Martin's Month - September

3rd – The Jags Trust AGM in the Aitken Suite this evening. I remember to photocopy Centenary Fund application forms at work (I won't tell if you won't). Ensured that all the chairs had a form on them before people arrive. Kieron Dempsey gives a very informative talk on his role as JT Board Rep and the work that is being done in the community. Our guest speaker is Denis McQuade who gives a most enjoyable and informative talk on both his time here as a player and his current role. There is a lot of good work being done in getting Ambassador level groups/individuals signed up. Not a big surprise, but Denis likes Chris Erskine as a player – I wonder why? After the meeting is complete I get the opportunity to speak to several fans which was very nice.

5th – Not Jags Trust related but Scotland beat Macedonia 2-0, bring on Holland!

6th – The Alba Cup Quarter Final against ICT. After a quick read of the programme in the Aitken Suite it is time to take up position at the top of the South Drive for Centenary Fund application form duty (my JTB colleague Allan Heron takes a position at the North entrance). I decide against trying to get the Raith Rovers manager to join as he is here on a spying mission. The response from the fans is very encouraging and that is very much appreciated. As for the game itself, I think we deserved to go through but you don't always get what you deserve and we lose out on penalties. We will play worse this season and win in my opinion.

9th – Not Trust related but Scotland lose (cruelly as usual) to Holland 1-0. Oh well bring on the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

14th – The JTB meeting this evening in the plush surrounds of David Stewart's office. It is the first meeting of the Board since the results of the elections were announced. A new chairperson, David Stewart, is appointed and from the 5 new members myself, Morag and David land 2 year terms with Tom and Graeme getting 1 year terms. A number of topics are discussed at length (2 hours 45 minutes to be precise). These include the structure of the Board, Kieron's feedback on community development, the Centenary Fund, the Fun Day and a programme of social events for the next few months.

19th – Today is the Fun Day at Firhill to mark its centenary. The Trust are running several stalls and I arrive at 10am to find several colleagues and helpers already there setting things up. A big “thank you” should go to Tom Hogg who did so much in getting prizes together along with a band of helpers – thanks guys! The day goes very well with a lot of families in attendance, the weather was not too bad (only a couple of light showers) and everyone seems to enjoy themselves. It is the first outing for the Centenary Fund banner and thanks go to Eddie Prentice for getting this made. With everyone in a good mood the game kicks off with the Jags playing in the excellent Centenary top (I have already purchased mine). The team put in a good professional performance and record a 2-0 win. Today was one of those days when everything went well on and off the park and showed what can be achieved when we all work together.

22nd – I am at Firhill today this afternoon for the Centenary Fund draw. The draw is over fairly quickly (congratulations to all the winners) and this allows the opportunity to discuss how the Fun Day went. The money raised through the Trust run stalls was just under £400 and it will be added to the money McMillan Cancer Support raised with their refreshment marquee. This was a great achievement and many thanks go to all the people who volunteered to help on the day and, of course, the fans who turned up in excellent numbers and supported the event.

As always if you have any comments or questions then please add them and they will be addressed.