A big thank you to everybody who took part in Friday night’s race night on Jim Provan’s Facebook page . We have now had two for Broxburn Athletic Football club and one for BUSC with St John’s Hospital receiving half the profit from all three nights .The last one saw everybody donate their winning’s back to the beneficiaries ,as in the past two race night the vast majority have donated their winnings and is very much appreciated .We have now raised £570 for St John’s Hospital and on their behalf we thank you for your efforts . We will be scheduling another race evening for Saturday the 30th of may with a 7pm start . Details will be published about a week and a half before the night . Once more thank you all for your efforts and keep safe .
Category: Club News
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN ,ANDREW McPHERSON
As I write this it’s been 53 days since our victory in Coldstream , I don’t think many of us that day could have quite imagined where we would be today ; nearly all world football stopped , the UK , along with other countries , in lockdown for over a month with no end confirmed and worst of all nearly 200,000 people have now sadly passed away after contracting Covid-19 .As club chaplain I’ve had limited opportunity to do what I’m here to do .No training during the week and no match days has wiped out almost all opportunities to see you all ; players ,committee , volunteers and fans .
As our league season has now come to a close , we should take this opportunity to take stock of what we have and to reflect on recent times . I’m sure the memories of this season will last for a long time , continued progress for the club both on the field and off the field , our first season in the new East of Scotland Premier Division which would have ended in a strong challenge for the league title and of course our incredible Scottish Cup run . It has been great to see that the community spirit that was around the club during that run has continued throughout Broxburn and the surrounding areas as people have joined together in the fight against Covid-19 .
A few months ago , social media was rife of people commenting on how bad society had become and how their trust in community had failed , but the response to the outbreak has , for the vast , vast majority , been fantastic . People have rallied round those who need the most support and poured out their praise to those in the frontline helping the country to continue as best it can . I would encourage you all to reach out to anyone you know in these roles and ask how they are doing , and say thanks . It’s a tough time for those in frontline roles , putting themselves at risk every time they go to work . They deserve our thanks .
We have also started to adjust to a new way of life wether it is working from home , not being able to work , home schooling while working , the list goes on . For each of you I’d ask you to take a minute to take stock of what you’ve achieved in this time , even if it is just a case of keep going and surviving day to day . The lockdown will end , and although we don’t know when it will be , we can all look forward to that first game on the new surface at the Albyn Park . It’s been 115 days since we last played there and I’m sure your all as desperate to get back there as I am .
Finally on a personal note , I hope you are all ok . By now I’m sure most of us know people who have contracted the virus and in some of those case the outcome will have been final . It’s easy to go numb to the numbers , and that can make this time easier to deal with , but to all of you who have experienced family or friends suffering from Covid-19 my thoughts and prayers are with you .
I’m always here if you need someone to chat to .
God bless and see you soon
Chaplain Andrew McPherson
CLUB STATEMENT ON END OF SEASON
Following the request that East of Scotland Football League clubs vote, last week , on a board proposal to end the season prematurely , the EOSFL informed us of the outcome this afternoon , and the proposal was carried overwhelmingly .
The second part of the vote was to award points per game averages , which resulted in Boness United being crowned champions of the Central Taxi’s East of Scotland Premier League and no relegation . We congratulate our friends at Boness United on their achievement . We must express our disappointment at such a competitive league season not being played to a close ,with not only ourselves , but other clubs still in touching distance of the league leaders .We do respect the decision given the current situation .
Next season the premier league will be increased for one season to 18 with Lothianthistlehutchievale and Tynecastle being promoted .If Boness United gain entry to the Lowland league the third best conference side will be promoted.
Next season relegation will return the Premier League to 16 teams for season 2020/2021 .
Everybody in the football family realise that the game is given perspective with family and friends losing loved ones and becoming seriously ill . Our hearts go out to all who have suffered during these testing times . Not only with the virus but the effects of the lockdown restrictions with family and friends not able to mix or indeed be afforded the chance to say farewell to anyone who have sadly passed away .
The future remains uncertain as to when football will return , but in the meantime , please stay safe and well . If anyone requires help , please do contact the club . As you support us , we will support you .
Thank you JIm
RACE NIGHT RESULT
Would just like to thank everybody who took part in the Race Night on Friday evening on Facebook .Despite initial tech problems it was a resounding success . After speaking to all winners and monies paid out in prize money the amount raised was £400 with half going to Broxburn Athletic and half going to St John’s Hospital . On behalf of both I would like to thank you for this it is very much appreciated .
We had twelve races and the following are the winners .We are hoping to have another race night in two or three weeks and will let you know when in plenty of time so that you can buy your horse’s to take part . .
RACE 1 HOSE 2 CALMRRRRR JAMES CHAPMAN …
RACE 2 HORSE 1 HANNAH JOE PAKE …
RACE 3 HORSE 3 ADMIRAL ARRON , ARRON CUNNINGHAM ,
RACE 4 HORSE 7 PEGGY’S COVE HELEN MCMILLAN
RACE 5 HORSE 7 STOCKHOLM GORDON LOWDEN
RACE 6 HORSE 4 SAM BABY JOHN O’DONNELL
RACE 7 HORSE 5 AARON’S LAD GREIG EWINS
RACE 8 HORSE 4 CLOSED SHOP JHN MCCORMICK
RACE 9 HORSE 1 TEE BEE SOUL TAM BROWN
RACE 10 HORSE 8 FREEDOM FLAME JANET CAMPBELL
RACE 11 HORSE 5 CHAMPIN ALAN FAIRLIE
RACE 12 HORSE 3 JOHN SUTTON STUART DONALDSON
ONCE AGAIN THANK ALL FOR TAKING PART AND WATCH OUT FOR THE NEXT FACEBOOK RACE NIGHT IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS TIME .
STAY SAFE EVERYBODY
RACE NIGHT ON FRIDAY 10TH APRIL
We will be going ahead with the race night on Friday night approx. 7pm start .To buy a hose £5 contact Jim Provan on hs facebook page let him know how many horses and what their names are and he will let you know details off how to pay for them . On the night log on to Jim Provan’s Face book page and he will run dvd’s from his home repeating them so everybody gets a chance to see the race over again . Please try and buy your horses before Thursday evening so a proggrame can be made up and published on the face book so you know what race your horse will be in . £20 goes to the winning owner and the rest split between Broxburn Ath and St John’s hospital .
VIRTUAL RACE DAY/NIGHT FUND RAISER
We are looking to have a race day/night to raise funds for both the club and for St John’s hospital .How it would work is there would be no gambling it will be on a hopefully ten race card with horses sold for £5 with the winning owner receiving £20 and the rest split between the club and St Johns .We plan to open up horse sales through friends of Broxburn account (details to be issued once sales open ) Any winnings will be done by Bank transfer as soon as we can after the race . How it is hoped it will work (trials taking place ) is on Jim Provan’s face book page if you like his page he will go live from his home and play a race DVD for each race once they are sold . The race will be shown Two or Three times giving all a chance to see the race in full before we would move on to the next race . We think this is a fun way to raise some funds for both causes and hopefully entertain you during these hard times . if the first set of races is a success we will hold more regular race meetings depending on the popularity of the event . If your interested look up Jim’ face book page and say so and hopefully we can have our first races soon .
TONY JOHNSON
Yesterday we were denied by the virus situation to say farewell and pay our respects to club supporter and friend Tony Johnson .Tony was all that a gentleman stands for and was a friend to all .He was a continual generous contributor to the club and his help was very much appreciated by all at the Albyn Park . His funeral was yesterday but I am sure once the situation is over we can get together and toast his memory .The clubs condolence’s go out to all his family and friends at this sad time . R.I.P Tony .
CLUB UPDATE
With the crisis around the world beginning to create unprecedented situations through out all walks off life . .we hope all concerned stay safe and we will get through this together .Anyone who is having difficulty coping and needs any help we can help with, do not hesitate to contact the club and if we can we will do what we possibly can to help. The club is now on lock down and we will keep you up dated when we are informed from the authorities handling the crisis .The one thing we have bringing in income is our Keydraw which is at a critical stage with only three keys left and a £1300 jackpot .With pubs and restaurants etc being closed down for an a un specified time and contact with people and funders to be cut to a minimal , we feel it would be unfair to carry on under the circumstance’s .The jackpot will be frozen and keys frozen until the situation improves giving everybody a fair chance to continue supporting our fund raiser .We will give plenty of notice when this will resume in the meantime stay safe and follow all instructions being given out and this will be over sooner rather than later .
KEYDRAW RESULT
This week’s Keydraw was won by David Paton c/o The Masonic Arms who won £50 but failed to pick the right key to open the jackpot box . Next weeks draw on Sunday the 22nd of March will have a jackpot of £1300 with only three keys left to pick from to open the jackpot box .
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
On advice from the SFA who in turn received advice from medical officer .There will be no activity at the park until further notice regarding football training .This is indeed going to be a long haul and I hope all come through it unscaved . The situation is unprecedented and we will update you on our social media as soon as we find out any information you should know . The hall is still operational to outside hirers and it will be up to them and their associations what they do next .