Fri 29/04/2005
GRASS CUTTING SORTED!
Steve Chapman has found a bloke who has all the necessary equipment to cut the grass at the Rec.
This means that we don't have to do it ourselves.
If you're in the neighbourhood at about 12 noon, there will be quite a bit of grass to clear away. Your help is appreciated.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 29/04/2005
STUART IS OUT!
Stuart came out of hospital today. He's hoping to be at the Beulah game on the 7th May.
Tomorrow at the Bodiam game, we will hold a collection for him to attempt to express our deepest sympathy for his accident.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 29/04/2005
CHANGE OF VENUE V BODIAM
The venue change has been confirmed. We are now playing our fixture at the Recreational Ground in Battle.
We have a major PROBLEM though. We need volunteeres to help cut and clear the grass on Saturday morning.
WE ALSO NEED PETROL MOWERS..as many as possible. Please call me or email me if you can get hold of one.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 28/04/2005
BODIAM DOUBT
We were informed today that the pitch at Bodiam is waterlogged and it is unlikely to be playable for Saturday.
Be prepared for a change of venue as Doug is making every effort to arrange for us to play on the Rec at Battle (...does anyone know someone who has large-scale grass-moving equipment?)
I'll post more news when it arrives.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 28/04/2005
PRESENTATION EVENING TICKETS - FRI JUNE 10TH
Tickets for our end of season celebration will be available at Saturday's game (and subsequent games/training)!!
Forget Keene playing at Alexandra Park, or the Battle Abbey Proms , or even the Battle Boyes Bonfire Night itself...This will be the Social Event of the Year, not to be missed by anyone with a passion for fun!!!
Please buy your tickets early (£20 each) and invite as many friends and family as you can. Leeford Place is a smashing venue and there's room for loads of people.
We're planning a fantastic night which will be entertaining and enjoyable for everybody - even those who are not close to the football action.
The evening will start at 7pm with the Club AGM and all members of BBFC are expected to be there. At 8pm there will be a buffet meal followed by entertainment, including the presentation of End of Season Awards. The night will conclude with a Superstar Football Disco before last orders are given at 11pm.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed 27/04/2005
STUART's OPERATION
Stuart's operation was successful and he's recuperating in the Cookson Devat Ward (not sure of the spelling of that) of the Conquest Hospital.
He's likely to be there until the weekend.
Please keep Stuart in your prayers.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed 27/04/2005
SQUAD FOR BODIAM - Sat.30th April - Away- 3pm KO
Meet at Church at 1:55pm latest or at Bodiam by 2:15pm
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Gary Williams, Andy Frere-Smith, Darrell Hartley, Dale Scowen, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Steve Chapman, Tom Frere-Smith, Richard Ahsam, Ben Garlick.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed 26/04/2005
MORE NEWS ABOUT STUART
Stuart has a complete fracture of the shin bone and was kept in hospital overnight.
He will have an operation this afternoon (Wednesday) and it's likely that pins will be inserted.
Please pray that his spirit will remain strong and that the surgical team operate with utmost skill so that the bone will heel quickly afterwards. Pray also for Stuart's family as they bear the shock of the accident and cope with the inconvenience of the next few months.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tue 26/04/2005
NO NEWS FROM THE HOSPITAL YET ABOUT STUART
Stuart Batchelor broke his leg tonight in the game against Robertsbridge. The game was abandoned 18 minutes from the end with Robertsbridge leading 1-0.
The courageous midfielder, who earlier in the season suffered firstly a broken toe and a then broken nose, was made to wait 25 minutes in the failing light before the ambulanace arrived.
Teammates helped to hold Stuart's leg straight and kept him comfortable by wrapping him in coats and blankets, but despite the efforts of players to distract his attention, he bravely endured great pain. It was clear very quickly that the game would not restart.
The general consensus amongst all the Battle team was that the points are of no value at this stage in the season and that we would attempt to concede the game to avoid having to replay.
However, I'm finding it hard to think about football at the moment. Please make Stuart and his family central to your prayers tonight as they come to terms with this awful accident.
It's now 11:10pm and Gary Williams is still with Stuart and Nicky (Stuart's wife)at the Conquest. Gary has promised to call me with news which I will post here on the website as soon as I have it.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 24/04/2005
TEAM FOR ROBERTSBRIDGE - Tue.26th April - Away - 6:30pm KO
As far as I can tell, no-one is intending to meet at the church so I'll expect everyone to be at Robertsbridge Recreational Ground by 5:45pm.
(Give me a call if you need a lift)
THERE WILL BE NO TRAINING ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT because of Tuesday's game.
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Gary Williams, Darrell Hartley, Andy Mills, Stuart Batchelor, Dale Scowen, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Steve Chapman.
Subs:Richard Ahsam, Ben Garlick, Steve Mumford.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 21/04/2005
KEENE TICKETS - Thur 30th June
Darrell can get tickets for the Keene Concert on the Thurs night of the Hastings Beer Festival, but he must have your cheque on Saturday.
Bring your cheque book...£25 per ticket.
Posted by: bbfcmanager on behalf of Darrell
Thur 21/04/2005
TEAM FOR RED LION - Sat.23rd April - Home - 3pm KO
Meet at Battle Rec at 2pm (2:15pm latest) to put up nets.
As last week, there are still some uncertainties, especially surrounding the goalkeeper's position because Ian is doubtful to play. Gary Williams is not available as a replacement which leaves myself, Dale or perhaps Stuart as the only alternatives.
The great news is that Pat is definitely available.
So the team will be selected from these 11 good men and true:
Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Andy Frere-Smith, Darrell Hartley, Pat Mammone, Stuart Batchelor, Dale Scowen, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith.
Subs:Richard Ahsam, Ben Garlick.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 18/04/2005
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS
Congratulations to Beulah! I've just spent a wonderful evening in the company of Ian and Joanna Nunn, Owen and Gary Wenham watching Beulah win the Hastings Printing Company Challenge Cup at Pilot Field. Despite a dreary second half, plus extra time which ended 1-1, we had plenty of hot tea and corny jokes. Eventually, when it looked like even the penalty shoot out would end without anyone scoring, Beulah did manage to win 3-2 on penalties.
Anyway, as we whiled away time, I got talking to Doug Saunders who's the Honourary Secretary of the East Sussex Football League. He told me some very hot news.
Firstly the sad news is that Cranbrook II have unfortunately dropped out of our Division because they can no longer field a team.
This is BAD NEWS because we will lose the 2 points that we earned in the 2 games we played aginst them.
However, the GOOD NEWS IS THAT other teams wil lose their points against Cranbrook too. Teams that have beaten Cranbrook twice will therefore lose 6 points - a net gain to us of 4 points. HOORAY!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 17/04/2005
SQUAD FOR RED LION - Sat.23rd April - Home - 3pm KO
Unavailable - Gary Williams, Steve Chapman and Steve Mumford.
There's a chance that Pat may be back from Uni this week so we will still have a strong team.
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Andy Frere-Smith, Darrell Hartley, Pat Mammone?, Stuart Batchelor, Dale Scowen, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith, Richard Ahsam, Ben Garlick.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 17/04/2005
Hastings Printing Company Challenge Cup Final
The Kick Off for this cup final on Monday night between Beulah and Little Common is 6:30pm at the Pilot Field (Hastings United's Ground on Elphinstone Road)
There's a contingency from BBFC that are going along to support Beulah.
It would be great to see you there.
If you have one, please wear your BBFC training top to advertise our presence.
Hope to see you there.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 16/04/2005
BEULAH BAPTISTS 0 - 4 BATTLE BAPTISTS
Congratulations to BBFC on their victory in the first leg of the Neville Barnet Trophy.
Two goals apiece from Tom Frere-Smith and Gary Walsh, an another clean sheet from the stingy BBFC defence (with Ian Nunn between the posts) puts us in a magnificent position to win back the trophy we lost on goal difference last year.
The home leg is on Saturday 7th May and promises to be a great way to finish off a superb season.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 15/04/2005
TEAM FOR BEALAH - Neville Barnett Trophy 1st Leg - Sat.16TH April - Away - 3pm KO
Meet at Church by 1:45pm LATEST
or at Bulverhuthe by 2:15pm.
There are still a few difficulties that need to be ironed out before I can post the exact team for Saturday so the squad stands as named last Sunday with the exception of Dale who is suffering with an ankle problem. Stuart is the only other doubt so get ready for an all new midfield! See you all tomorrow.
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Andy Frere-Smith, Gary Williams, Darrell Hartley, Pat Mammone, Stuart Batchelor, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith, Steve Chapman.
13/04/2005
Sportmanship Award
Hi All
If you look at the East Sussex Football League website (www.esfl.org.uk) you will see we are now third in the Sportsmanship League but there really is not much in it.
Hastings APF and JC Tackleway III jointly head the table with an average score of 9.00; and we come third with 8.92. So we could still easily win it being only .08 points off the top two teams!!
Doug
Posted by: Gary Walsh for Doug Turner
11/04/2005
Latest News
The End of Year Awards night has been arranged for Friday the 10th of June, at 7pm at Leeford Place. There will be a three course meal, disco, awards presentation, review of the season and AGM all for just £20 per person. Tickets will be available from the 23rd April at the game against Red Lion from either Gary Walsh, Doug Turner, Gary Williams or myself.
Most of the awards are being sponsored by either local companies or individuals, and our Young Player of the Season is being backed by The Entertainer. This is a toy company run by a Christian man in Gary Grant who responded to my letter to him with a donation to our club. I would like to publicly thank him and all those that are sponsoring awards for their support.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 10/04/2005
SQUAD FOR BEALAH - Neville Barnett Trophy 1st Leg - Sat.16TH April - Away - 3pm KO
Meet at Church by 1:45pm LATEST
or at Bulverhuthe by 2:15pm.
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Andy Frere-Smith, Gary Williams, Darrell Hartley, Pat Mammone, Stuart Batchelor, Dale Scowen, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith, Richard Ahsam, Steve Chapman.
For me yesterday was one of the most enjoyable days of the season. Obviously scoring 2 goals had something to do with it but playing at the revamped Battle Rec was enjoyable too. The facilities beat Claverham hands down and, although the playing surface was a little untrustworthy (no worse than most), at least I didn't suffer any burns or grazes on my legs.
To be perfectly honest though the thing I really enjoyed the most was overturning Wednesday's defeat. The game was played in a really great spirit too.
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PLAYED THEIR PART ON SATURDAY.
As you can see, we have a strong squad as it stands at the moment for this Saturday's 1st leg against Beulah . Unfortunately, Jamie has ruled himself out of the remaining games but I'm hoping to negotiate new terms with Ian for an extention to his current contract. I'll get back to you on that one.
Training is back to normal on Wednesday. That's a 6:30pm start.
Please spread the word to bring your boots as well as trainers just in case the weather and light enables us to play on the grass.
Tomorrow at the monthly committee meeting, amongst many other things, we'll be discussing the viability of a 2nd team. Last minute talks with Gordon Strachan have broken down so unless another man appears at the twelvth hour, the notion looks doomed.
We'll also make a decision on our home venue for next season. I'd be keen to hear any comments on Claverham vs Battle Rec, (either good or bad) but spare any comments about needing a team ball boys to fetch the balls from down the bank at the Rec...we're working on that one.
...and we're still optimistic about providing tea after the game but we need volunteers to brew up. Do you know of any willing freinds or relations?
Today the idea took a step closer to becoming reality when I was successful in bidding for a large stainless steel tea urn on ebay. I hope to pursuade the committee to donate it to Battle Town Council since they are not charging us for the 3 games at the Rec this season.
Finally, don't forget to bring back your nomination slips for the end of season awards. I'm trying to avoid a situation where all the votes for a particular award are spread thinly between lots of players and someone wins with 2 votes.
At the end of the season you will get an official voting slip . It will have 3 or 4 nominations for each award and the presentation ceremony will be a cross between the Oscars and Sports Personality of the Year. I hope it will be good fun for everyone!
As someone said 'Think of the nominations slip as a sort of pre-vote'.
God bless you all. Have a great week and I hope to see as many players as possible at training on Wednesday.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 07/04/2005
TEAM FOR HAWKHURST- Sat.9TH April - Home
Meet at BATTLE REC at 2:15 PM LATEST
Please note the new venue. There are one or two differences in routine so I'd appreciate if you could be there at 2pm if possible to help me and Doug to set up. Doug and I will be there at half one to put up the nets.
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Gary Williams, Darrell Hartley, Pat Mammone, Dale Scowen, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith.
Subs: Richard Ahsam, Steve Chapman, Ben Garlick.
There's plenty for us to be optimistic about in this match. Firstly Hawkhurst first team are playing so it's unlikely they will field any first team players.
Secondly we scored 2 goals and should have had a penalty as well. We know we can hurt them with our attacking style.
Thirdly, their defence were fairly old guys and will be feeling the effects of the Wednesday game. If we are clever we can exploit this on the big pitch at Battle Rec.
As usual I'm looking forward to an interesting and enjoyable challenge on Saturday.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 01/04/2005
THERE WILL BE NO TRAINING THIS WEDNESDAY - back to normal on Wed 13th
TEAM FOR HAWKHURST - Wed.6th April - Away
Meet at the Church at 4:45pm
Or be at King George's Playing Field, Hawkhurst, by 5:15pm
For map goto
Multi Map
The pitch is at the cross roads where it says THE MOOR
I realise that some of us are coming from work and will have difficulty getting away from work. I expect that you'll get to the ground as early as you possibly can.
The kick off is 6pm.
Team:
Jamie Pooley, Owen Davies, Andy Frere-Smith, Gary Wiliams, Darrell Hartley, Pat Mammone, Stuart Batchelor, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith.
Subs: Richard Ahsam, Gary Wenham, Steve Chapman, Ian Nunn.
I'm generally uncontactable until Tuesday. But if you need to speak to me you can email me on bbfcmanager@aol.com or ring Gary Wenham or Doug Turner who know how to get me.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 01/04/2005
TEAM FOR PUNNETTS TOWN - Sat.2ND April - Away
Meet at the Church at 1:40pm to that we can leave at 1:45 pm prompt.
Otherwise be at Punnettts Town Rec by 2:15pm latest. Drive through the village on the main road until you reach the Primary School at the far end. The Rec is across from the Primary School and is a good place for family to play.
Gary Williams, Dave Mills, Owen Davies, Andy Frere-Smith, Darrell Hartley, Pat Mammone, Dale Scowen, Stuart Batchelor, Andy Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith.
Subs: Richard Ahsam, Gary Wenham, Ben Garlick.
NEWS
Steve Mumford sufferered a fracture bone in his toe at training last Wed and looks as though he will be out for the rest of the season unless our prayers for fast healing are answered.
Doug and I went to the newly vamped Battle Rec Pavillion on Thurs afternoon to pick up the keys from Town Clerk, Peter Mills.
The building was set alight by youngsters last year and has been rebuilt and totally redecorated throughout thanks to the successful insurance claim. The facility looks a really good one and has all it needs to serve tea after the game - a dream I've had for a whole season. All we need are a couple of angellic 'tealadies' (or teamen!).
We'll be playing our last 2 home league games, plus the home leg of the Neville Barnet Trophy (against Beulah) at the Rec. We were warmly welcomed by Peter Mills who showed us around and was very friendly towards us.
The pitchitself is very similar to Claverham in that it's very large and flat. It has the advantage of having plenty of grass on it, because it hasn't been played on all season.
Posted by: bbfcmanager