#AmazingAccrington Magazine - Summer Edition 2024

KING CHARLES III awards honour to the official Accrington Stanley Suporters Trust In superb news, the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust have been awarded a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. The Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust (OASST) is one of 262 local groups to receive the award this year in the UK.

in afternoon tea as military bands played a wide selection of tunes.

Supporters also asked questions on a number of other topics in Coley's, including the appointment of Ged Brannan as the club's new Assistant Manager, plans for pre-season, growing the fanbase, and much more. Andy Holt, said: "It was a great evening and a really good opportunity to meet with supporters and answer their questions about the club. "We held some very positive discussions and I would like to thank all of our fans for their continued support." Peter Leatham, added: "We had a fantastic turnout and there was a really positive atmosphere about the place. "Andy and John gave great insight into the club and we are all looking forward to the new season already." One supporter said to Andy Holt and John Doolan: "I have been coming here for 25 years and I would just like to thank you for all that you've done for this club. "I am very confident in the manager that you have chosen, who will get us back doing what we do on the playing field and getting us back where we used to be. "I really appreciate both of you and I think everybody should give you a big clap, because you've done a 'heck of a lot for this place." Fellow supporter, Robert Mitchell, added: "A super evening and I left feeling even more positive than I was after the match on Saturday about the next few years at Stanley. "Andy Holt seems to be back in full forward mode and John Doolan impresses me more and more every time I hear him speak.

Gallery Hospitality Suite, where they enjoyed lunch and half-time refreshments.

Guests then formed two corridors as the Royal party emerged from the palace and strolled down the avenue of guests, allowing plenty of photo opportunities. We are pleased to report that the King looked very well and relaxed after his recent health issues. They then retired to their own tea party in the Royal marquee before exiting and returning, across the lawns to the palace later in the afternoon. All in all, in was a great honour to be invited for what proved to be a hot and busy few hours. The OASST hosted an extremely positive Fans' Forum with Accrington Stanley Chairman, Andy Holt, and First Team Manager, John Doolan, at the Wham Stadium in April; with player contracts, new signings, hospitality, and plans for the future of the club all discussed. Peter Leatham compèred the Fans' Forum, which also saw Andy Holt discuss the club's surprise at the announcement of Emirates FA Cup replays beings scrapped from 2024/25. God save the King & On Stanley On! OASST host positive Fans Forum at the Wham Stadium

Mrs Helen Bingley OBE DL JP, said: "It is fantastic to see a group of people who care so much about their local community and their local football club. "It has been a great privilege to represent The Lord Lieutenant on behalf of King Charles by presenting this award to a wider group today. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit and the wonderful hospitality here at the Wham Stadium." Andy Holt, added: "As a club we are really pleased for the OASST and it really is a great honour for all the fantastic work they do here at Accrington Stanley." Well not quite, our Chairman and Vice Chair, the two Peter’s (Leatham & Warburton) were fortunate enough to be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party in early May to conclude our King’s Award celebrations. The duo joined about 8,000 guests in the grounds of the palace, which saw the King and Queen in attendance under cloudless May skies. OASST duo storm the palace!

Guests were invited to have a stroll through the magnificent grounds as well as partake

The OASST were awarded with a King’s Award for voluntary service.

The Trust works tirelessly to strengthen the bond between the football club and its supporters and local community, and strive to give back to the community wherever possible and provide services to the supporters. The volunteers operate various projects such as the Market Hall (now Arndale) shop, local foodbanks as well as providing supporter services such as coach travel to away fixtures, social evenings, children’s free Christmas party and also a range of fundraising events. Trust Chairman, Peter Leatham, said: “On behalf of our Trust Board, many members, and our forefathers in our Supporters Clubs we are deeply honoured to be selected to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. “A big thanks to Amazing Accrington and Murray’s team for nominating OASST, and helping to prepare the bid. “This award is a massive honour and is testament to all the hours, close to 7,000 in the past 12 months, that the trust and

our volunteers donate to help both our community, our football club and its supporters. “We are immensely proud of all our achievements but particularly our Memorial Garden sited at the Stadium which provides a quiet area for the whole community to visit and remember loved ones. It is possible to place individual memorial plaques on the walls and we also host a Remembrance Day service on the garden. “Whilst we have achieved plenty there is always much more to do, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to assist many as much as possible!” The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award and recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.

Representatives of the Trust received the crystal award and certificate from Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire at a ceremony in County Hall.

Special presentation at the Wham Stadium

The OASST also received their King's Award from Mrs Helen Bingley OBE DL JP, The High Sheriff of Lancashire (2024-25), in a special presentation on the pitch during Accrington Stanley's final game of the season against Tranmere Rovers at the Wham Stadium. Peter Leatham, and other Board Members from the Supporters' Trust gratefully received the honour at half-time in front of both home and away fans. Attending in full High Sheriff dress uniform, the High Sheriff was accompanied by her grandson, Noah, who also won the ‘first goal wins’ competition. Before the game, the OASST, the High Sheriff and her family, were special guests of Stanley Chairman, Andy Holt, and Managing Director, David Burgess, in The

"The future is glowing Red!"

You can learn more about the OASST on their website: www.onstanleyon.com

Watch the video

Left to right: Peter Leatham and Peter Warburton attending a Royal Garden Party in early May to conclude the OASST’s King’s Award celebrations. King Charles III was in attendance at the Royal Garden Party. The OASST hosted a Fans Forum in Coley’s with Andy Holt and John Doolan. The OASST also received a special presentation of their King’s Award on the pitch at the Wham Stadium.

22 #AmazingAccrington Summer 2024

#AmazingAccrington Summer 2024 23