The Oldham v Newcastle Thunder top three clash at the Vestacare Stadium on Sunday is going to be one of those not-to-be-missed games — we all know that — and with a big crowd anticipated we will be delighted to welcome to the ground the Oldham Foodbank for the second time this season.
The Foodbank is particularly in need of help at this time of year when it is under even more pressure than usual because of the school holidays.
In term time many children get school meals but a lot of families struggle during the long summer holidays, hence greater demands on the Foodbank.
Our fans rallied round magnificently when the Foodbank was with us last time and we trust they will show a similar level of support on Sunday in making Foodbank donations.
One tin of food multiplied by, for example, 100 supporters adds up to a great deal of assistance for Foodbank.
They will be set up where they were last time so please donate and get involved so that, club and supporters together, we can make a very significant difference to Foodbank stocks and thus to our fellow Oldhamers who are in need of help in difficult times.
We will also have a curtain-raiser on Sunday between Waterhead and Westhoughton under-7s, which will get under way round about 1.30pm.
This will be Westhoughton’s first visit to the Vestacare Stadium and we extend a big welcome to them and to our friends from just up the road at Waterhead, a club with a rich history in providing players who go on to make it in the professional game.
Four members of the Oldham squad have played at Waterhead in the past — club captain Gareth Owen, prop Phil Joy, winger Harry Maders and back-row forward Danny Bridge.
They are all extremely proud of their Waterhead roots, as they are of playing now for their home-town professional team.
There was once a time when they ran around as small boys at the top end of Peach Road . . . and look at them now !
- Moving on to Sunday week, August 18, we have our Mayoral and 999 Open Day which coincides with our last home game in the regular Betfred League 1 fixture list for 2019.
Turnstiles will open at 1pm and there will be stalls, fun things to do for children and adults alike, ice cream, face painting and lots of ways in which we can help the Mayor’s various charities.
All we need are decent weather, a good turn-up of fans and their children from 1pm, more volunteer helpers and more tombola prizes please.
We need names and contact numbers of volunteers in advance please. Helping won’t stop you watching the game, but we would ask volunteers to ring in as soon as possible on 07904 898177 and be able to get to the ground on the 18th for 12.30pm.
If anyone can help by providing a tombola prize, or prizes, that would also be a big help.
