Chris Berezai

45 Walton Street

Long Eaton

Nottingham

NG10 1PB

Tel : 0115 – 973 - 1439

Mobile : 0775 – 1604755

WELSH AND HELLENIC LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

24 – 27 August 2007

Dear all

The sixth Welsh Groundhop, to be held in conjunction with the eighth Hellenic League Groundhop, will begin on Friday 24 August 2007. As in 2006, the weekend will feature no fewer than eleven matches over the August Bank Holiday weekend. This year’s Welsh hop features five games from both divisions of the Thunder Road Motorcycles South Wales Amateur League, whilst the Hellenic League hop has six matches across all three divisions. For the sixth year running, 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 AFC Porth at 6.30pm. On Saturday, our opening match is at Llangynwyd Rangers (10.15am), followed by Brynna (1.15pm), Gilfach Goch Athletic (4pm), and finally Blaenrhondda at 6.45pm. Sunday sees us head into Gloucestershire to visit Tytherington Rocks (11am), Shortwood United (2.30pm), and Fairford Town (6pm). Monday begins at Wantage (11.15am) before we travel to Henley (2pm) and the hop rounds off at Eton Wick (6pm)

Coach – IMPORTANT!!

As in previous years, there will be a coach running between games, and as in previous years I’m preaching the message that the coach MUST be used if you want the Hop to continue. Last year, I was very pleased with the take up for Wales, and the increased support for the Sunday leg of the Hellenic (even if Monday – the most expensive day - was disappointing). Using one base for the weekend seemed to work well, so I am repeating the idea this year. More opportunity to leave the car behind, so please, use the coach! As an extra incentive, book the coach for the Welsh leg, get £2 off your ticket. Book the coach for either day of the Hellenic leg, get another £2 off your Hellenic ticket. Bargain!

The coach will pick up at set times on the Friday evening, and Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings from the University, and back to Treforest in the evenings. On Monday evening, the coach will drop off at Reading Railway station after the final match at Eton Wick 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 sixth year, we will be staying at the University of Glamorgan at Treforest, and accommodation is at the bargain price of £29 per person per night for Friday and Saturday, which includes full cooked breakfast! Sunday night is at a “room only” rate due to the unavailability of the Catering service on Monday morning, and my continued refusal to consider “Kellogs To Go”. Breakfast on Monday morning will therefore be at Wantage!

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). Again, this will be done on a “room only” rate.

Finally, a word of caution. There was an “incident” last year that involved damage to a room. Understandably, the University was not amused, and if it were not for our very good past record we would probably have lost our accommodation for this year. Not unreasonably, the University have billed me for the damage. As the transgressor will not reply to any communication from me, I have now had to pass that on and build it into this year’s cost, so everyone loses. Sorry, but that’s what happens when one spoils it for the rest.

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 for the Hop, remember to include an A5 Stamped addressed envelope (That’s the normal size of a programme) for your tickets and travel arrangements to be sent out to you. We still have problems with small envelopes in particular – so please let’s have the A5 ones!! 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

Welsh and Hellenic Groundhop – Booking Form

Please give the name, address, contact number and email address of the party leader, along with the names (and email addresses if possible) of the others that form the remainder of your party. These details will be the ones retained on the mailing list for future Hops.

a) Party Leader…………………………………………………. Tel: ……………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………E-mail:…………….………………………..

b) Others booking:…………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Full weekend Number…………..@ £156……….. Total: £………

(4 days coach – 3 nights accommodation – 11 match ticket)

Match tickets: Joint hop tickets Number………….@ £39…………. Total : £………..

Welsh hop tickets Number…………..@ £14…………. Total : £………..

Hellenic Hop tickets Number…………..@ £25………….. Total: £………..

NB: Those booking Coach travel for the Welsh Hop, deduct £2 from the ticket price (you pay £12). Those booking coach travel for either or both days of the Hellenic hop, deduct £2 from the ticket price (you pay £23). Book coach travel for all of the hop and save £4.

Coach Travel: Friday Number………….@ £6 …………… Total: £……….

Saturday / Sunday / Monday Number.………….@ £11 per day……Total: £……….

Accommodation: Friday / Saturday (B&B) Number………….@ £29 per night …Total: £……….

Sunday (Room) Number…………..@ £24……………..Total: £……….

Thursday / Monday (Room) Number…………..@ £24 per night.…..Total: £……….

TOTAL: £………..

Please make cheques payable to “Welsh Groundhop”.

Please remember to enclose an A5 Stamped addressed Envelope. Your booking will not be accepted without one. Please return this form to Chris Berezai, 45 Walton Street, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1PB . E-mail enquiries to groundhopuk@yahoo.com . Telephone enquiries welcome (as long as it’s at a reasonable time), on 0115 – 973 – 1439 or the mobile number, 0775 - 1604755.