News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
By COYS4Matt
February 14 2010
Picture the scene, a warm spring day in late May. You are wandering along a tow path without a care in the world. The political hue for the next few years has been finally settled. The only things on your mind are whether to have the '85 or the '86 Chateau LaTour with your daube de boeuf tonight and how many points you are predicting for Smurf's Swindle in the upcoming GP Final against Tigers
Suddenly your reverie is broken by the faints strains of ‘Oh Wendy’ echoing across the shimmering fields of crops and then the sudden appearance of a flotilla, nay an armada of longboats/narrow boats/barges* (* delete as necessary) festooned with flags and banners and accompanied on the shore by hoards of smiling GP be-shirted rugby fans, many that you recognise from your Saintly travels. These hardy souls are journeying to the very same GP final you were ruminating about only seconds earlier. ‘That looks fun’, you think, ‘I wish I could be part of that’…
…and you can
The 2010 Walk4Matt (http://www.walk4matt.org) takes place between the 22nd and 29th May and goes for 110 miles along the Grand Union Canal Tow Path.
Now the dust has settled over the little local difficulty in Limerick we can turn our attentions to the run in to the premiership finish.
And the walkers for Matt also have their eyes on the prize of the premiership final as they march/saunter/travel on the narrow boat* along the Grand Union to London.
To bring you up to date with the plans and the sterling work already done: the bucket shakers did an absolutely fantastic job to raise over £2,600, Jazzman’s great shirt auction looks set to hurtle through the £2,500 barrier – a week more to get your bids and own a bit of Saints history.
Individual sponsors have also weighed in on the just giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/ClareGarner-Walk4Matt for anyone who wants to support the three fantastic causes and two ladies of a certain age spending a week on a narrow boat with a bunch of strangers – cue jokes about they don’t come much stranger etc.....
All this has enabled us to reserve three spaces for Saints fans on the walk. Saint Ann and CG (Lis and Clare to their friends) have nobly volunteered/been press ganged* into undertaking the whole walk and the third berth is for people who would like to join for a day or two but don’t want to/can’t* commit for a whole week. Mark Hopley (Hoppers to his friends) would like to join in but Dusty Hare assures us that he will be needed for training that week ready for the premiership final against Leicester!
If you are interested in joining for a day or two then all we ask of you is to raise funds along the line of £300 for a night’s stay and two days walking.
The route is here: www.walk4matt.org/route. Entertainment and food is being provided en route including a grand quiz by COYS on Saturday night in Weedon, which should be top notch now there is no danger of a prior engagement in Paris- you see every could has a silver lining!
Anyone wanting any more information about any of the above please PM me, St ann, and I will endeavour to help. Those who are interested in signing up for part of the week please let me know as soon as possible so I can ensure we are not having to double up in a bunk!
Looking forward to hearing from you!!!
*Delete where appropriate.
News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 14/02/2010 09:12
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2010:06:02:10:10:27 by St Marlowe.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2010:06:02:10:10:27 by St Marlowe.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 14/02/2010 20:47
I'm a bit confused, do they want walkers or just sponsorship?
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 14/02/2010 21:09
Both would be nice, please.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Cg (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2010 11:33
A little more background to the walk.
There will be 12 narrow boats (one for each GP club). The intention is to walk (start date 22nd May) to the GP final (29th May) along the Grand Union Canal.
You can participate by sponsoring or by taking part. You can walk for a day, a couple of days or even for the whole week. I am going to do the whole week which means I need to raise £1500 for a place on the Saints boat.
We will have a stand in the village area on the 27th Feb (Saints v Tigs) where you can find out more about the walk and how you can participate. Matt has also said he will be there.
Any questions then don't hesitate to ask.
Cg
There will be 12 narrow boats (one for each GP club). The intention is to walk (start date 22nd May) to the GP final (29th May) along the Grand Union Canal.
You can participate by sponsoring or by taking part. You can walk for a day, a couple of days or even for the whole week. I am going to do the whole week which means I need to raise £1500 for a place on the Saints boat.
We will have a stand in the village area on the 27th Feb (Saints v Tigs) where you can find out more about the walk and how you can participate. Matt has also said he will be there.
Any questions then don't hesitate to ask.
Cg
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2010 11:39
To quote an ancient BT ad: "all of the colours in all of the sizes" is what we are looking for. Walkers, sponsors, bucket shakers - anything or anybody who can help raise funds for these great causes.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Jim Winning (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2010 15:18
Can someone bring a TV so we can watch the team lift the HK on the 22nd?
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2010 19:17
We have had another meeting of the small but perfectly formed steering group today, and just thought to clear a few things up:
If people want to be part of the walk for the whole week they will need to commit £100 to register and look to raise £1,500 in sponsorship to pay for a berth on the Saints boat. Anyone wanting to come and join for the day doesn't need to pay up front- just as much sponsorship as possible.
It is hoped that people who don't want to walk and don't know any individual walkers will be kind enough to donate some money to top up funds to sponsor a Saints boat, by way of incentive Wasps have already raised enought to fill and sponsor one boat.....
We have warned the Tiggs organisers that Saints fans might be light on the ground at the start of the walk owing to a possible engagement in Paris
!
We will be in the Village prior to the Tigs game on the 27th pop along to see us for more information on the charities involved and the many ways to support them through this marathon (it's not a sprint) walk.
If people want to be part of the walk for the whole week they will need to commit £100 to register and look to raise £1,500 in sponsorship to pay for a berth on the Saints boat. Anyone wanting to come and join for the day doesn't need to pay up front- just as much sponsorship as possible.
It is hoped that people who don't want to walk and don't know any individual walkers will be kind enough to donate some money to top up funds to sponsor a Saints boat, by way of incentive Wasps have already raised enought to fill and sponsor one boat.....
We have warned the Tiggs organisers that Saints fans might be light on the ground at the start of the walk owing to a possible engagement in Paris
!
We will be in the Village prior to the Tigs game on the 27th pop along to see us for more information on the charities involved and the many ways to support them through this marathon (it's not a sprint) walk.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2010 20:42
Are there any "Just Giving" pages available for us to donate sponsorship.I found this very easy to use previously.
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2010 20:56
Desbra
Very soon!
Very soon!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2010 10:57
There but for fortune, but good for the lad he's not feeling sorry for himself
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:02:16:11:00:26 by Jazzman.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:02:16:11:00:26 by Jazzman.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 17/02/2010 14:35
I would love to join in but May 23rd is the start of my charity bike ride events and you can only spread yourself so thin. Good luck to all the walkers.
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 17/02/2010 20:58
Thanks St Rich - and good luck for your bike ride, hope the elements are kinder to you than they were to Dillydallyo and his cycling chums at the weekend.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 17/02/2010 22:53
Cheers,Jazzman!
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 19/02/2010 07:59
Well I've PM'ed to offer bucket skills and as for dayglo and chums, well what a lovely piece of shaudenwotsit
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 19/02/2010 10:02
Thanks to those who volunteered (so far) and those yet to volunteer. I am so looking forward to meeting you all and parting the good and the great of the East Midlands from their dosh!!! 
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2010 12:22
St Ann...I'm looking forward to it.I've noticed from previous experience that if the bucket brigade stand in pairs,they are more visible.A cheery smile of welcome helps as well.Let's hope we can also relieve Tiggs of league points!
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: A422Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 22/02/2010 20:19
I'm a long distance runner...marathons, fell races, etc. and beyond. Pretty decent standard (2.52 last marathon). 50 this year, so looking for a challenge. I'd be up for running this and happy to fundraise simultaneously, but I'm not good at logistics or reading instructions. If someone affiliated with this wants to contact me by PM to discuss, I'd be up for it. I reckon 110 miles would be 2-3 days run depending on whether it was run "non-stop" (2-3 hours rest max) or stopping overnights, etc. Anyway, if you want a runner, please let me know.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 25/02/2010 12:26
Bit in the Chron today as requested folks.
Barring Saints reaching the Euro Final any other Saints with hearters doing the Saturday leg to Cosgrove?
Barring Saints reaching the Euro Final any other Saints with hearters doing the Saturday leg to Cosgrove?
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 25/02/2010 13:02
Cheers Chris.
Many Thanks.
Many Thanks.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 25/02/2010 22:25
Please come and see us in the village on Saturday so we don't feel like a complete set of Billy-no-mates. Bring along your small change/folding beer tokens/sheer enthusiasm and we will welcome you with open arms!
St Ann
St Ann
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: smurfomatic (IP Logged)
Date: 26/02/2010 06:44
Ann - I'll be able to help shaking a bucket (as mentioned by PM) from about 4 - 5pm tomorrow, OK?
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 26/02/2010 15:43
Brilliant - look forward to seeing you then.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Cg (IP Logged)
Date: 27/02/2010 21:57
Dear All
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of those who helped today and to those who kindly donated. Thanks to the team for the result too.
There will be a full update later with details of how much we raised today and further details of other events.
Cg
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of those who helped today and to those who kindly donated. Thanks to the team for the result too.
There will be a full update later with details of how much we raised today and further details of other events.
Cg
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 27/02/2010 22:30
Just to add to Clare - many thanks for making today really good! We met loads of lovely people who parted with money with a smile. Thanks to all the bucket shakers and thanks to Leicester for the points!!!!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Saint Dom in Hanoi (IP Logged)
Date: 27/02/2010 23:40
Yes, well done all.
It was a delight to part with hard earned cash in a truly inspiring cause.
It was a delight to part with hard earned cash in a truly inspiring cause.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2010 22:18
Just heard from Mark Hopley that the total raised on Saturday was in excess of £2600, many thanks everybody, Shakers and Givers.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:02:07:07:18 by Jazzman.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:02:07:07:18 by Jazzman.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: Flinstone Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2010 22:27
Well worth it!Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2010 11:25
Absolutely brilliant, many thanks to all those who shook and those who gave with such grace and humour!!!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2010 09:01
£2600? That's significantly up on the SWH bucket shake so excellent work. I think the bands helped so I would say that next year's SWH might incorporate the idea of a free band with every £1 dontation. I need a new one anyway as a patient's hampster ate mine - true story!
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 12/04/2010 15:19
See new update to main article
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2010 09:15
Cheers, David. Clare tells me I've got to go training ready for it now....
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2010 09:53
Don't follow Clare's training advice - you'll never get out of the pub!
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: Cg (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2010 12:38
all in a good cause David - the more i walked around the pub the more training I did!!!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2010 13:01
Apparently she couldn't tell her Peters from her Simons!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: Sarah Merry (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2010 19:22
Hi Ann
I am a friend of Clare Garner and would like to join the walk please for the Thursday and Friday - please let me know if this is ok. MY email address is sarah.merry2@btinternet.com or telephone 07970 581 403 or 01858 880327 (eves only) - I look forward to hearing from you. Regards
Sarah
I am a friend of Clare Garner and would like to join the walk please for the Thursday and Friday - please let me know if this is ok. MY email address is sarah.merry2@btinternet.com or telephone 07970 581 403 or 01858 880327 (eves only) - I look forward to hearing from you. Regards
Sarah
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2010 09:27
Sarah,
Your in the diary the bunk is yours for Thursday and Friday!
Lis (st ann)
Your in the diary the bunk is yours for Thursday and Friday!
Lis (st ann)
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 18/05/2010 09:35
So with just a few days to go we have burst through £8,000 on Cg's Just Giving page. A big, big thank you to all of you who have supported us - hope to see some of you en route. The Heart of England in Weedon on Saturday, Barley Mow Cosgrove on Sunday and the rest can be foud here: www.walk4matt.org/route.
Have a good summer.
Have a good summer.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: Paul Flatt (IP Logged)
Date: 20/05/2010 07:38
Quote:St Ann
- hope to see some of you en route? The Heart of England in Weedon on Saturday...
Quiz Night at the Heart of England on Saturday night!! Please sign up here >>>
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 21/05/2010 07:40
Hi all...is there a link to Cj's Just Giving page anywhere? I can't see it,but nowt new there!
Thanks.
Bridesmaids no more.
Thanks.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: Phil. (IP Logged)
Date: 21/05/2010 08:15
It's in the main article, Lesley.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 21/05/2010 08:32
[www.justgiving.com]. Am just doing the packing and charging up the phone and camera. Looking forward to seeing thousands of you at the quiz tomorrow night!!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 21/05/2010 15:11
Cheers,both.It was a bit early in the day 
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2010 07:23
Just seen the Saints boat tied up in Wolverton, so they've got this far.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2010 15:01
Got all the way there and we are now safely home. Clare and I decided not to stay for the final - such a stupid time. And after spenind a week sleeping on a shelf in a narrow boat home comforts were too appealing to resist.
Will give you a longer account of the week and all the praise we Saints have received when I have had a good long sleep!
Will give you a longer account of the week and all the praise we Saints have received when I have had a good long sleep!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2010 15:55
Well done to all.Can't wait to hear all about it.Enjoy your proper sized bed!
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: Phil. (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2010 19:38
Quote:St ann
Got all the way there and we are now safely home. Clare and I decided not to stay for the final - such a stupid time. And after spenind a week sleeping on a shelf in a narrow boat home comforts were too appealing to resist.
Will give you a longer account of the week and all the praise we Saints have received when I have had a good long sleep!
St ann,
looking forward to a longer account of the week. When you are ready to tell us all about it can you send your thoughts to -
'editors@comeonyousaints.com'
- please and we will put it as up as an article (a few pics attached would be nice too). Such a fantastic effort from all of you deserves to be a story of it's own!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2010 21:11
Absolutely - thought it might answer some of your summer headaches for articles - I can do it as a Part one and Part two if you like......it was a week long expedition after all!
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2010 21:14
Well done all concerned
Re: News: Saints Supporters to walk4Matt NEW UPDATE
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 02/06/2010 08:54
Excellent effort all round, Claire I can't remember our arrangement so please let me know what it was. I will be riding with Albion Saint on the leg into Northampton of his LEJOG tandem ride, if it was swapsie sponsorship you can add to his page.
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.