Rayners Lane To Light Up -12th February

After several applications and appeals over the past 26 years the London Borough of Harrow have finally given Rayners Lane FC permission to erect floodlights.

A lot of the committee and friends of Rayners Lane FC made a small contribution in helping the council make the correct decision but this would not have been successful without the drive, energy and persistence of Chairman, Martin Noblett. The formal process started way back in September and Martin was relentless in his quest to achieve the club's and his personal goal, even when on a month's holiday in Australia in November. He made contact with politicians, councillors, Mayor of London, local residents, bat societies and any other interested or disinterested parties. This involved hours and hours of meetings, phone calls, emails and undoubtedly personal expense. Without this incredible effort this decision would not have been possible and the football club are deeply indebted to Martin.

Now the decision has been made the aim is to get the floodlights installed by the start of next season. Committee member, Clive Chamberlain, has already been working on an application for grant aid to the Football Foundation and other agencies in anticipation of the correct decision being made and these will be submitted immediately and hopefully the club will be able to finance the project by the anticipated start date in May.

Well done to all at 'The Lane', it has been a long time coming and should help to attract players to the club for next season.

Dedicated Ground Staff At 'The Lane' - 9th December

Ice rinks have been installed all around London for the Christmas season but Rayners Lane ground staff; Tony Pratt, Tom Lynn and Richard Mitchell spent most of Wednesday this week chipping away at the frozen pitch in an effort to try to get the pitch playable for Saturday.

A large area of the pitch has been frozen for over a week and in places the ice was over an inch thick. Over twenty barrow loads of ice were deposited as far from the pitch as possible in order that the expected thaw at the end of the week will mean that the pitch will not be waterlogged.

Chelseas Legends At Rayners - 24th August

Following a very successful evening held at the end of last season Chelsea legend Ron Harris is returning to Rayners Lane on Wednesday 1st September with his brother Allan and John Hollins.

The evening will be hosted by comedian Mike Pugh and there will be plenty of opportunity to hear candid opinions on football past and present and also to ask any pertinent questions. There will also be the chance to contribute to a charity of Ron's choice by taking part in an auction of interesting football memorabilia. The evening kicks off at 7.30 pm and admission price on the door is £10 (with refreshments available).