Wharton, Amanda Caddy, Dave Croxford, Paul Parke, Al Millington, Jason Casey, Ian Brown, David Ross, Andy Dixon ( B ), Bob & Makiko Brookes, Geoff Graham, Chris Tembey, Richard Wood, Stuart Allington & Eric Rothery.

Some Members are booked on the 0955 from St Pancras and return on the 1827. Groupsave will not be available on the day.

Please note that several tube lines including Victoria are closed on this day.

Bournemouth 25th September

We await ticket prices. The ticket order deadline will be 1200 Monday 20th September.

Groupsave train travel will be available - register with travel@carlislelondonbranch.org

Walsall 20th November

We will need to be quick to snap up the cheap train tickets for this one when released in the next few days as Virgin do not allow Groupsave. If you want to travel with the group and use the early bird price please register with travel@carlislelondonbranch.org

OTHER NEWS

Dave Nicholson - Memorial Service

A message from Dave's wife Christine - " For those of you who were unable to join us at the service we had here in France, we’d like to invite you to join us for an opportunity to celebrate David’s life. We will be holding a memorial service for him on October 4th, 2010 at 11:45am at Basingstoke Crematorium, Manor Farm, Stockbridge Road, North Waltham, RG25 2BA. Following the service, we will be going to the Fox, a favourite place of ours and the site of many wonderful evenings, especially Hogmonay, where Dave was always resplendent in his Nicholson tartan kilt.

As anyone who knew Dave can attest, his one great abiding passion, was his beloved Carlisle United. As we did here in France, we invite you to wear your Carlisle colours to the Fox – it would have delighted him and will ensure we give him a party to remember. "

Please let me know if you are going so that I can advise Christine for catering purposes. I have the following down for the train ( contact me for timings, etc ) Simon Clarkson, Dave Brown, Ian Jardine, Ken Hullock, Howard Atkinson & Dave Croxford.

Also attending but going by car are Geoff Graham and Colin Hopkins ( 2 ) .

David and his son, Simon, have supported the Pituitary Foundation since his tumour was discovered and should you like to send a donation on David’s behalf instead of flowers please send me a cheque payable to CUSCLB and we will make a single donation from the Branch.

Renewal Process Linking in with Teamcards

For those still to renew please find attached the renewal form. The standing order option is not currently available. Please note that Branch membership cards will be distributed together with Teamcards this season, with the exception of Premier Club members and Season Ticket Holders who will receive their Teamcards direct from CUFC.

Aside from those Members who opted out or redeemed their Teamcard points, all Branch Teamcard points will be pooled together and donated to CUFC in the form of a specific purchase. Once I know details of the total amount I will advise what the points have been used for.

Hit The Bar!

You should have all received issue 254 late August. Please send in your pictures in unusual places in United colours together with a short explanation to Dave Brown editor@carlislelondonbranch.org

If you are happy for photos to go on our website please send them to Paul Parke at webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.org .


Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson

*** 5 September 1992 - United slip to a 2-0 defeat at Barnet in the newly named Division 3 ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).

The unbeaten league record remained intact at Colchester after an improved second half performance. Why do equalisers sometimes feel better than winners ?

It is with regret that I advise you of the untimely passing of Paul Harrison. Paul, died on an archeological dig in Egypt, on Wednesday 25 August 2010, and leaves behind a wife and two children. His health had suffered for several years. Paul's remains will be flown back to the UK and he will be buried in Leeds. Paul, a London Branch member for several seasons wrote books on Carlisle United including the Complete Record and Cult Heroes. Our thoughts go out to his family.


Prediction Competition

Please find attached our 21st anniversary Prediction Competition. Let's go for a record entry by distributing this as widely as possible to friends and colleagues.

Please note the closing date is 4th September.

AWAY TRAVEL


It is essential that you review your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance at http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/tds.php


Tickets should be ordered from tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org or via our website only when you have sufficient funds on deposit.

Sheff Wed 11th September

The Ground is reserved seating

Prices Seated: Adult £21:00
Senior (65+) £12:00
Students (with ID) * £12:00
Junior (U18) £12:00
Ambulant (higher level disability) Same rate as above for age bracket
Carer FOC

This match is part of a Football League promotion being ran in conjunction with The Sun Newspaper **. Readers must collect 4 tokens and complete a coupon from this paper in order to qualify for these tickets and produce these at our ticket office upon payment. You can then gain the promotional ticket of 2 adults for a total value of £19.50.

There are 9 pairs of wheelchair & helper tickets at a cost of £10:00 per pair and a limited number of disabled car parking spaces at a cost of £3:00 each, payable in advance no later than 5 days prior to the game. Please contact Liz Higginbottom on 0871 995 1867 option 0 after 1 pm weekdays.

* Student concession is only available in advance of the game

** Please note that CUSCLB are NOT using the Sun vouchers as part of our order. You will need to do this direct with the club.

The below had ordered tickets as at 4pm Friday. Our first batch of 2 requests will go off to CUFC at 1200 on Monday 31st August. You must therefore place an order with Al Millington at tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org before then otherwise your request will go in the second batch with a deadline of 1200 Monday 6th September ( Al is on holiday during the week but will acknowledge orders upon his return ).

Malcolm Roger, Iain Davidson, Dave Brown, Mike Carruthers, Simon Clarkson, Mike Simpson, Nigel Moss, Ken Hullock, Jim Lawman, Aidan Wharton, Amanda Caddy, Dave Croxford, Paul Parke, Al Millington, Jason Casey, Ian Brown, David Ross, Andy Dixon ( B ), Bob & Makiko Brookes, Geoff Graham & Chris Tembey.

Some Members are booked on the 0955 from St Pancras and return on the 1827. Groupsave will not be available on the day.

Please note that several tube lines including Victoria are closed on this day.


Bournemouth 25th September

We await ticket prices. The ticket order deadline will be 1200 Monday 20th September.

Groupsave train travel will be available - register with travel@carlislelondonbranch.org

Walsall 20th November

We will need to be quick to snap up the cheap train tickets for this one when released in the next few days as Virgin do not allow Groupsave. If you want to travel with the group and use the early bird price please register with travel@carlislelondonbranch.org

OTHER NEWS

Brewery Tour

We are organising a night out on the Sambrooks brewery tour. This is one of the few breweries in London and situated in Battersea.

The tour will be on Thursday October 7th @ 7pm .

Cost is £7 pp and we need a minimum of 10.

Each tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes free tasting ( Someone who has done this tour said his pint glass was never empty they just kept filling it up for him! )

Please register your interest with Nigel Moss at nigemoss@yahoo.co.uk


United Scene

You may have read on pages 43-44 in the HTB that in the next couple of weeks a new 60 page high quality magazine ' United Scene ' will be launched. It will be published every eight weeks making a total of six issues this season.

Carlisle United have approved for CUSCLB to be a sponsor as well as contributing articles.

Because agreement was reached after the first issue went to print, we have agreed the following subscription deal.

Members of CUSCLB can subscribe to issues 2-6 for a total of £20 which includes p&p ( UK only ) - a saving of £4.75 compared to the standard rate . For overseas subscribers the cost will be £25.

If you are interested please send a cheque payable to CUSCLB to me at 11 Cedar Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5DA with the name and address to whom the copies are to be sent.

I will include reminders in future issues of vhtb once a deadline has been set.

Remember this offer is only available to existing CUSCLB members ie those who have renewed.

Issue 1 can be purchased via the club shop and numerous retail outlets in Cumbria. Look out for further news on the official site this week.


Dave Nicholson - Memorial Service

A message from Dave's wife Christine - " For those of you who were unable to join us at the service we had here in France, we’d like to invite you to join us for an opportunity to celebrate David’s life. We will be holding a memorial service for him on October 4th, 2010 at 11:45am at Basingstoke Crematorium, Manor Farm, Stockbridge Road, North Waltham, RG25 2BA. Following the service, we will be going to the Fox, a favourite place of ours and the site of many wonderful evenings, especially Hogmonay, where Dave was always resplendent in his Nicholson tartan kilt.

As anyone who knew Dave can attest, his one great abiding passion, was his beloved Carlisle United. As we did here in France, we invite you to wear your Carlisle colours to the Fox – it would have delighted him and will ensure we give him a party to remember. "

Please let me know if you are going so that I can advise Christine for catering purposes. I have the following down for the train ( contact me for timings, etc ) Simon Clarkson, Dave Brown, Ian Jardine, Ken Hullock, Howard Atkinson & Dave Croxford.

Also attending but going by car are Geoff Graham and Colin Hopkins ( 2 ) .


Renewal Process Linking in with Teamcards

For those still to renew please find attached the renewal form. The standing order option is not currently available. Please note that Branch membership cards will be distributed together with Teamcards this season, with the exception of Premier Club members and Season Ticket Holders who will receive their Teamcards direct from CUFC.

Aside from those Members who opted out or redeemed their Teamcard points, all Branch Teamcard points will be pooled together and donated to CUFC in the form of a specific purchase. Once I know details of the total amount I will advise what the points have been used for.

Hit The Bar!

You should have all received issue 254 this week. Please send in your pictures in unusual places in United colours together with a short explanation to Dave Brown editor@carlislelondonbranch.org

If you are happy for photos to go on our website please send them to Paul Parke at webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.org and any possibles for our programme page can go to Ian Jardine at i.jardine@btinternet.com

Mascots

The mascot experience is a great day out for both parents and mascots so sign up quickly with Helen Magee-Brown at mascots@carlislelondonbranch.org

Bournemouth 25th Sep
Exeter 16th Oct
Orient 4th Dec
Yeovil 18th Dec
Charlton 8th Jan
Swindon 19th Feb
Brighton 5th March
Peterborough 12th March
Brentford 25th March
MK Dons 9th April
Dag & Red 30th April



Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson

*** 29 August 2003 - Paul Simpson becomes Caretaker manager ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).