Didcot Town have a schedule of "off-pitch" entertainment for supporters and the public in general during the winter months.
On Friday 20 January, popular tribute band Kings-ov-Leon will be appearing at The Didcot Venue. A return gig for the highly regarded act who are taking the UK by storm selling out venues nationwide. Tickets £12 per person
Friday 27 January brings an Audience With Gareth Chilcott to Didcot, the Rugby legend will be supported by Comedian Jed Stone. Price for the evening is £30 per ticket, which includes a Bangers & Mash with Onion Gravy supper. Some tables are still available for those wishing to make a group booking.
Saturday 3 March 2012, Rats in The Kitchen make their first appearance at The Didcot Venue. A full 8 piece band performing UB40 hits from the 80's . . . along with some foot stomping Ska! Tickets £15 per person
For full details access The Didcot Venue website www.didcotvenue.co.uk or telephone Didcot Town Football Club on 01235 813138
Hallowed Halls - 2 December
Didcot Town are pleased to welcome back in the fold Harry Halls, who has transferred from Hungerford Town to the club on both Hellenic and Southern League forms.
20 year old Halls was with Didcot Town until just before the transfer window close last season, when he made the decision to move to Hungerford. Didcot's first team manager at the time, ex Welsh International Ady Williams, had been involving the teenager within the first team squad and was disappointed when the player decided to move.
Hungerford Town have been very understanding regarding Hall's wish to move, and Didcot Town thank Hungerford stalwart Ken Holmes and manager Bobby Wilkinson for agreeing to affect a speedy transfer transaction.
Didcot Town first team manager Dave Mudge commented: " I have had good comments regarding Harry from people at Didcot and from the Reserves manager Paul Noble. I will keep an eye on his performances with the Reserves and if he does show promise I will be looking to give him experience at first team level in the future."
Hall's will feature in the Didcot Town Reserves squad at Letcombe Sports tomorrow. 2pm KO.
Railwaymen Help Support Mayor - 19 November
Didcot Town helped to support the Mayor of Didcot by donating the venue for the Mayors' Fun Race Night last Saturday, 12 November, where an impressive £501.31 was raised from the attendees.
Didcot's Mayor Phil Hayward commented. "We had loads of fun, my three supported charities, Diabetes UK, The Teenage Cancer Trust and Felix Fund (the Bomb Disposal Charity) will be sharing the proceeds. My thanks to Didcot Town FC for the use of the super facilities, also the cadets from our local Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps, for their assistance as great Jockeys and Tote Assistants etc."
"Also my special thanks to the following Race Sponsors: John Bailey - Didcot Town Chairman, Paul Chalk - Didcot Town Vice Chairman, Aroma Grill (Meal for 4 up to £80), Sinfully Sweet of Didcot (Huge Hamper of Sweets worth £80 - £90)"
Diddy Rock's - 17 November
What could possibly connect a part-time football club from Didcot, Oxfordshire, and a rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, in the USA?
You would imagine very little. But for Didcot Town, looking to America for sponsorship made just as much sense as keeping it local. The football club has secured a deal with indie rock band, Black Swan Lane, who have sponsored the club's wesbite since last summer.
Steve 'Babs' Clare, Press Officer for Didcot Town, made contact with Jack Sobel, founder member of Black Swan Lane last year, and since then they haven't looked back.
Babs said: “I had contacted Jack about one of the band's records and in a subsequent exchange of emails he described how difficult it was getting any exposure for Black Swan Lane in the UK. It was then I suggested he sponsored a banner on the club's website linking supporters to the band and he jumped at the idea. It's possibly unique for a US-based band to get involved in a relatively small club like Didcot Town but not so daft when you think about it. The football club has a popular official website and it's a great outlet in the UK for the band to publicise their new album Staring Down The Path Of Sound while supporting us at the same time. Their music has a unique sound, but anyone who likes the Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division, Cocteau Twins or even the Beatles I'm sure will hear something on the new album they like."
Although based in Atlanta, Black Swan Lane is also made up of a number of UK musicians including Mark Burgess, former frontman of the Chameleons.
Band founder Jack Sobel said: “I've received a few questions from the UK regarding Black Swan Lane's sponsorship of Didcot Town FC and it always makes me smile. I'm also an anglophile. Growing up, the music that influenced me the most came from England, in particular the Manchester scene. Probably the biggest influence came from bands like The Chameleons UK, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Beatles, The Church, Bauhaus, The Stone Roses, Lush, Kitchens of Distinction, Catherine Wheel, Moose, Cocteau Twins, The Doves, The Jam, Dead Can Dance, and Echo and The Bunnymen, and so many others."
Sobell continued “Without exposure to these bands and this music, Black Swan Lane would not have the sound we do today. When Steve Clare contacted me about the possibility of Black Swan Lane sponsoring Didcot Town FC, I was immediately attracted to the idea because it brings together two of my favorite things and it is great to be able to sponsor a football club in England where the game started. We are genuinely appreciative of the support and outreach Steve has done to make this happen. He also created banners for Black Swan Lane on the Didcot Town FC Website that help promote the band and our new release Staring Down the Path of Sound. The banners will lead you directly to our website where you may purchase the new release, as well as our previous releases. After our US tour this winter, we would love to tour the UK soon and if we do, I’m sure we’ll be able to fit in Oxford, or maybe even Didcot Town FC, as a venue!”
It’s not the first time a rock or popular music act has got involved in football sponsorship: Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim used his local club Brighton & Hove Albion to advertise his ‘Palookaville’ album in 2004.
Similarly Wet Wet Wet famously sponsored their local club Clydebank. In non-league football, Margate were once sponsored by Bad Manners, Goldie Lookin Chain were involved with Newport County and indie-band Mega City Four supported Farnborough Town in the 1990’s.
Black Swan Lane embarked on a nationwide tour of the USA this month. Their commitment to Didcot Town looks set to continue as the image of Jack Sobell wearing his Diddy t-shirt shows. The photograph was taken back stage Tuesday night, after their Staring Down The Path Of Sound Tour gig in Pheonix Arizona.
Jon Stott has transferred from Witney Town to Didcot Town Reserves, he will be available to play in Didcot's Uhlsport Division One East fixture against Chinnor at the NPower Loop Meadow ground tomorrow.
28 year old Stott, who lives less than a quarter of a mile from the Railwaymen's ground has previously played for Wantage Town and Milton United. He was with Didcot Town last season though signed for Witney Town in the close season. Apart from one game missed through suspension, he has featured in all Witney's Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division league matches prior to his transfer.
Stott's defensive experience will hopefully help to reduce bottom placed Didcot sure up the defence and reduce the goals conceded tally, which is currently one of the worst in the division, and hopefully improve the fortunes of the relatively young side.
Departing from Didcot is Gavin Jones who transferred from Wantage in September. Jones who had been a part of the Wantage set up for most of his career decided his heart is still with The Alfredians.
End Of An Era As Didcot Skipper Joins City - 5th October
Although the story is related to two Southern League clubs, Jamie Heapy was an integral member of the succesful Didcot Town team, playing with his club for more than 10 years in the Hellenic League. Just two weeks after Didcot Town manager Francis Vines resigned from his post, the club have been stunned by the news veteran skipper Jamie Heapy is leaving to join Oxfordshire rivals Oxford City.
A true one-club man until this point, Heapy made more than 720 appearances and played in every position (including goalkeeper) in a career spanning 16 years with the Railwaymen. As club captain Heapy (pictured holding the Hellenic League Challenge Cup in 2005) led Didcot to unprecedented success and silverware having lifted the FA Vase in 2005, the Hellenic Premier Division title in 2006, three Hellenic Challenge Cups, two Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy victories and also skippered the side to promotion into the Southern League Premier Division via the play-offs in 2009 – the highest level in the club’s 104 year hstory. And it’s that desire to play in the Premier Division with City, along with the chance of working under Mike Ford and Stuart Peace again, which has attracted Heapy to Court Place Farm.
Heapy commented on his departure: "It’s nothing to do with new manager Dave Mudge, who has impressed me already in his short time at the club, it just feels now is the right time to try and test myself at the highest level possible. I’m not getting any younger, and I may not have too many more years playing the game. Sixteen years is a long time at one club, and while Didcot Town will always be a very special place to me, I think I can still play in the Premier Division and City have offered me a great opportunity. I have played with Mike Ford, and worked under Stuart Peace for a number of years, so I know it’ll be hard work but I’m looking forward to a new challenge."
Didcot Chairman John Bailey: "Obviously we didn’t want to lose him, Jamie will go down as one of the most successful and loyal players the football club have ever had. But at the same time you have to respect his desire to test himself at a better standard; so he goes with our blessing and we wish him the best of luck."
Heapy played his last game for Didcot last night (Tuesday 4 October) in a 1-0 defeat at Halesowen; a result which leaves Mudge’s side just four places off the bottom of the Evo-Stik League South & West Division. Heapy is expected to complete the paperwork this week that would make him eligible to be included in City’s squad for the Southern League Premier Division match against Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.
Railwaymen Top Of The Table - 15 September
Didcot Town Veterans played their inaugural fixture at Loop Meadow last night, with a resounding 5-1 victory over Yarnton FC in the Hellenic Veterans League Division One.
After a warm up, where the sound of cracking joints resonated around the Ladygrove, scaring off the rabbits for miles around. The glow of the setting sun reflecting off bald pates illuminating the stadium in an almost hallowed light. The "lads" eagerly got down to the business in hand.
When it comes to buying a round some of the "Railwaymen" may be suffering from early signs of dementia, but once the whistle had started the game it was apparent none of them had forgotten how to play football.
Their movement on the ball was slick; passing accurate and silky smooth; positional play excellent, and some of the goals scored were top draw. At the other end not much got by the keeper, he displayed a massive presence in the goal mouth.
The 5-1 victory places them at the top of the Division, still many games to go, but the best position they could hope for to start off their first ever Veterans League campaign.
In conclusion, as far as football is concerned they may be regarded as past their sell-by-date. But on this performance they still have bags to offer, and can show some of the younger main stream Diddy players how it should be done.
'Big Mac' Supports Didcot - 14 July
Prior to the fixture against Oxford United on Saturday 9 July, Didcot Town launched their programmed development of a new stand.
The project, which will create a covered seated and standing area enclosure, has funding support from McDonald's Didcot and many of the supporters of Didcot Town.
Didcot Town FC are grateful for the ongoing support of the local McDonald's restaurant, situated on the A34 interchange adjacent to Milton Park. McDonald's also provide sponsorship for children's' teams at the club. Supporters of Didcot Town are making donations per seat. The club hope to have the stand constructed by the start of Season 2012/13.
Over 100 representatives from Didcot Town FC sponsors attended the game Didcot Town v Oxford United game on Saturday 9 July, many of them joining the players and officials of both clubs for the post match buffet.
Pictured with representatives of McDonald's Didcot, Mike Coulter (McDonald's Area Manager), Sam Vaughan (McDonald's Didcot Manager) and Paulina Jurczyk (McDonald's Didcot shift Manager) are, the Mayor of Didcot, Phil Hayward, and the effervescent Didcot Town mascot Loopy.
Calling All "Railwaymen" - 12 July
If you want to re-live the glories of the past in red and white, the opportunity is now available. Didcot Town Veterans have been formed and will be playing in the Hellenic League Veterans competition from September.
If you have not been a Didcot Town player in the past you will still be most welcome to sign on. The main criteria is, you are 35 years of age and over, plus still have the desire to play football (if at a more relaxed pace!).
We start off in Hellenic Veterans League Division One, competing against Bampton Town, Carterton, Goring United, OCC Veterans, Witney Royals and Yarnton. Twelve league games played during the season. The season starts in September, takes a break in December and January (too cold and damp for the old joints!), recommences in February through to the end of the season. In addition to the League competition there is an over 40's Cup Competition played during same time frame. All games have a 70 minute duration, an official referee, played in under lights, and kick off at 7.45pm on a Wednesday.
The social side is just as important as the physical bit, meet up with past team mates and adversaries after the game and enjoy the banter.
To sign on or get more details contact Didcot Vets Secretary Alan Taylor email afamilytaylor@aol.com or phone 07779 157741
Diddy npowered Until 2013! - 4 July
As the club prepare for the opening pre-season friendly of the new season against Oxford United this Saturday (9 July 2011), Didcot Town FC is delighted to announce that Britain's brightest energy company npower, owners of Didcot Power Stations, is extending its sponsorship of the club for the next two seasons. Didcot Town FC and npower have been partners for the past six years. Today's new deal ensures that npower will help the Club to continue to grow on and off the pitch.
Announcing the deal, John Bailey, Chairman of Didcot Town FC said: "Once again we have to thank npower for their financial support of the football club. npower have played a huge part in the ongoing development of the club over the past 6 years, with the increasing emphasis on us engaging with the local community, and with this extended sponsorship we hope to continue this work." Jim Haggan, Station Manager at npower's Didcot A Power Station, said: "We are delighted to announce our continued sponsorship with Didcot Town FC, particularly as so many people in the local community and our staff are fans."
Didcot Town Football Club was formed in 1907 and for the first 90 years plied their trade at their previous ground in Station Road. In 1999, as part of the redevelopment of the town centre, the club switched to its present home, the npower Loop Meadow Stadium, on the Ladygrove estate.
Didcot were founder members of the Hellenic League. And indeed the first ever League Champions, though it took them another 53 years to achieve that accolade again gaining promotion to the Southern League in Season 2005/6. Didcot Town are still proud to continue it's association with the uhlsport Hellenic League with the club's reserves team playing in Division One East.
In 2005 the club won the FA Vase in spectacular style at White Hart Lane in front of a crowd of more than 9,000 fans.
Since then (and with npower's backing) the club managed to get promoted twice to the highest level they had ever played at - the Southern League Premier Division. However, last season ended in disappointment, and relegation, back to the South & West Division of the Southern League. The club aim to bounce straight back by gaining promotion next April.
To mark the announcement of npower's ongoing sponsorship, Didcot Town FC and npower are offering the chance to win a pair of season tickets for the 2011/12 season. To enter a prize draw participants have to answer a simple question: Who was appointed Didcot's new First Team manager in June 2011? In addition to the chance to win a pair of season tickets, 5 lucky runners-up will receive a signed copy of US based indie-rockers Black Swan Lane's new CD 'Staring Down the Path of Sound' which is due for release in August. This also coincides with an extension of the band's unique sponsorship of Didcot Town's official website.
For full details of how to enter (and for competition terms and conditions) go to www.didcottownfc.com. Participants can enter via email (including the answer; and the name, address and contact telephone number of the participant) to: steve@didcottownfc.com Competition entry can also be by post to: Season Ticket Competition, Didcot Town Football Club, npower Loop Meadow Stadium, Bowmont Water, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7GA (including the answer; and the name, address and contact telephone number of participant). Participants must be aged 18 or over. Closing date for entries is Friday 29th July 2011. Winners will be drawn at random from all the correct answers on Saturday 30th July 2011, and all winners will be notified by Saturday 6 August 2011.
Summer Courses For Youngsters - 15th June
At a loss what to do with the kids in the summer holidays? Didcot Town will be hosting Summer Holiday Courses for 4 - 11 age group during the school summer vacation.
The courses managed by Advance Sports Ltd, under the guidance of Didcot Town first team Coach Craig Faulconbridge, will run for four weeks from the end of July until the end of August. The daily schedule, which lasts from 9am to 3pm, will provide learning for players, all about roles and responsibilities in their own positions and others around them, build self confidence to use different skills and techniques in challenging situations, whilst ensuring 'natural development' occurs in a fun and enjoyable environment.
The cours cost per day is £10 for each candidate. All Advanced Sports Coaches have fully enhanced CRB checks and years of experience of coaching children of all ages.
Adavance Sports will also be holding a weekly Football Development Course for 4-7 year olds at Didcot Town which commences on July 9th.
Didcot Town will be starting their pre-season training schedule on Thursday 30 June, with an open invitation for players to trial for both the Hellenic and Southern League squads.
With the appointment yesterday of Frances Vines as the Didcot Town first team manager, both he and the club are keen to give an opportunity for players to demonstrate their ability and have the chance of developing with the club.
Vines, 49, has extensive managerial experience which includes lifting the Southern League Premier Division title with Crawley Town in 2004 (and securing a creditable 12th place in the Conference the following season).
He came within a point of achieving the same feat while in charge at Farnborough in 2009 but missed out on automatic promotion by a single point. His other notable achievements include taking Basingstoke Town to the 2nd Round proper of the FA Cup, a run that included victory at Football League club Chesterfield along the way.
The new manager said: "Didcot Town has great potential and I'm looking forward to achieving success during what I regard is an exciting project. From what I have seen of Didcot at various Southern League games last season I know we have some excellent players within the squad, but it is apparent there are areas where the squad needs to be strengthened."
"I do of course have players in mind, however I also believe that there are many players who would like the opportunity to play football at this level, but have yet to be given the chance to demonstrate their ability. Therefore, at this stage, it's an open book and I am willing to look at players who feel they could make the grade."
Craig Faulconbridge, a 33 year old ex-professional footballer, who has played for Coventry City, Dunfermline Athletic, Hull City, Wrexham and Wycombe Wanderers, has joined Vines at Didcot as a player/coach. By day Faulconbridge (right) coaches professionally, and will be providing his skill and experience to help develop the potential of players at Didcot Town.
The players meet for training on Thursday 30th June, 6.45pm, and the invitation is there for those who would like the opportunity to trial for the club to attend on that night.
Hallowed Halls - 2 December
Babs said: “I had contacted Jack about one of the band's records and in a subsequent exchange of emails he described how difficult it was getting any exposure for Black Swan Lane in the UK. It was then I suggested he sponsored a banner on the club's website linking supporters to the band and he jumped at the idea. It's possibly unique for a US-based band to get involved in a relatively small club like Didcot Town but not so daft when you think about it. The football club has a popular official website and it's a great outlet in the UK for the band to publicise their new album Staring Down The Path Of Sound while supporting us at the same time. Their music has a unique sound, but anyone who likes the Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division, Cocteau Twins or even the Beatles I'm sure will hear something on the new album they like."
Stott Moves Back To Didcot - 11 November
Although the story is related to two Southern League clubs, Jamie Heapy was an integral member of the succesful Didcot Town team, playing with his club for more than 10 years in the Hellenic League. Just two weeks after Didcot Town manager Francis Vines resigned from his post, the club have been stunned by the news veteran skipper Jamie Heapy is leaving to join Oxfordshire rivals Oxford City.
Prior to the fixture against Oxford United on Saturday 9 July, Didcot Town launched their programmed development of a new stand.
As the club prepare for the opening pre-season friendly of the new season against Oxford United this Saturday (9 July 2011), Didcot Town FC is delighted to announce that Britain's brightest energy company npower, owners of Didcot Power Stations, is extending its sponsorship of the club for the next two seasons. Didcot Town FC and npower have been partners for the past six years. Today's new deal ensures that npower will help the Club to continue to grow on and off the pitch.
Vines, 49, has extensive managerial experience which includes lifting the Southern League Premier Division title with Crawley Town in 2004 (and securing a creditable 12th place in the Conference the following season).
"I do of course have players in mind, however I also believe that there are many players who would like the opportunity to play football at this level, but have yet to be given the chance to demonstrate their ability. Therefore, at this stage, it's an open book and I am willing to look at players who feel they could make the grade."