Now that the Club is getting back some form or normalcy it is time for these Newsletters to exit stage left. Hopefully people found them informative and useful during the long weeks of lockdown. The intention was always to be a connecting thread between the Club and you as members. Holding firm to the belief that there would be walking football at some point, an end which your Club never stopped working towards. But please be assured, if the need arises again for Keeping Connected, it will return.

The good news is that the return to Thursday and Friday sessions has led to an increase in numbers – last week saw eighty attending with over fifty individuals making up the numbers across all five sessions. The Friday over 60s session was particularly popular with some of the old guard with Dennis Barefield, Steve West, Dave Jones, Phil Dudderidge, Jon Barrick and Paul Taylor all putting in an appearance for the first time since lockdown. It was great to see them all and both sessions are already fully subscribed for this week.

Given the numbers wishing to attend please only put your name down for Either Thursday OR Friday sessions. Over 50s will get priority for Thursday sessions.

The Essex Walking Football League have been in touch to canvas the Club’s opinion about the likelihood, ability and desirability of restarting the League. Their decision will be reported here as soon as they confirm their decision. Given the current guidance from the FA, the reticence of venues to host large numbers and the risk of local lockdowns being imposed the Club thinks it is highly unlikely that EWFL games will be played in 2020.

Some good news. I have heard from John Hockley. He is out of hospital and is at home recovering from what was dehydration and a low heart beat. His heart rate is back up and he enjoyed a birthday meal with his family last night. He hopes to get back training in a couple of weeks time.

There are three members with birthdays this week: Andreas Ireland, Ray Russo and Graham Manicom. Here’s to you all having a Very Happy Birthday.

The Monday Night Quiz continues and this week was hosted by Caroline and John Bancroft. The Mullins took an early lead but were soon overtaken by the all conquering Conligans. The final scores were: 1st The Conligans (36 pts) 2nd Mary and Mick Mullins (30 pts) and 3rd Anne and Tony Weston (28 pts). Thanks go to Caroline and John – that was a tough quiz!

It is only fitting to finish these newsletters with a quote about endings:

“It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.” ― Paulo Coelho

See you all at training.
Trevor Ridley

© Copyright 2020 Leyton Orient Walking FC

Image used © Trevor Ridley