One Year On - The Abbey Arms

The first project of significance we completed was to create an area for supporters to use on match days in addition to the Dublin Suite area.

It had always seemed a shame that Marvin's was not used more and this was the opportunity to do so.

We took out the bench seats, old photos and started again with an empty room. We wanted a room that could be used by ages. 

The inside around the bar area was painted Amber and Black. We then had to decide whether to keep the shirts painted around room or paint the walls plain. We kept the shirts.

A new kitchen was purchased from Howdens and fitted

The outside was improved with the provision of some flowers to add colour. The flag is flying outside on the wall

Unfortunately, we later found out the roof leaked and had to get it repaired. This was kindly done by Graham. The step was also repaired by Mick & Ian. The water heater was repaired by Dave Mills and heaters/electrics by Glen Gawthrop

Additional benches were provided for the outside area when the new ones were ordered for the area behind the Habbin.

The building was ready for use by the first league match of the season.

Marvin's returned to being called the Abbey Arms when we found the old sign and immediately took the decision to put it up again.

During the past year the room has been used by community groups, the walking football team, holding 100yearsofcoconut events and meetings. It is used on a daily basis as somewhere for the volunteers tp meet and  decide the days jobs, as well as having tea breaks, dinner etc

It really served as a base and control room when the weather looked to have beaten us against Luton.

The club have used it for entertaining sponsors and footballing authorities. On match days before the match it is used for parties and mascots. For the film evening it was used a the main hospitality area. For the concert an artists area. Staff can also sit out during the week for their downtimes or to hold meetings

On match days and in particular on sunny ones, it is extremely well used. We have to find a way when the weather is not so great of increasing footfall. It is unfortunate that only the main stand spectators can use the facilities.

Long term I would love to open the room after the match for everyone to use.

It now has the following on match days available

• Hot drinks - why queue when it is old or raining outside - get a drink in the dry and warm
• Ginster pies
• Alcoholic supplied by Green King and cold drinks
  
• Sky TV -
• Match day team news

The external club shop outlet and food points are nearby

The CUFC lottery funded the tables, outdoor furniture, kitchen, television, sky installation. The provision of the items have meant the room is now being used on a daily basis and hopefully on match days it has provided an alternative to the Dublin Suite, access to an open air meeting area. We have had some more delivered in time for the new season. If you would like to join the lottery or receive more information contact us via the form below.

How can you help - send me an email via the form below with any suggestions on how we can improve the area or ideas of events etc on match days. Do you know any entertainers, face painters who might be able to use the area? We have no funding to provide it, however we could provide some publicity

If you are a spectator in the Main Stand and have not visited the Abbey Arms then why not try it on a match day.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE LOTTERY