End of the week and also the month. It has been another good week in what we have achieved. With it being a Bank Holiday we only had four days.

Mick has finished changing the bench seats in Block A, however, he has now used up all the spare brackets. We will need to order more brackets before starting block G. He has also been breaking up the damaged concrete areas and re-instating around the Main Stand/Cut Throat Lane turnstiles.

Alan has returned this week after being off for a couple days. He has started painting the doors on the NRE / Corona turnstiles.  The eight doors will take about two weeks to complete

Wendy has given a few more locations a spring clean including the control room and the sports fitness centre  front lobby.

Les has continued to paint the great wall of the Habbin. It is looking much brighter now. He has almost got all away along. It has been a massive job and taken a lot of willpower not to leave and do something else. I keep asking if he wants to start final floodlight to give him a break.

Giac has continued doing the concreting in the NRE/Corona End. This is now complete. He has moved on to the next job, modifing and felting the new shed.

The group has re-painted the roadway and floor signage around the ground.

Brian has been helping me with a project which required moving a large quantity of items from one location to another.

Glen has been doing some electrical work around the ground. He also does all the PAT tests

We have now been asked to complete some work at the Training Centre. This has been surveyed and is planned in for the 10th June.

HELP WANTED:

Please Share.

We’re on the look out for budding artists who’d be up for creating some more murals and artwork around the abbey for us.

We have some ideas we’d like to see done & have plenty of white walls for artists to get creative.

All materials can be provided.

If you would like to help or know someone who would be interested in getting involved then please comment below

It may be out of season, however you are still able to order Barnwell at War -

A booklet illuminating the everyday lives of the working-class people of east Cambridge during World War I has been published – the day before the centenary of the armistice.

Barnwell at War is the result of research by a 100 Years of Coconuts group in collaboration with Wolfson College.

Coconuts researchers also worked with  the University of Hertfordshire’s Everyday Lives in War engagement centre and the University of Central Lancashire to examine the lives of those left behind in working-class east Cambridge when its men marched off to war.

Barnwell at War: published by Lovely Bunch, the publishing operation of 100 Years of Coconuts

They uncovered the vital roles played by women in the war effort, how families coped in the face of food shortages, hardship and the threat of aerial bombardment, and how Barnwell rolled its sleeves up and did its bit.

Accounts of the World War I experiences of Cambridge University undergraduates and dons are not difficult to unearth but narratives of the Barnwell working class, many of whom served their Varsity masters before signing up, have been all but ignored.

Barnwell at War reinstates the cultural memory of an area of Cambridge beyond the touristic gaze, and indicates a pattern of life for the majority of the UK population through an era of unparalleled trauma.

Researchers also sought to find out what became of the young men who played for the newly formed Abbey United Football Club in 1913/14, shortly before the outbreak of hostilities. They came very close to identifying those players; work in this area continues, with a possible breakthrough imminent.

​The attractively designed booklet is illustrated by many seldom-seen photographs and features an introduction by Michael Hrebeniak, Coconuts committee member and Director of Studies in English at Wolfson.

Order for postal delivery by clicking here

You can still purchase one of Andrew Bennett's wonderful books in the series click here or on an image below Celery & Coconuts The Story of Cambridge United Football Club

CFU on behalf of supporters and shareholders provided the board with a list of questions in advance of the club's AGM earlier in the month.

Some of the questions were addressed at the shareholders meeting. The full list of written answers are posted below or can be viewed -here 

The folloing is a short update concerning the work currently ongoing and some that have been completed during the past few weeks.

Giac has been busy repairing the concrete terracing in the Habbin and NRE/Corona stands. This work is being  done to repair the areas are cracked or have eroded.

Painter Pete and Ian have painted the bridge over the Habbin brook.

Ben Phillips and Kouros painted two walls white - the one at the end of the Habbin South and the other at the end of the NRE/Corona. Watch out for further news concerning a future project

Brian Thorby has painted the sliding doors in the Main Red.

Wendy has completed cleaning the shop outlet behind the Mian Stand and started on the advertising boards .

Margaret & Frank Pearson along with Wendy have been clearing some of the weeds around the inside and outside of the ground.

Stills lots to do - the plan is to complete the essential work by the end of June and then do the finishing touches in July.

Dear CUFC Lottery Member,

Thank you for your continued support of the CUFC Lottery.

CUFC Lottery 'Accumulator' Results (24 May 2019) - this weeks winning 'Accumulator' numbers are (1687)
-there were no winners of the weekly 'Accumulator' this week, meaning next weeks 'Accumulator' will be £2200.

CUFC Lottery 'Main Draw' Results (24 May 2019) - this weeks winning 'Main Draw' numbers are (6750)
-there was a winner of the 'Main Draw' jackpot this week winning a total of £300.00.
-next weeks 'Main Draw' jackpot will be £300.00.

If you are a winner of either the 'Accumulator' or 'Main Draw' you will be notified individually by email.

Yours sincerely,
The CUFC Lottery Team.

With the work completed on the pitch, Mick has turned his attention to repairing the seating in A Block of the Main Stand.

Starting with a visual inspection and then a physical one he highlighted that 31 seats needed attention.

The fault is with the brackets securing them to the concrete underneath. These have deteriorated through age, usage and weathering

Did you know that you can report a broken seat or a facility problem via the following link Report a Fault.

Only A1, A2 and G block to go

Work on the pitch at the Abbey Stadium is now completed ---- The seed is spread and with the right weather conditions it should be starting to show growth by early next week.

It is also up to the bird scarers to ensure to seed is not eaten. In the photo above you can see them on patrol

There was a lot to do in a short period of time. However, thanks to equipment hired from Ernest Doe, the knowledge of Mick Brown and Ian Darler it was completed in time.

This type of pitch work can only be done because of last years full blown renovation. Next year will require a more comprehensive renovation.

Just for information when cutting the grass or scarifying with the mowers it is really relaxing and calming

Vacancy
 
As part of our strategy to drive standards and create a winning football team Cambridge United FC are looking to recruit suitable individuals in the position of:
 
Voluntary Training Ground Kitchen Assistant 

Based at the First Team training ground, this voluntary position is for a suitably committed and caring individual who is willing to offer their time to improve the standards of the First Team operation. Ideally, the suitable candidate would have a basic food hygiene certificate, however training can be provided. The individual will be motivated by supporting the Head Coach, Coaching Staff and Captain to develop a professional environment and winning culture.
 
This role is suited to candidates who are available to work throughout the week on First Team Training Days, usually, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am – 1.30pm. This timetable is flexible and will run in line with the First Team fixture list and training timetable.
 
To apply for this position, please read through the job description and submit your application secretary@cambridge-united.co.uk for the attention of Mark Bonner. The closing date for applications is Monday 10th June 2017.
 
Job Title
Voluntary Training Ground Kitchen Assistant 

Reporting  to
Head Coach, Coaching Staff

Location
Based at the Training Ground(s)

Working Hours
9.30am – 1.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. This timetable is flexible and will run in line with the First Team fixture list and training timetable.

Key Objectives
To be responsible for the smooth operation on training days and support the coaching staff as appropriate

Role Accountabilities & Key Duties

1 - Serving breakfast and lunch behind the counter and assisting when necessary with basic food preparation i.e. sandwiches and toast.

2 - Operation of kitchen machinery including dishwashers.

3 - Working to agreed hygiene standards as lay down by Health & Safety guidelines.

4 - Ensuring the dining room is set up ready for service to the company standard.

5 - Ensuring the dining room is broken down at the end of service to the company standard.

6 - Ensuring a clean kitchen following service and the room prepared for the following days activities.

7 - To support in giving an impression of professionalism and creating a safe, clean and positive environment.

Cambridge United pre-season matches are listed below, The include a match against Leicester on Tuesday 23rd July (K.O. 7:30pm).

The U’s play Ipswich Town at the Abbey on Saturday 27th July (K.O. 1:00pm),

The first team squad return for training on the week commencing 24th June. 

There will be a tour to Scotland for a pre-season training camp at Largs, Scotland National Training Centre between 15th – 20th July.

The U’s will also face Nottingham Forest U23s and Fulham in behind closed doors fixtures at the two Championship club’s respective training grounds.

The full pre-season fixture list is as follows:

Saturday 6th July – Fulham – (A) Behind closed doors
Friday 12th July - Nottingham Forest U23s – (A) Behind closed doors
15th – 20th July – Scotland pre-season tour
Saturday 20th July – St Neots (A) – Cambridge United XI  - K.O 3:00pm
Tuesday 23rd July – Leicester City (H) – K.O 7:30pm
Tuesday 23rd July – Histon (A) – Cambridge United XI – K.O 7:00pm
Friday 26th July – Newmarket Town (A) – Cambridge United XI – K.O 7:00pm
Saturday 27th July – Ipswich Town (H) – K.O 1:00pm
The Club will also provide an update to supporters on potentially two additional fixtures during United’s pre-season tour to Scotland in due course.

Details for ticket and hospitality for matches against Leicester City and Ipswich Town at the Abbey Stadium will be announced in the coming weeks.

On behalf of Cambridge Fans United, the Supporters Trust, I would like to wish CUSP all the best, as it begins its life to represent the views of the wider fan base and enter dialogue with the club on issues that matter to fans.

CFU will continue and develop its role as a critical friend of the club and I look forward to opportunities for joint working, as they arise.

Best wishes,

Robert Osbourn

Chair, CFU Trust Board

I hope that no one ever sees the Medical Centre in use on a match day, however it is probably the most important room in the ground. 

It has to be ready for use in case of any emergency. It also needs to be ready for all medical situations large or small

The room needs to be kept at the highest level of hygiene standards and  the equipment requires testing regularly.

This week has seen Stuart Hunt from Mediquip come to the ground to ensure that everything is working properly, change what has been updated or is required due to the date

We would like to thank Stuart for his continued support with CCFR in providing medical equipment.

If you need advice or help please contact Stuart

Stuart Hunt, Director, Mediquip Ltd, Direct Dial No : 01986 496000

MEDIQUIP PLEASE SEE OUR MEDICAL SERVICES BROCHURE Click Here

FIRST AID STORES PLEASE SEE OUR FIRST AID SUPPLIES BROCHURE Click Here

Thank you to Wendy for carrying out a deep clean of the room

Today, felt like Christmas Day for Ian. Something special arrived at the Abbey Stadium for him. All wrapped in paper.

Eagerly anticipated since they were ordered. They arrived in 24 packages.

There were 3 sets needed. One is kept as a replacement and will hopefully never be used.

It will sad to say goodbye to the old ones. However, after over 40 years of service and being included in so many great United moments it is time to say farewell.

What can be done with the old goal posts? Soon they will be online looking for a new home

Not all jobs can be done by volunteers. Two that were completed last week saw the repair of a water leak at the NRE/ Corona Stand.  The location of the leak needed to be found and then dug out using specialist tools.

The second was painting underneath the Habbin Bridge. Not a pleasant or easy job to do. There were no volunteers for that one!!!!

The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) and Supporters Direct (SD) will be holding their first joint AGM as the new unified supporter organisation in London this summer.

Taking place at the Royal National Hotel on Saturday 29th June 2019, the AGM provides members, associates and affiliates with an opportunity to propose motions for new policy and campaign areas.

Last year’s AGMs were held at the same venue and included debates on the proposed merger that led to the creation of the Unified Football Supporters’ Organisation, fixture congestion, junk food advertising in football and football governance.

Reception for the event will open at 11.30am and the meeting will commence at 12.30pm.

More information on how you can register for the AGM and details of how to propose a motion will follow shortly. A formal notice will also be published shortly.

Should you have any questions regarding the AGM please email Richard Irving, the organisation’s Secretary, Richard Irving (richard.irving@supporters-direct.org). For any other queries, please contact info@fsf.org.uk

Venue: The Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0DG.

During the past two weeks we finished painting the wood around the food hatches at the South Stand and
some remedial work on the dug outs.

With the scholars finishing the school term we were asked to decorate the learning room. This was completed when when we were unable to carry out work due to it raining outside. Some more work being carried out or finished will be posted soon

Thank you for your continued support of the CUFC Lottery.

CUFC Lottery 'Accumulator' Results (17 May 2019) - this weeks winning 'Accumulator' numbers are (4956)
-there were no winners of the weekly 'Accumulator' this week, meaning next weeks 'Accumulator' will be £2150.

CUFC Lottery 'Main Draw' Results (17 May 2019) - this weeks winning 'Main Draw' numbers are (3970)
-there were no winners of the 'Main Draw' jackpot this week.
-next weeks 'Main Draw' jackpot will be £300.00.

As the 'Main Draw' jackpot was not won this week
-there is 1 CUFC Lottery member matching the first pair winning £10.00
-there are 3 CUFC Lottery members matching the second pair winning £10.00 each

If you are a winner of either the 'Accumulator' or 'Main Draw' you will be notified individually by email.

Yours sincerely,
The CUFC Lottery Team.

At the end of the season, Ian drew up a list of work required to be done around the Abbey Stadium. There are different levels of priority and the list is added to by others at the club.

Some of the work is required before the engineers inspection is completed and the list below doesn't include the pitch renovation.

We have already completed some of the work and some additional jobs during the past few weeks.

Some will require specialist contractors or friends of the club to carry out

2019 close season works
East stand brick wall below F block stairs. Rake out and Repoint
South stand East end men’s toilet decorate walls up to 2meters
South stand stair edges, re-edge as required + s/w corner hatching on tarmac
Flood light pylons south end S/E & S/W wash down pylons and paint to first bracing fixings
Clean around all pylons remove weed and sweep out, repaint base plates black bitumastic
South stand entrance weed kill
South stand turnstiles steel doors rub down and seal, prime and top coat
Habbin south terrace bridge clean down sides remove weed and ivy rub down concrete and paint with black bitumastic.
Habbin terrace south weed kill entrance
Habbin south turnstile brickwork, remove loose frost damage bricks and repoint.
Habbin south toilet walls paint exterior walls and window frames
Habbin south toilet walls paint interior walls and doors
Habbin south terrace hatch areas in front of T bar 5 repaint yellow
Habbin south steps/terrace repoint as required
Terrace barriers all areas was down and paint
Habbin North/South segregation barrier rub down and paint
Habbin North exterior walls, white masonry + black damp course
Exit gates 3,24,26,27,37,38,39,42,44,45, rub down and prime, gloss, post box red
Habbin stand rear wall from gate 39 – 40 repaint white
Habbin north concrete terrace repair as required point up
Habbin gate 42 rub down steel and repaint black
Advert board capping rub down all perimeter track capping undercoat and gloss
North terrace turnstile doors rub down, undercoat, gloss
North terrace rear walk way, re-surface from turnstiles 1-5 for approx. 12 meters
North terrace rear walk way paint around shirts
North terrace rear wall Thrifty side paint wall, rub down barrier and paint.
Turnstile 1-5 repair brick work, remove frost damage bricks both sides
North terrace concrete repair as required
Rub down steel work on the 4 steel columns paint with oxide paint
Re-Instate straining wire from turnstile 1-5 to powerhouse
Mainstand steel work, barriers wash down and paint as required
Mainstand Check all seat numbers are visible re-write if faded
Mainstand Yellow hatching & stairways re-paint as required
Mainstand mobility area re-felt required
Car park 1-2 Re-line 5MPH & arrows yellow road line
Clean all low level guttering rear of main stand from Directors to Dublin suite
Abbey Arms , re-clad back exterior wall and re-felt over new formed edge.

When Ian started planning to undertake the pitch renovation this summer he realised that specialist equipment
would be required, His first port of call was one of the clubs best friends over the years Ernest Doe.

Throughout the year Ernest Doe help to ensure the clubs machinery remains working. They often come out at short notice and enable the pitch work to continue between matches as seamlessly as possible.

As one of Europe's largest Agricultural, Construction and Groundcare machinery dealers they carry large stocks of machinery including tractors, combines, excavators, grass cutting equipment and much much more!

They can be contacted via their website here www.ernestdoe.com/about/

Locally they are based at Fulbourn --FulbournErnest Doe & Sons Limited, Wilbraham Road, Fulbourn
Cambridge, CB21 5EX  Monday to Friday 8.00am – 5.30pm Tel Tel: 01223 880676

Thank you to Oli Kane Owner/Videographer of Enjoy the View who kindly created the video used.
If you would like to contact Oli he can be via
+44 (0) 7712 259176 www.enjoy-the-view.co.uk

DETAILS FOR ENJOY THE VIEW
We believe that everyone is unique and that everyone has a story to tell. We help people, brands, businesses and organisations big and small from around the UK and beyond to tell the world their story.

​We're a young video production company with plenty of experience to deliver great results for our clients. We've worked on projects for Top 10 UK Agencies, Blue Chip companies and nationwide employers. We also love to work with local brands, businesses, artists, athletes and more! ​

We specialise in creating content for social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram as well as traditional video sharing site such as YouTube and Vimeo.

CFU sponsored six academy players during the past season - here is an update on how they have progressed

Joe Neal and Sam Bennett both signed professional terms with the club. Joe even made the bench for the last match of the season against Macclesfield.

Jake Battersby and Dan Toyer are now progressing to their second year scholar

Joshua Jeche and Josh Batten both left the club. We wish them well in the future

When we started the Abbey Arms project to convert the building from the party room it was previously. The group at the thought it would need nothing more than a coat of paint inside. Little did we know.

Once we had completed the work inside - painting, installing kick boards and new kitchen units. It rained and
did it rain. Water poured through the roof into dustbins.  A new roof was fitted and we thought everything was good.

So we moved the items at the back of  building and found out that the building in places was not in good repair. Holes in the back walls were given a temporary repair to avoid further damage.

Last week we  finally completed the repairs and made them permanent by installing dibond sheets over the back.

We have had Fallon and Stringer, we have had Dublin and Taylor, we have had Butler and Benjamin but now we have Giac and Mick.

What was planned to take several days took only a short time to do when they got together and put their heads together.

It took no longer than for me to make a cup of tea to complete the repair. The dynamic duo had done it in super fast time

 Les and Neil painting the wall at the back of the Habbin. Should be finishing by the end of the week

Below the metal work on the dug out seats completed today by Alan.

 Scarifying the pitch has finished now. The grass was cut and seeding began.

All in a days work at the Abbey for Ian and Mick

Since the end of the season there has been a lot of work carried out or started in addition to the pitch renovation.

There has been three football tournaments needing preparation for in advance and also cleaning up afterwards.

The tournaments have been the Corporate six a side,  colts tournaments which took place over two days and three 11 a-side schools finals being played within one day.

One more floodlight was painted up to the first stage. This means three of the four have now been done since last August. The last one will be done next week weather permitting

The painting of the white wall behind the Habbin has started. This is maintenance work being done to prevent the brick weathering and should finish by the end the week.

Today, Mick carried on scarifying the pitch with the machinery that has been hired from Ernest Doe. There is one more day needed to remove all the possible debris.   While he continues there be mowers doing the same and collecting any thing loose on the surface.

Today, the penalty area at the South Stand was worked on. Since Saturday the turf has been removed. This morning the fibre sand was added and during the afternoon the soil. If done by cotractors the cost for this area to complete would be in the region of 6 to 8k. We are doing the work with volunteers and Ian supervising it.

Tomorrow, we will provide details of another two projects completed  and two more being started

The stewards turned out again as in past years to help maintain the stadium and take the pressure of the other regular volunteers members that come in everyday. The barriers had all been cleaned down over the previous few days ready for the painters . The group who included Andy Pickard , Fiona Neveille, Rodney Snare, Ivan, Angel, Jimmy Goldsmith

They did a simply amazing job both Mick Brown and I would like to thank them  and all the other volunteers for their efforts with a special mention to  Dave Matthew Jones for keeping the group in check and for providing me with such a good squad of utility workers.

Paul Harrison also worked all day cutting the pitch to further reduce the height of grass to aid this weeks scarifying , I think he will be pleased to go back to work for a rest.

Mick Brown helped out all day to remove the turf from the South Stand  penalty box that was still suffering from the damage caused by last years concert, once the turf is all removed further fibre sand concentrate will be added to the rootzone to reinforce and stabilize the top surface before it is cultivated and re-seeded weather permitting ?.

Thanks again to each and everyone of you that have helped out I am very grateful to you all

Ian