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Ben Beckham, Welsh oratory and the tale of a snail. Memorable shrewsTRUST nights by Pauline Griffiths
Now it’s the close season and it’s really all about drawing a line in the sand under last season- (only our pitch at Otley Road isn’t sandy, of course- that claim to fame allegedly belongs to er - another Shropshire Football Club. I could be thoroughly mischievous and naughty and say, Are they providing Donkeys to go with it- but of course I wouldn’t would I???
So, what is there to write about other than the new signings or looking forward to the Friendlies?
Well- how about discussing former ShrewsTrust events? Why not? I may have only been to three, but they were enjoyable enough to leave a lasting impression and kindle a hope of more to come.
ShrewsTrust was launched in great style at The Lord Hill. I arrived early and helped Marian and John Matthias, parents of the famous Dave- to assemble the introductory packs. (which included a badge, a membership card and a share certificate.) We were in were great, entertaining company. There was plenty of laughter which made what could have been a very routine conveyor belt sort of task really enjoyable.
Gary Peters arrived, but only one of the team; Ben Smith, who gave a few words of welcome, in a Beckingham accent!! (But there the comparison with The Golden One ends. I don’t think you would find Ben posing in Armani underwear!
There was a great sense of occasion that night plenty of friends, greeting each other, "luvvie" style (Mwaw! Mwaw!) Many were dressed up as if attending a Premiere- which it was in a way!! Dave gave a speech; he’s good at those- it’s the gift of Welsh oratory of course! And ShrewsTrust was thoroughly launched, in great style.
The next two events I attended were the snail races. For the benefit of the uninitiated, this does NOT consist of bribing the actual slimy little molluscs with lettuce leaves, to wend their way down a track. We’d still be there now, waiting for the finish, wouldn’t we?
A snail race has virtual snails, which race at amazing speeds across a screen, whilst an annoying cartoon parrot does the commentary. Races can be sponsored and our races had some VERY interesting names. The names of the snails were even more interesting.
Since this was during the very earliest stages of the construction of the New Stadium, one of the snails, number one in the race, was called Steel Erection a name which caused a bit of cheeky banter between yours truly and a young Mum. I was taking bets, touting for each number one snail. I had pointed out, it is a BUILDING!!!! and she made a suitably cheeky reply!!!
As long as cheeky adults keep their cheeky jokes well away from little ears, snail races are ideal family entertainment. I took young Alexander, and he soon made friends. In fact, the young lads eventually decided to bring their chairs to the front, lined them up in a row, and shouted excitedly, throughout each race, for their snail. The atmosphere was brilliant. Ideal for warming up a cold winter night! Bring on the next one!!
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