Urgent - REMF Match 3

Dave

I disagree totally with your comments.

We have this year supported 3 local youth football teams, Fishersgate, King George United and Portslade Athletic with new kits and equipment. This has benefitted approx 60 local kids from 5-16.

The main drive/focus for future fund raising and funds is to support local clubs and we have put out a press release whereby we will offer grants of up to £ 1000 for up to 5 clubs in the Sussex and Croydon area each year.

In 5 years time we could have supported 25 local teams.

We have an auction, golf day, mini tournament between the clubs supported and great south run for future fund raising this year so as I have said before the REMF game is only 1 of many fund raising activities so the amount of money we make is not as important, what is important is getting the game played and having the annual game between BHAFC and CPFC supporters played.

The Eaton family are totally behind the annual game and are delighted it is being played at Withdean. They are very apprieciative of everyones efforts and I feel strongly they want this to continue.

I agree with Gareth on this one.

The Brighton v Palace REMF game must continue.

We will have to agree to disagree on this one

The points that Dave and Lush make are well worth thinking over. Considering different ways to promote the cause isn't any sort of disloyalty to Robert's memory but is a natural process in the development of any campaigning/fundraising organisation.

The most important thing about the REMF Match is that it should be played in the spirit of the first game. If the arrangements to fix a date, alone, are going to cause this sort of stress then perhaps we do need to have a quiet think about what we are trying to achieve.

It is not a major fundraiser. In fact, the match itself will struggle to break even but it is the symbolism behind having the game that is important. Having the Palace lads on board is one of the most important elements of the game and it's a tradition that should continue. It should also be a game with a strong social element attached which is, perhaps, why playing in a park could undermine this aspect. But it is right to consider the practicalities and not assume that the way things have been done in the past are the only way to do them in the future.

The Eaton family have been inspirational in the way they have supported the cause but they are also realists and recognise that, as time moves on, the cause may lose a certain "urgency" and that this will lower the profile of REMF. In many respects, I think this is the healthiest approach - we should be remembering Robert by moving forwards and, if necessary, recognising that things might have to be done differently. If that means a match in the park this year because of the particular difficulties with Withdean right now, so be it, provided there is the opportunity for the players and supporters to socialise afterwards. But it should be a match arranged and played with a joyful spirit and in optimistic remembrance of Robert. Not one where, by the time that the players take to the pitch, everyone is already worn down with the effort of trying to get them there!

Good points Roz.

I agree that the match should be played. If it can't be Withdean this year for whatever reasons this year as long as the game is played with 30 players and 30 or so supporters in a Park as a final resort we must do it.

We can then hopefully played REMF 4 next year at Withdean when the Albion's future will finally have been resolved and everyone can spend more time in a more leisurely manner in getting an acceptable date.

Can we not play at the Greyhound stadium or summat?

When are we likely to have a date by. I could get a team together for the 9th but we would get no support.
Bit late to have it in April now really isnt it.
Well ill look forward to our defence of the trophy for the 3rd time, ballls to the golf 1's.

Thread closed. The date has now been fixed for Friday 23 April.

Please use this thread for all further discussion.