Hello all I am sorry to be the bearer of disppointing news. Further to a well designed Report and letter to the Directors, we received another Decline as follows: "I understand that you are not looking for financial support but instead to raise awareness about the Trust and their work. However as explained in my previous e-mail we choose one charity to support over the course of the season, and our efforts are focused upon them. We feel that if we start to âsupportâ other charitable organisations, whether this is financially or through publicity, the message we are trying to communicate for our nominated charity becomes diluted." So it seems they are a One Trick Pony and only put their efforts behind just one charity. I guess this is fair enough, but still think they are missing a blinder opportunity to lift the spirits and promote a wonderful Suffolk rural icon, as well of course parading at home matches and all that would have done for us. We have tried our best and I shall leave it at that. Just to say a big thank you to all of you who followed us and supported our efforts. Special thanks to Hampy!
Have to agree Gaffer I have (like everyone else) been following your updates with great interest, so thank you for all your (and everyone else's) hard work I would like to hope that this could be something that if left on the back burner could be revisited further down the line? The club clearly has a policy that they seem to (belligerently) be sticking too which is a massive frustration but I would hope that if circumstances change then this opportunity could be reignited Again, great stuff Gaffer & co.
They certainly do seem to have a tunnel vision on this gaffer, just out of curiousity can anybody say what this one charity they are putting their efforts into actually is? I wonder if going public on this campaign might sway the club from its silly attitude. Anyway Gaffer, sterling by yourself, Hampy and all.
Thanks for your efforts Gaffer and it was nice getting to know abit about you away from the footballing world as a result of it. Personally I think they are ***king idiots at our club and although I understand that they must get 1000's of requests, not many of them would be of benefit to the club, as well as without a financial obligation involved. Maybe we should just change the club badge and forget about our heritage T*ssers.
Such a shame, it comes over that they never looked at the proposal with the thought of ever agreeing to it. I don't understand why the club cant have their nominated charity (I can't answer who that charity is, '*something* hospice', possibly?) and have the Suffolk Punch Trust as a longer term 'partner' even if literally the only thing the club does is open a gate for the Horse to get in every match day and leave the rest to the Trust. I agree with Gurus sentiments though, it may be time to take it into our own hands, either getting wider public support through the press and hopefully keep the gears oiled for next season. Or would there be wiggle room to slightly change the name and purpose of our campaign and have an unofficial supporters group in support of the trust that organises horse displays. Maybe something like travelling to a relatively close away game on a cart pulled by a Punch?
although echoing thoughts and a massive well done for your efforts gaffer et al,its very disappointing to hear the clubs stance on this considering no financial backing has been asked for and it's to promote a local charity which has a link to the club with the suffolk punch. so Gaffer,Hampy ITFC
Well that sucks big fat donkey dick. As others have said, maybe there is another angle that the club can be approached from to make them see what a great idea this is. Respect to all who were involved in the process, what a shame it hasn't come to anything.............yet.
Evening all First, thanks for all your comments and encouragement. I believe there might be another way to tackle this appalling unimaginative decision, and will be pleased to get behind any campaign, strategy or initiative to try another route as many of you have expressed. I love a campaign and have joined several over the years both here in the UK and international ones - with success, as their hallmarks have been careful thorough planning and co-ordination and plenty of passion and drive in delivery...with a big concensus of suppoprt. So, Not606 ers I am in your capable hands as to how we harness local community, forum, media support and push for our strong case to be revisited & fairly re-considered by the Club. Our Club! I will be happy to take a role of course. I live like others some distance away, but try to get to Suffolk as often as poss. Just let me know thru these forums what our next step is. A well prepared press release/story? An appeal to our colourful Tother TWTD forum members? (Need control, and a sane calm spokesman there!). I have time most weeks, tho I will be heading to say goodbyes to my favourite 92 yr old Auntie in NZ end of Jan, but will be online daily.
Maybe a first 'Baby step' would be to get a chant going that references the Punch? Be pro-active in getting more fans to remember what we have on our badge. More fans that identify with the Punch the easier it will be to apply pressure later down the line.
I would give up for now, a strong no like that will not be turned into a yes. It needs time now, maybe a year or two and then it needs to get to the right people directly - marketing / PR / directors. There is no point kicking up a storm with fans or press as the club would just dig their heels in.
Thats why i suggested baby steps, feed the idea gently into the fan's/club's Zeitgeist. The more I think about it going to the press would seem like throwing our toys out of the pram, but I don't think it will do any harm at all to continue working/liaising with the Suffolk Punch Trust to see if us, as fans, can do anything.
I think lets leave this for the time being, and agree with KPR and others that we can and should revisit it later on. I have informed the Trust of the Club's decision. And I shall certainly keep in touch with them - I have adopted a mighty Punch Horse...on behalf of us all! So 2 fingers to the Club. Incidentally, Hampy, we did reach the head of PR, Charities and Match day events...and all Directors.
Ha Ha! You can always try, but you will need a helluva large paddock...and plenty of oats! He is a beauty tho, once my payment is approved I will try to post a photo of him on here.
"The next ITFC Suffolk Punch Networking breakfast has been confirmed for Thursday, 13th March with Town legend Simon Milton on hand as our as guest speaker. For information on how to attend and how to join the Suffolk Punch Networking Club, contact [email protected] or contact the Sales Team on 01473 400594" Seems as though the club have realised they can exploit the connection without the need to worry about its future. Pretty shocking southcoast if those people have all seen our report, that I am disappointed with
