Ground must not become attraction for speculators
STOCKPORT Council’s intended purchase of Edgeley Park was the main item for discussion at a meeting of Co-op members. Chairman Pete Towey stressed that the move would not cost the ratepayer a penny and was actually a good investment by the Council.
He told the meeting that the decision – agreed by all political groups – would give County some much needed security, but neither the club nor the Council saw the arrangement as one would that go on for ever.
Members were concerned, however, that Edgeley Park should never be allowed to become a potential attraction for speculators.
Board member Dave Marchbank reported that entries for the Hatters Half Marathon had now passed the 150 mark, but the target was 500.
As this was the first time the Co-op had organised such an event, he felt it was important to get it right so as to secure the race’s reputation for future years.
There was still a need to recruit more marshals and volunteers and this was the immediate priority.
An early half marathon prize went to the winner of the competition to design the race T-shirt. Jack McNally was presented with – naturally - a race T-shirt displaying his winning design.
The shirt, which has distinct Stockport and County content, can be purchased on the race website: countysupporterscoop. co.uk, and an alternative design is also available.
Details of how to volunteer, and, of course, how to enter the race, can also be found there.
Another winner, with a rather more substantial prize, was Aidan Waters, whose name was picked out in a draw of all those supporters who completed the recent Co-op survey. Congratulations to Aidan who gets a season ticket, kindly donated by the club.
The results of the survey will provide the Co-op board with important information about the supporters they represent. Christine Robinson, who organised the survey, was very pleased with the response, with 331 fans completing the questionnaire.
A revamped membership system will come into operation on August 1st, finally bringing to an end any difficulties members may have been encountering.
Board member, Billy Byrne, told the meeting that a new facility on the website will make membership matters much easier to deal with for all concerned.
Details will be announced shortly.
Crucially, there will be a membership drive to coincide with the start of the new season, in part undertaken with the co- operation of the club.