Two more friendlies were played this week ahead of a training camp at Ashby-de-la Zouch next week. It's a busy period as trialists come and go, with the priority now seeming to be a centre back as cover for the injured Livesey.

A recording of the Fans' Forum from Friday evening can be found here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003y14b

Renewal Process Linking in with Teamcards


ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT TO SET UP YOUR STANDING ORDER


An individual renewal mailshot that includes a standing Order option for payment on 1st August has gone out to Members. Please check that the standing order contains in the reference field your initials/three digit member number. Please let me know if you have yet to receive this.

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.

Hit The Bar!

We need an Opposition View on Colchester for the August issue of HTB. If you know of a Colchester fan who can help please contact Dave Brown editor@carlislelondonbranch.org .

We also need any comments regarding what you think of the squad movements - is McDaid better than Horwood, Simek better than Raven? Are you pleased that the club agreed a fee with Man C even if Adam Clayton chose to chase a Championship place? Is this squad better than last year? Are you happy that Jason Price is back? Let HTB know.

As we enter the summer holiday period please send in your pictures in unusual places in United colours together with a short explanation.

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

AWAY TRAVEL

At renewal time 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.

Plymouth - 14th August

Some Members are now booked on the 0906 from Paddington and return on the 1754. Given it is holiday season , early booking is essential and one that we can not guarantee will be available on groupsave on the day.

Colchester

The game at colchester has been brought forward to a 1945hrs kick off on Friday 27th August.

We will be doing a Groupsave train at around £13 each.

Sheff Wed 11th September

Some Members are now booked on the 0955 from St Pancras and return on the 1827. Early booking is essential as Groupsave will not be available on the day.

Exeter - 16th October

We are looking at options around making a weekend out of this trip. The option would be to stay in Torquay (Exeter is 45 minutes by train).

Please register your interest by contactng Mike Carruthers at summertrip@carlislelondonbranch.org by 10th July. Hotel cost is likely to be £40 to £50 per person per night including breakfast. Travel to Exeter on the day of the game would be by train (45 minutes approximately).

Please specify if you are interested in:

Friday night only
Friday & Saturday night
Saturday night only
Extra nights other than the above (please specify).

OTHER NEWS

Polo Shirts

Following tremendous sales we are now looking to clear the stock. We will honour outstanding orders which are subject to awaiting delivery of a couple of the larger sizes but this is your last chance to order from the Small or Large sizes which we have left . Please order from Jon at merchandise@carlislelondonbranch.org.

Teamcard Points

If you are yet to redeem your Teamcard points, I would like Members to consider donating them en block again like last season as a Branch. Should you wish to opt out of this plan please let me know. I will continue to circulate details before utilising the points for an appropriate purchase on 1st August.

All renewing members will again receive a Teamcard but this season we will handle distribution which will ensure that numbers are captured.

Branch Meeting

All our welcome at the next Branch meeting on Thursday 19th August. The meeting starts at 8pm or 6.30pm for those wishing to eat. Please contact information@carlislelondonbranch.org know if you are coming along.

250 HTB Book

Have you bought the HTB250 book yet? We have now got a new stock. The history of the first 250 issues of Hit The Bar by Ian Jardine is a great read and only costs £5. You can order it from book@carlislelondonbranch.org, by post: London Branch, Park House, 191 Stafford Road, Wallington SM6 9BT or at Carlisle in either the Blues Store or Notmans Newsagents in Morton. Remember when you order to include £3 to cover post and packaging. Alternatively the book can be handed over at an away game next season.



Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson