WELSH AND HELLENIC LEAGUE GROUNDHOP: 22 – 25 August 2008
Click here for the booking form
The seventh Welsh Groundhop, to be held in conjunction with the ninth Hellenic League Groundhop, will begin on Friday 22 August 2008. This year the weekend will feature ten matches and several “firsts” over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The Welsh hop features four games from three different competitions - the Welsh League, the South Wales Amateur League, and the FAW Trophy - whilst the Hellenic League hop has six matches across all three divisions. Yet again prices have been kept as low as possible to offer a weekend at exceptional value for money.
Please note that the schedule at this point is still provisional, and subject to final confirmation.
We kick off on Friday evening with a trip to Splott Albion at 6.30pm. On Saturday, our opening match is at SWAL “new boys” Talbot Green (10.30am), followed by Pontyclun (1.30pm), and finally the “Ground opening” match at Trelewis Welfare’s brand new Parc Taff at 5pm, as they host AFC Bargoed in the FAW Trophy. Sunday sees us begin the Hellenic leg by heading into the Forest of Dean to visit Lydney Town (10.45am), before moving on to Cirencester United (2.30pm) and Abingdon Town (6.30pm). Monday begins at Launton Sports (11am) before we travel to Headington Amateurs (3.30pm) and the hop rounds off at Highworth Town (6.30pm)
Coach – IMPORTANT!!
Do I even need to preach this message with the massive rise in fuel prices since last year? Surprisingly, the answer is probably yes!! Last year’s coach use was very encouraging, but we need to keep that going, particularly on the Hellenic leg where the cost is greatest. Using one base for the weekend is a great idea and encourages take up, but puts hundreds of pounds on the coach bill. This year, we’ve chosen to stay away on the Sunday night, and not return to the University until after the last game on the Monday. Still a chance to leave the car behind for two days and let the coach take the strain! I am also repeating last year’s ticket discount, so book the coach for Welsh leg, get £2 off your ticket. Book the coach for the Hellenic leg, get another £2 off your Hellenic ticket. Bargain!
The coach will pick up at set times on the Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday mornings from the University, and will go back to Treforest in the evenings (except for the Sunday evening). On Monday evening, the coach will drop off at Swindon Railway station after the final match at Highworth before returning to Treforest. Arrangements have been made for anyone wishing to leave their cars at Treforest, and car parking, with 24 hour security, will be free. The cost of the coach will be available at a daily rate, but priority will be given to those booking for the full weekend. Bookings cannot be accepted for coach transport only (with no accommodation or ticket) unless there is space at the close of bookings.
Accommodation
For the seventh year, we will be staying at the University of Glamorgan at Treforest, and accommodation is at the price of £31 per person per night for Friday and Saturday, which includes full cooked breakfast. Sunday night will be spent at accommodation in Oxfordshire – you will need to ring me to book a place there as prices vary. Please remember that priority booking is given to coach users. There is an option of Thursday and Monday nights for those who wish to come down early or go home on the Tuesday (remember that the coach will return to Treforest after the Hellenic Hop). This will be done on a “room only” rate, with no breakfast included.
Programmes etc
All clubs will be made aware of the number of programmes that will be needed on the day. The number will be based on the bookings we receive, so reserve your copies by booking tickets! Packs will be made up in advance for the Welsh leg ticket holders. Extra programme packs are not available. Programmes will be available inside each of the grounds. Programmes will be included in the price of your advance ticket on both hops. Club badges will be available on the day at all clubs, and no doubt lots of other people will be selling things at the grounds too!
Trading
Several traders will be in attendance at the hop. As usual, all the unofficial trading that is part and parcel of a hop is not only welcome, but encouraged!!.
Match Tickets
Tickets are available in advance for both parts of the hop, and these of course guarantee you a programme at each game. Admission is available on the day for those who do not wish to buy tickets in advance. Tickets can be bought for both or either part of the hop.
SAEs
When booking, remember to include an A5 Stamped addressed envelope (That’s the normal size of a programme) for your tickets and information to be sent out to you. Please remember to put the correct postage on your envelopes, especially if you use anything bigger than A5. NO SMALL ENVELOPES PLEASE!! Remember – no SAE, no tickets.
Booking and Payment
You may book for either or both of the hops, by completing the attached Booking form. May I look forward to seeing you on the Bank Holiday Weekend!
Chris Berezai
Organiser, Welsh Groundhop, and Administrator, Hellenic Groundhop
