As anybody who knows me will tell you. I have been something of a programme collector for many years. If I remember correctly (I do!) …since 1964. Nowadays I TRY only to acquire specials and programmes from matches that I attend but ….. I am actively trying to swop out scruffy Gillingham programmes for mint editions especially for the 60s. That all said, I do love a fair so am delighted we have a couple of crackers in the next few weeks.

Firstly it is back to the County Cricket Ground at Chelmsford (poster, above) which is as posh as it sounds! The guys there are looking to build on the success of the summer event and I am told it will be bigger and better than ever. I am obviously trying to avoid the Mariah Careys but, yes, you could solve a lot of your searches for presents on the spot.

Two weeks later it is back to the bi-monthly event in Kensington in West London for Barry Dixey’s fair (below) which is always very busy with a great range of stalls. Les Easterbrook will be there with a huge selection of badges and Lee Hermitage will have thousands of football magazines, programmes etc etc.

I am looking forward to both, as always

Whilst all this is going on, our intrepid groundhopper, Darren Ashley, is out and about as usual. Last week he was at Lutterworth Athletic and a good time was had by all. Pop over to his You Tube to see what happened. This week he was at Mickleover for their Trophy game against Telford and again he has an interesting story to tell. Over to YouTube, Darren!