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Trust News
From all of us on the Board, we hope you and yours had a great Christmas, (with the bonus of 3 points on Boxing Day) and would like to take this opportunity to wish you all health and happiness for 2025.
Rather than including updates on our various activities at this stage, as specific members of the Board have now taken responsibility for each aspect of our efforts to represent our members, specific updates on these are provided under their relevant headings.
However, in an attempt to represent you further, should you believe additional aspects of our current operation would be appropriate to include, please let us know and we shall certainly be pleased to consider them.
Email info@daletrust.co.ukUp the Dale |
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Welfare.
We asked local Facilitator Derek Robinson before Christmas if he could pen something about the Andymanclub and its role for him. What Derek wrote we publish “as is”, it is poignant, honest and moving, we publish here the opening and the link for the full letter to us on our website.
WE URGE ALL TO READ IT, and if not now, maybe it’s something you can come back to, whilst football is our common denominator, things much larger take over!, read on
Hello, my name is Derek and I’m the Lead Facilitator at Rochdale-Spotland Andys Man Club.
Before I tell you about my journey, a difficult path I never thought I would have to embark on, I simply wish to thank the amazing welfare team in the Rochdale Supporters Trust, the Daletrust to you and me who have quietly facilitated, advised, guided and supported me through my journey to where I can write these words from my heart today, they understood me, they have been and continue to be there for me now and as I have now found out, they are and have been there for many, many other fans over the years, its work they tend to understate, it is not all about kicking a ball, shouting and getting annoyed about the game for them its about us, the fan as a whole, something I did not appreciate till recently, so here is my letter and story I wrote to the Trust, the full version is published on the Trust website HERE… Please read it.
The Trust welfare team aims to be here for the members and fans at a time of need, but, as it is Christmas and the holiday season, a special time of year for some we also know it can be a difficult time for others. The Trust quietly works yearly with several local organisations that provide support and help to those who feel a need and though it is not a trumpet we blow for ourselves, we do acknowledge where we can the work that these agencies provide, non-more so than our drive recently to increase the understanding of the “Andymansclub” a national organisation specialising in support for men and their families when mental health issues become too much to handle. You can read more on Andysmanclub on our website HERE and other testimonials HERE and we urge you to read Derek’s Journey from the past year |
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Daves View On The Month
Dave Earnshaw. Director with Responsibilities for Youth Inclusion and
Daletrust Acting Liason Officer with BOGS
Update: the new members of the board are bringing lots of new energy to the Trust and more recently one of the newbies, Ruby ran a very successful youth competition. She has been working closely with the club and our web/welfare officer Bob M. I’m sure she will tell you in more detail so I won’t be saying any more! I would though like to say a big well done to Ruby and James who supported her on the day. You will see his work in supporting Ruby in capturing the event with the club and players on our social media soon.Jake has developed some new logos which will form part of the new social media changes which you will be seeing in the coming months, it’s great to have youth on board giving the Trust new impetus.
I have been liaising with the club about potential fundraising and we are looking to set up a meeting with the club and representatives from the Ogden team, this will be done in conjunction with BOGS and their representative Matt Devine. This will be something we hope to be able to explain in more detail once we have held the meeting with the club but it will be looking at the current squad builder and seeing how this looks going forward. It’s likely the current squad builder fundraising will be brought to an end.
Once we have had the meeting we will look at getting people involved to move into concluding the options that are discussed with the club and its representatives, and just for information, the reason it has taken what appears some time to pull the meeting together has purely been down to getting those involved to be in one spot at the same time, something which is close to actually happening!.
So watch this space as the timing to bring us all together is proving a bit of a challenge with everyone’s availability and some people taking annual holidays but, be assured it will be taking place but may take a few weeks.
Dave
Up the Dale keep the faith
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| Questions to the Trust. Clarification
Our section at the bottom of each newsletter always invites questions and enquiries from our members/fans, to which we can react, find answers when needed, and provide feedback. Contact info@daletrust.co.uk
This is also invited in the section produced by the Trust Club Board member. Contact murray@@daletrust.co.uk
Recently we have had several members/fans contacting Trust Board members individually, expressing concerns regarding ticket allocation and seating arrangements for the Stockton Town Cup game and concerns regarding the state of the pitch. In these instances, they refer to recent ticket allocations for the Stockton home cup tie, the closure of the Sandy Lane, and the non-prioritising of season card holders when sales go online for cup games.
For clarity, on the same day that the Stockton Cup tickets went on sale without a season card priority period, the Trust contacted the Club and raised the priority booking period, or lack of it, with Club Commercial Director, Andy Duff, who immediately took on board our concerns, with the promise to find out why something we had agreed previously, namely priority season ticket booking periods for cup games, had not been activated this time.
With the festive season in play and with some Club and Trust personnel being away we accepted it would be the new year before we could get full clarification. In that intervening time, we (The Trust) questioned why Sandy Lane, the home of our very vocal and loyal fans would not be available given the tremendous support that the Sandy Lane Fans always provide.
The matter of the pitch and what can be done to preserve and nurture it for games is already subject to recent and ongoing discussions between the Club and the Trust which started before the postponements.
Finally, we understand, though it is anecdotal, that whilst we have been intervening to obtain an official position on all matters, we believe some fans have written to the Club directly concerning the closure of the Sandy Lane, seeking an explanation.
The Trust hopes during the week beginning 6th Jan to put out a more detailed statement on all matters subject to clarification on the above by the Club. |
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Youth Matters…
Ruby Loynd. Inclusion Officer
As we look back on 2024, I would like to reflect on my first 4 months with the trust as a Director and the Youth Inclusion Officer.
On 23rd December 2024, I held my first event. A young reporter competition.
This event was seen as a great success with 8 children receiving the opportunity to meet and interview Tarryn Allarakhia, Kairo Mitchell and Ryan East.
As the event was announced with only 5 days’ notice, I was very happy to receive as many entries as I did, especially so close to Christmas!
Harry, Andrew, Tilly, Ronan, Oliver, Kayla, Jack and Ted asked some of the best questions for the players to answer.
Facing difficult questions is not always fun, but our three star player loved it as much as our young reporters enjoyed dishing it out, see our video below.
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There was a great range of questions from being football-related to being more personal. I think one of my personal favourites has got to be ‘Christmas pudding and custard or Sticky toffee pudding and ice cream?’.
I have had lots of feedback from this event, how to improve, how enjoyable it was and what events they would like to see in the future.
During this event, I also had some time to meet up with our manager Jim who was very happy to see the first event taking place. He also mentioned how he would love to be involved with more activities like this. Unfortunately, he was unavailable to commit to the full day due to other in-club agreements/events. However, he did take time to come and meet all the children.
We talked about lots of different ideas of what we can plan in the new year and looking into the new season.
As we look into 2025, I am looking forward to everything we have in the pipeline.
Again, all I can say is thank you very much for all of your support so far.
If you have any suggestions for events that you would like to see in the future for the Young Fans of Dale, please feel free to contact me at youthmatters@daletrust.co.uk.
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2025/26 Kit Design. Have Your Say.Article is taken from the Trust Website here
It is at this time of the Year that the planning for next season’s (2025/26) kit starts to take place and the club have asked the Trust to assist in getting fans (that’s all fans not just Trust members) input into the thinking for next year.As early as it may seem to some, the reality is that the club, along with its kit manufacturers (O, Neils) have started to bandy the conceptual ideas around, with knock-on effects that will have a direct influence on future merchandise development and design. Traditionalists may perish the thought that we could deviate away from tradition but if nothing else, this year’s kit, which came from a substantial canvas of many thousands of Dale fans saw a move away from tradition to vivid shapes and colours which were unanimously voted for by fans. Yet, the stripes that many like are still evident and influential, look at the red kit!But there is a move by many clubs to a more radical design which seems to feature less! Emphasised by gentler colour hues top clubs seem to be adaptive and reactive to what has gone before, emphasising the club badge or motif is important but allowing change from traditional convention seems to become a vogue, is this what the fans want?
It seems so, Dale’s 2024/25 shirt design has proven universally popular, but some traditionalists from a certain age group seem mortified that we can consider change, what the club and the Trust in partnership are wondering is, it just that change is always uncomfortable, no one likes it, but does it prevent improvement? Well, that’s where the fan base comes in.
The club and Trust like last season, want your input, what ideas do you, the club fan base want our team to wear, what do you want to wear when you don a replica shirt, are you happy with this year’s shirt but seeing some of the images presented here think that Dale can be more radical, more immediate, maybe more modern? As long as our logo and motif stand clear and proud will that be enough? Or do we need a watering can on the front of the shirt? (That’s one for the oldies)
There is much to consider, look at the pictures in the video article presented at the recent Kit Focus Group meeting here by George Delves and listen to George explain some of the current thinking, often kit wise for us it is outside of the box. So if you have not seen that video then please find time, it may inspire you to contribute as we ask below.
We know from this year’s shirt design that a progressive thought process took place, we understand from the sales taken by the club that this year’s kit has been extremely popular, and surprisingly to some, the red version has been taken to heart by many fans, are you surprised by that?
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So, what we want in the first instance is for you, the full fan base to email the Trust with your ideas, which we will collate and forward to the club.
What do you want to see, should the style adopted this year be built upon? Ask yourself..
- Am I a traditionalist? No change from stripes and blue/black, let’s go retro!
- Do I like this year’s 2024/25 Kit, so build next year on this season? But change the colours!
- Do I like this year’s 2024/25 Kit, so build next year on this season? AND keep the colours.
- Am I a modernist? A changing image represents a modern club, it is the badge that symbolises the club, softer colours may be.
- I want a shirt that is all one colour, maybe lighter in the shade, maybe something like Chelsea’s recent additions here
- Am I colour-blind? Ever thought about that? Well, football is thinking about that. About 4.5% of the world’s population is colourblind, translating to over 350 million people globally. So, what you may see is not what others may see. The choice is not always universally seen (no pun intended ), so, can and should compromise be made? Have a look below, the images to some will look different, but to the 4.5 % most definitely so.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Please send your thoughts and opinions to the Trust before 15/01/25 at info@daletrust.co.uk, with the subject line “kit 2025/26.” We will collate and present all submissions to the club.
Besides words, make a drawing if you want, colour and scan and include with your post. If you do not want to email then send it to either the Trust or Andy Duff, Dale’s Commercial Guru at the Crown Oil Arena
Whatever you do, please take the time to tell the club what you think should happen, who knows it might just be what you have said and drawn!
The Link for George Delves’ presentation is HERE should you require a better understanding of club thinking.
info@daletrust.co.uk |
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Easyfundraising Takes us into the New Year Sales!…whoopie!
With the first part of the festive season complete, we now hit New Year and those sales which we promise to ignore but never do.
But now is a good time to join the EasyFundRaising scheme, It is free, and it brings in “Free” money for the Trust so enabling us to work on our future initiatives, charitable works and special projects which will benefit the club
An example was quoted in our October newsletter on how one member got a donation from Singapore Airlines to the Trust for £112. Since then several members and fans alike have said that they have used Easyfundraising through some Amazon purchases and raised £7.30p, it all adds up and our total raised to date is £9206.45. Amazon is just one of the thousands of retailers who sell online as part of the EasyFundRaising scheme (in reality most firms are)
Last month we printed the below article, it explains it all and gives you the link to get involved, it costs nothing, a rare win-win situation!
Help the Trust fund its projects, and help the Trust assist its members.
If we said you could get the Trust free money we think you may be interested!
Well, you can and it won’t cost you a penny.
If you buy goods online, and by goods it includes everything including holidays, car insurance, amazon and many many more organisations, most have subscribed and for you, the buyer, once you have registered with Easyfundraising it becomes incredibly simple.
So far, we have raised £9246.45 through Easyfundraising just through ordinary online shopping. Rather than the usual waffle, the bits you need to know are:
- Visit and register at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/daletrusT
- Go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/daletrust before making any online purchases
- Download the reminder if you’re the forgetful type
- Any insurance renewal is probably our biggest donation with up to £17.50 each time
- Anything holiday-related always does well too
- There are special offers each month, whether that be offers to you or donation offers to us
- The important thing to remember is that it is the retailer who donates to us. You do not pay a penny more as a result of this donation
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Former Players Association
Keith Hicks. Trust Director – Co-ordinator for the Trust FPA
This year has seen plenty of action for the Former Players Association including appearances at the Supporters Trust Exiles Day, Curry On Up The Dale evening plus the Club’s match day hospitality events.
Numerous ex-players have shared their experiences of their careers at the Crown Oil Arena (Spotland) from the 1980s to more present times with much interest and amusement at times to listeners.
Starting with Exiles Day, Willie Burns was unable to make an appearance due to being away on holiday so in his place we invited Mark Stuart and Jason Peake to acts as substitutes-not only did they mix with the 20+ supporters before the match against Maidenhead United, some who had travelled many miles to attend, but also took time to address diners during the Club’s hospitality prior to kick off then mingled after the end of the
1-0 victory.
The Curry evening was a fantastic event with three legends, Scott Warner, Shaun Reid and Calvin Andrew, recounting some hilarious moments and great memories from their different eras at Rochdale AFC.
Scott Warner was particularly well received as a local lad, who watches Dale matches with his family in the Sandy Lane terrace whilst Shaun spoke of his exploits in the 80’s & 90’s when football was a hard game plus Calvin, who steered away from his infamous tussle against Oldham Athletic but entertained us about his time under Keith Hill.
Match day hospitality has been resurrected for this season with appearances from the following players.
Keith Hicks (Dagenham & Redbridge)
Steve Taylor (Forest Green Rovers
Richard Jobson (Woking)
Mark Hilditch (Maidenhead United)
Steve Whitehall (Solihull Moors)
Scott Warner (Braintree Town)
Gareth Griffiths (Southend United)
Harvey Gilmour (Halifax Town)
Tom Kennedy (Bromley)
Mark Stuart (Sutton United)
Aaron Wilbraham was booked to appear for the match against Boston United but unfortunately it was postponed due the atrocious weather prior to kick off, he has confirmed for the re-arranged fixtureInvited ex-players for January games are:
Steven Dawson (Altrincham)
Rhys Bennett (York City)
Lee McEvilly (Yeovil Town)As you can see, there has been fantastic input from ex-players over a long and varied period in Dale’s history, we will endeavour to ensure all home matches are catered for the rest of the season.
To inquire about hospitality, contact Andy Duff (Commercial Director) at Andy.Duff@rochdaleafc.co.ukThe Former Players Association was launched in conjunction with the Supporters Trust aimed at anyone who has played at least one first team game for the Club and looking to reunite those who have worn the Dale shirt over the years. We are committed to promote both the Club and Supporters Trust in an effort to raise the profile of both Organisations thus building the fan base at Rochdale AFC.
For anyone wishing to learn more about the FPA, visit www.rochdalefpa.com or
ARE YOU A FORMER PLAYER?
Then get in contact with Keith, details at end of the article..
We are looking to add to our current database. Over 60 former Dale players are enrolled on the Association with many returning to the Crown Oil Arena last season as guests of the Club for hospitality appearances. Players such as Shaun Reid, Paul Butler, Gareth Griffiths and many more were invited to be guest speakers in the Club’s 1907 lounge before home matches.
Articles about ex-Dale players and further Information on the Rochdale AFC Former Players Association (FPA) including hospitality, appearances plus players’ memories can be found on:
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Trust Facebook On Facebook.
Jake Dowd. Trust Facebook EditorUpdate on rebuilding the Trusts Facebook page.
We are consulting with fans on the rebuild to see what preferences they have when they view a Facebook page. News and Trust information must be seen clearly yet in a format that appeals. We will update members further on this.
For those that missed last month’s newsletter here is what I posted then, it’s for info only.
The Trust has many news outlets besides its website www.daletrust.co.uk
One of our most used sites is the Trust Facebook page. Recently it became apparent that we need to carry out upgrades and maintenance.
Our FB update will feature new profile pictures with the logo in the banner, and change the bio to have more appropriate links which we feel will sort out the page to represent a more modern feel. Maybe looking at when to post, involving our analytical software and adding to the posts instead of just a link. Investigating the time of day may also improve engagement. We believe it’s because there are so many posts multiple times a day people won’t see it as much so maybe doing posts every 2 days unless it’s an important announcement.We hope over the forthcoming festive period to carry out these changes which we hope, along with our other media will result in a better level of communication. |
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From Emma’s Desk
Travel Co-ordinator Emma LoyndWhat a fantastic way to end 2024 Away Coach Travel with a win and a full coach!Thank you for all your amazing support and lovely emails.I would love to keep the momentum going and keep filling the coaches.
It would be a shame if we would lose this great service due to lack of numbers.
We need 30 on a coach to break even and keep the coaches running. We can do it!Bookings are now open for our trip to Forest Green Rovers FC on Saturday 18th January.
Seats are only £35 per person.
Please note: alcohol is not allowed to be taken or consumed on any of our coaches.
Please email me at travel@daletrust.co.uk to book or ask any questions.
Happy New Year to you All!
Emma |
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January 2025 Coach Travel
Just one away game this month to
Forest Green Rovers
but it should be a corker and will be an indicator of how the season may end. The Coach has been reserved and bookings are now open.We would remind all those wishing to travel to book early as our recent Fylde coach was overbooked very soon, so we suggest you don’t delay.To Book, Email Emma at travel@daletrust.co.ukHow To Book.
To reserve your place please email Emma, Trust Travel Coordinator on travel@daletrust.co.uk
Once acknowledged please use the details below to pay 1) Book by paying by bank transfer: Use details below;
Account name: Rochdale Supporters Club Ltd (this is a business account not personal)
Sort Code 08-92-9
Account Number 65130258
In the reference section please add your “name -game”, eg, D Morris- Dag and Red
(Please send a copy/Screen Shot of your remittance to Travel@daletrust.co.uk) Please use this email only for your travel arrangements.
2) Club shop: Cash only Weds pm – Saturday
3) Trust desk: Card or cash on matchdays.
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Membership News
Scott Goulding
Hi all and from myself and my family I would like to wish all our members and their families a happy New Year and hope that the year brings good joy, and a promotion would go down well too!
Here’s the latest membership update for the current 2024-25 season for the January newsletter, though from recent correspondence it’s clear we have more members and interested parties than we state.
Focusing on the current season, we can say it’s been a positive one.
Particularly pleasing has been the positive interest/response shown for online member renewals, though my colleagues who man the trust desk even now say we are getting a regular number of signing-ups at each home game.
Our 2024-25 membership window officially opened in the Summer (1st July – parallel with our financial year 1/7 to 30/6) and due to the high interest remains open for those that wish to join online HERE or at the Trust desk in the Dale Bar before any home game. To those that recently signed up over Christmas we thank you for taking the time.
When I mentioned above that we had probably more people interested and supporting us than the number we stated is that it has become apparent that members’ families, spouses, and related families etc, want to be associated with the Trust but have failed to use the multi-sign-up facility. We are looking at a family membership category for next year as a possible way forward as we conservatively estimate that another 140 people could be added to the existing membership total. News on this will follow over the next few months.
Current membership is running at approx. 850 with some still to be processed, which shows that the Trust does represent a substantial number of those interested in the Dale and we hope, interested in the bigger Ogden picture.
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Exiles
Exiles exchanged Christmas and New Year greetings from exotic locations across the globe; from Malta (naturally!) Thailand, Australia, Wales……and a pantomime in Dunstable. Our WhatsApp group continues to flourish as we ride the Dale roller coaster, emerging from the doldrum depths of Dagenham to flying high at Fylde. Details of the Exiles home fixture (Aldershot at home on Saturday 29 March: save the date) will be on the website as soon as Ian Goodwin finishes off the last of the mince pies. Exiles wishing to join the WhatsApp group, just click on the link https://chat.whatsapp.com/HHhzjSjR041CD4TJeFdqnW
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FROM THE TRUST WEBSITE
 Fylde Coach Fully Booked.
This was a pleasing headline to post!The Trust-organised coach to Fylde on Boxing Day is completely sold out, and we apologise to fans who were on our waiting list and who we could not accommodate.
Our originally booked 49-seater filled up very quickly and we then had to arrange a waiting list for any vacancies that may have arisen. Fortunately, our coach provider was able to supply a 56-seater which was confirmed over the weekend and most on our backup list have been accommodated however we appreciate that we still had some fans on our list, but given the time of year we have not been able to arrange any additional transport. Full story here
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2025/26 Kit Design
Full story above, but picture clarity better via our website HERE
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Wanted. Rochdale v Norwich 1962 League Cup Final Programme. £250 + Reward on offer!
We have been asked by one of our members if we can help solve a hole in his programme collection and assist in tracking down the named programme below. Rochdale v Norwich 1962 League Cup final programme.
We understand that an initial price of £250 would not be an unreasonable starting price (providing it was a genuine program and not a re-issue or copy) though we will leave that to our member and any interested parties. Full Story here.
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Write Up On Tamworth Game, A Perspective By Jake Idiens
The Trust was pleased when Young Dale Fan and DaleTrust member Jake Idiens made contact with us  today, and it is so appt at the moment that we can publish and support Jake, one of our young Dale fans in achieving their ambitions, even more so as the Trust, under the direction of Ruby Loynd, is running a journalism competitionfor our 16 and younger Dale fans, see here.
The write-up below, published in “Prost International” is by an aspiring football journalist and Raging Dale fan Jake Idiens who is presently studying for a Football Journalism degree at the University of Derby and has already gained experience in sports journalism, social media management, and sports photography. Read full storey here
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A Couple Of Items From The RAFC Community Trust Website
Schools’ Mental Wellbeing Programme
.We are delighted to be able to offer the programme free of charge to all primary schools. For more information, email Health and Inclusion Coordinator, Charlotte:
1 in 6 children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem, and many continue to have these problems into adulthood.
With 50% of those with lifetime mental health problems first experiencing symptoms by the age of 14, it’s more important than ever that we begin to educate children about mental health, in the same way that we educate about physical health. Read more here
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In England, 24% of over 50’s reported feeling lonely some of the time, whilst 7% feel lonely often; which can  have a ignificant negative impact on wellbeing and quality of life.
Our Extra Time programme helps tackle issues such as loneliness and social isolation, as well as helping to increase participation in physical activity among the senior community. Our friendly and welcoming team provide a range of activities to get involved in, take a look at our sessions on offer below. Read more her
Desmond’s Dragons provides the perfect introduction to football for your little ones.
Sessions are fun, inclusive and designed for people of all abilities.
Learn new skills, make new friends and get active at our Tuesday and Friday evening sessions!
You can read the full article here.
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January Coach Travel
Forest Green Rovers Coach Booking.
Booking Now Open
Vanarama National League
Sat Jan 18 2025, 3:00pm
Forest Green Rovers
Coach leaves 8.45am Cost £35.00
All Booking and Reservations
Emma Loynds at travel@daletrust.co.uk
Payment Details HERE
Any difficulties booking then email info@daletrust.co.uk
Postscript
February Coach Bookings with dates times and costings are due online week being 6th Jan
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For ease of access here are the links featured in this Newsletter.
Contact The Trust HERE
Simons Christmas Message HERE
Andysmanclub HERE
Andysmanclub testimonials HERE
Easyfundraising HERE
Dereks Journey HERE
2025/26 Kit Design HERE
Coach Reservation HERE
AFC Community Trust. HERE |
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Trust Diary JANUARY
1) Wednesday 1st New Year’s Day Altrincham H 3 pm
2) Wednesday 8h – FA Trophy Fourth Round. Stockton FC A 7.45 pm
3) National League Cup Group Stage Tue Jan 7 2025, Rochdale V Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s 7 PM
4) Wednesday 15th York City H 7.45 PM
5) Saturday 18th Forest Green Rovers A Coach Booking Is Now Open
6) National League Cup Group Stage
Tue Jan 21 2025, Stoke City U21s 7:00pm
7) Saturday 25th Yeovil Town H 3.0pm
Scheduled Meetings
Thursday 30th January 2025 Fans Forum
Thursday 27th February 2025 Club Board Staff Reps & Dale Trust – meeting five
Thursday 27th March 2025 Focus Group – Season Cards
Thursday 24th April 2025 Club Board Staff Reps & Dale Trust – meeting six
Thursday 29th May 2025 Focus Group – 25/26 Matchday experience |
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Questions – General
See the article above.
The Trust actively seeks questions from its members and tries to respond within a couple of days, if only to acknowledge your mail while we source an answer from the club or other agencies.
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