Message From The ChairWell that was quite an end to the season – a real roller coaster of emotions. Just scraping into the play-offs after the disappointing defeat to Needham Market didn’t give many fans much optimism for our semi-final away to Bognor Regis.The form book was ripped up on a joyous night for Hamlet fans at Nyewood lane, as a great performance was combined with a penalty save and an injury time winner. A huge travelling support (perhaps as many as 1000) then followed on Bank Holiday Monday, as an army of Hamlet fans took over East Thurrock’s compact ground. Sadly, this was not matched by the performance on the pitch as a determined and organised opposition took advantage of a very strong wind in the first half to score from three corners. Our fans were a credit to the Club after the final whistle, as we showed that respect for the opposition (when it’s deserved!) and friendship with fellow non-league fans is worth far much more than unnecessary anger and hate so frequently evident in the professional game. It’s this kind of reaction that makes me proud to be a Hamlet fan. This is the last newsletter before our AGM on 4 July, so I would like to take the opportunity to recognise some of the main achievements that our brilliant Board members have achieved this season. The work behind the scenes to influence the proposed ground redevelopment has been extremely valuable. We are making gradual progress with Hadley and the Club on plans for future fan ownership of the Club by the Trust. The Mega-Container project has been a very large project, and achieved within an incredibly tight budget thanks to the generosity of many supporters. The merchandise operation has continued to grow and we were particularly overwhelmed by Christmas online orders. We have moved to a new automated membership system that took a lot of engineering in the background. The community work remains an integral part of our work, and we enjoy a close working relationship with the Football Committee to deliver these many varied initiatives – the collaboration with Dulwich2Dunkirk and the charity game vs FC Assyria being particular highlights this year. None of this would be possible without our Secretary holding us to account and ensuring we are delivering in the interest of members, our finances being kept in tip-top shape and that we are communicating clearly and regularly with the most important people of all – you…our Trust members. So, thank you to Alex, Andy, Darren, Dave, Fiona, Isaac, Jack B, Jack S, James, Mark, Matt, Mel and Mishi for the 100s hours have been volunteered over the course of the season. You are all stars. Enjoy this month’s newsletter. There is a reminder to vote in the ground redevelopment poll, news from the opening of the Mega-Container and we are happy to announce the appointment of our new Secretary. Have a great break, and enjoy Euro 2016 if that’s your thing. See you at the AGM on 4 July. Duncan Chair, DHST |