Welcome this evening to Shepton Mallet players officials and supporters for this Premier Cup round 2 Should be an interesting measure of the progress we have made but not to be taken lightly So your role as supporters will again play a big part Make sure you all do

This is of course a time of great sadness with the passing of our revered Patron Mr AJ (Tom) Pearce I am sure there will be much written in the coming weeks in editions of this epistle but this one is from me and from me on behalf of the Football Club Tom - my good friend Patience - has been a tremendous supporter and benefactor to the club particularly since 1984 and the re-birth A player with the old club who prided himself in having played in every position including goal-keeper except right back Never sure why not right back but Coco will tell you it is the easiest position on the field of play according to Whaler and that if you have your best player at right full back you have one hell of a side !! Where Tom was so good was he would support lend a hand and much more as long as he could see others perhaps not so well placed working their proverbials off and showing total commitment As President from 1984 til elevation to Patron and long-time Trustee he was instrumental in the iconic stand on the railway side and the statement of intent that made Since been rewarded by the return to our present level of competition Tom was never far from helping whether twas the Annual Sportsman's Dinner fund raiser, the Golf Day, Glenda's office skills and laterly transport sponsorship We are indebted for all and more besides not excluding the one-armed press-up competition he readily enjoyed or catching the glass of his favourite Bells to keep one on one's toes Seldom a dull moment with AJ at hand

What was especially noted was the aura of the two-minutes silence on Saturday so readily obsereved by all present The club's thanks for that and how great if somewhat unexpected that Frances and Simon and Sue and families were present All most welcome at anytime and surely will Also the presence of Scotty and Courty former team mates and Corky all lifelong friends The exchange of stories which are legion began and will for many moons I am sure as characters of the ilk of AJ don't come around every day The family, his businesses, the Football Club and Bridgwater the Town have lost a long time damn good egg whose heart was always here

Apart from this what else of Saturday Well draws all arounf the fists against a very good Didcot side in an excellent game, the reserves at Timsbury - never easy to go there - and the Thirds/ Cannington covers with a 4 - 4 well done all Enjoy tonight

Finally and this could have been the guy above Brian Clough on Sinatra "He met me once"

Hurf



Call me Et Al