The Wellesley






I have to say that the locals were friendly at the Wellesley, which reminded me of a Serie A ground (he says tongue in cheek) with the running track around it, although that is probably due to the fact that they share the ground with an athletics club. In terms of refreshments there was a tea bar, which also doubled as a souvenir shop with Ipswich and Norwich stuff as well as Bloaters' memorabilia. I have to say that they were quite friendly there and even did the ever demanding Nadiya some toast. They also did bovril at half time, which a lot more clubs in the region should do. There was also a posh tea bar and a proper bar. The proper bar was very comfortable and looked more modern than most Conferenc clubs provide. Again the people were friendly, but we did have to wait until 2.40 to get a drink, because they were waiting for somebody to bring some money to put in the till. I did think of suggesting they took the cash and gave me the change later, but I didn't feel like rocking the boat.

The programme was a bit of a bargain at £1.50 and actually gave a decent insight into the club, it's probably in terms of value for money one of the best programmes I've come across in a while. I also thought it was good the way they had an announcer who announced the times and names of scorers and didn't have any vomit inducing music and it made a nice change. I also liked getting a ticket as a souvenir of the game, but had to wonder why they bothered for a crowd of about 75, even so a nice touch.

The ground had one very interesting feature in that the stand that has recently been reopened thanks to a cash injection from Haven holidays is in the Guinness book of records for being the oldest spots stand in use in the world. It dates back to 1902.

All in all a good day out an interesting ground and a friendly atmosphere.

Photos
From top to bottom:

Top: The stand at the Wellesley that has recently been restored to it's former glory and appears the same as it did in 1902.

Second: A view of the pitch at the Wellesley.

Third: Me on a very comfortable leather sofa in the sports bar in the ground. Good job it was comfortable when you have to wait 40 minutes for a pint, but never mind.

Fourth: The stand again.

Bottom: The pitch again.

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