Russ, the Raffle and Replacing the Irreplaceable

[barrowaberdeen]

Russ Rawley, who nearly everyone knows on this forum, is retiring from collecting the raffle . The physical demands of it are becoming more punishing and also with his last BDF comrades taking deserved time out he felt it was the right time. His contribution to fund-raising and Barrow AFC is hard to overestimate- speaking to Ryan and Frazer this afternoon we reckon he has personally raised over a hundred thousand pounds over the years. I do hope the club thinks of a way of recognising the contribution he has made. He is the Bluebirds Trust Honorary Life President and that is hugely well deserved.

On behalf of the Trust, ' thank you' seems inadequate frankly- many different BAFC projects have been supported, week after week, year after year, rain or shine- because of him. Russ whatever you do feel you want to get involved in in the future, please do keep coming in- that office is yours more than anyone's, you've certainly looked after it enough and it's time to just enjoy the game.

It won't be the same, however that raffle is the steady lifeblood of fund raising at Barrow and can't be allowed to just wither on the vine. We already have great volunteers who sell our programmes and raffle tickets but we do need some people who will collect raffle tickets in the X Bar, surrounding area and in the ground during the game. If anyone would like to help us, please call in to the Trust Office, e-mail info@bluebirdstrust.co,uk or just come and speak to us. You will be able to watch the game for free (when you can) but most of all you will soon get to know many of the Barrow support and will be doing something that makes a huge difference. I would also ask Russ' 'regulars' please to stick with us- he has a huge personal following but your contributions help the BAFC community in so many ways whoever is collecting.

We will be at Southport tomorrow and also have a fully stocked shop for the switched Lancaster game on Tuesday. Russ, and everyone else, we will also have new memberships, travel bookings to take and free... 'retro' T-Shirts to give away to any visitors. We hope to see you then!

All Bluebirds are Blue

SH

[Dan_Buck]

He’s a great man and always in a great mood. Well done Russ enjoy watching the game from now on.

[Ste Story]

Russ is an absolute BAFC, BDF and Bluebirds Trust legend.

[DaveC]

Russ has done the club proud for many, many years. I was talking to him a few days back and he told me he's been fundraising for over 40 years. It's sad that he's no longer selling tickets, but totally understandable. I'm very happy to count him as my friend!
The club owe him a debt of gratitude without doubt!

[Bigfathoss]

Echo the above. We definitely owe Russ a great deal of thanks.

[Middleton Nick]

Was everywhere Russ selling the raffle tickets. A fantastic servant to the club and trust.

[McMark]

Russ has been a truly commited fundraiser over the years. Always affable and selfless in his work, his efforts are going to be a huge loss.

[GTBLUE]

Every small club like ours has CEO's (joke) like we have. Every small club like ours have people like Russ.
Every small club like ours have people in the background who do amazing things.
Every small club like ours have proper football people. Every small football club like ours
Have people who care.

You have walked a few miles round the ground Russ.
Thankyou.

[John_Bucks]

He’s a great man and always in a great mood. Well done Russ enjoy watching the game from now on.

Echo what my brother says and I know if our Dad knew what the internet was he’d be here to say it too.

Thanks, good luck and enjoy your retirement, from us all at Buckingham Place.

[Big E]

Well played the Saturday Pickpocket. Will miss our chat on the popular side, I'll have to hunt you down for a you to buy me a beer instead. Well done Russ

[Bennyfromormsgill]

on behalf of all the programme sellers, have a great retirement russ, time to put your feet up mate and actually watch a game. you have definitely contributed to keeping us all together.

[Hadrian]

Great effort, Russ!

Enjoy watching both halves of many more games.

[spirit of 1990]

I’ve known Russ since The Survival Fund days, and when other fundraisers had come and gone - Russ was a constant, how you’ve stuck it out for so long is beyond me!
I’ll miss trying to hide from you on match days mate
BTW, the game is on that big green thing that you normally have your back to..!

The most honest pickpocket you could ever meet...

[Jo am back]

Certainly deserves all the accolades for his years,allways pleasant.Good on you Russ,many thanks for the work you have done.

[boyliegladbach]

I’ve known Russ since The Survival Fund days, and when other fundraisers had come and gone - Russ was a constant, how you’ve stuck it out for so long is beyond me!
I’ll miss trying to hide from you on match days mate
BTW, the game is on that big green thing that you normally have your back to..!

The most honest pickpocket you could ever meet...

Hide!!! You won nearly every week.