We all miss Nigel, not just for the work he did for the club but also his ebullient personality and enthusiasm. For some time now the club has been considering how to remember him,

Nigel was passionate about maintaining and improving the pitch and the ground and his energy and drive lead to its transformation in the past five years. We have concluded that a refurbishment of the area in front of the clubhouse incorporating new fencing and a Memorial Gate dedicated to Nigel would be an appropriate way of marking his dedicated service to the club.

Many members and supporters have already indicated that they would like to make a financial contribution to a project as a way of paying their respects to Nigel.

The gate will carry the words, ‘Nigel Porter, Memorial Gate 2019’ and be installed as a pedestrian gate leading to the clubhouse entrance. A mock-up of the design is below. The gate will be high quality wrought iron fabricated by a local heritage metal worker, John Naysmith. We think that will enhance the entry to the ground, particularly as a lot of voluntary effort has gone into improving the clubhouse internally and externally over the summer and of course the gate can be taken away and re-used at the new ground.

It is fitting in that it covers two things close to Nigel’s heart. A mock up design of the gate, based on another local installation is below.

So we’re appealing to raise funds for this and our target is £5,000. We hope to raise the money and have the gate installed for the first home game of the 2020/21 season - whenever that is of course. We will also seek to have a small ‘dedication’ ceremony.

If you would like to make a contribution, of any size, then please send your contribution for the Appeal to our bank account:

Banbury United Community Football Club
Account Code: 65766253
Sort Code: 089299

Please put your name in the reference box when sending money so we have a record, or equally if you wish your contribution to remain anonymous that is fine.

Cheque contributions can be sent to Paul Duester, BUFC Treasurer, 6 The Beeches, Deddington, Oxon, OX15 0TY. paulduester123@btinternet.com

We will not publish the individual values of the contributions received, but we will place the names of contributors in alphabetical order in a framed ‘picture and notice’ in the clubhouse to recognise and record your gift.

Thank you for your support.