News
Thank You, Howard Travis
Bedford Blues would like to place on record its thanks to Howard Travis following his retirement as fundraising co-ordinator of Friends of the Blues.
Established just under 13 years ago, Friends of the Blues are a vital fundraising organisation associated to Bedford Blues, raising nearly £300,000 to date in generous support since inception.
They have contributed greatly to the financial security of the club as well as supporting ground developments and helping to improve the player offering at Goldington Road.
A longstanding stalwart of the club, Howard has been front and centre of Friends of the Blues from the very first day, and has been integral in ensuring steady growth of the supporters club, hosting some fantastic Soirees and entertaining members with his witty newsletters.
A lifelong supporter born in the town, his pride and passion for the club stretches much further than this current position with a short time spent as the club’s Press Officer alongside his day job. He also played a role in the saving of the club in 1999 by its loyal supporters.
Writing in his regular blog, Travis reflected: “I have so enjoyed my invention and subsequent stewardship of the Friends of the Blues. I've done a few things in my life, and this one is right up there with the best. It has been an absolute privilege and an honour.
“I thank you all, on behalf of the FoBs for your sustained generosity over such a long period of time. When you look at the success of the club, both on and off the field, and when you look around the ground at how it has improved, you should recognise your contribution.
“Thank you everyone for your loyalty to myself, for your help and for your friendship. I have been blessed and I’ve loved it.”
Trav’s final request before stepping away from the duties of Friends of the Blues is to see more members join the ranks ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Membership is just a minimum £7 a month and comes with a whole host of different offers and competitions including a unique try scoring competition, places at the End of Season Soiree and regular prize draws.
The funds generated via Friends of the Blues make a huge difference to the club and its viability as one of the only sustainable clubs in English rugby – with recent fundraising efforts helping support the refurbishment of the players’ gym among a variety of different projects at Goldington Road
Simply fill in the standing order form below to join a growing number of fans taking their support to the next level. In the next few months, we will also be rolling out an electronic subscription service.
FRIENDS OF THE BLUES STANDING ORDER FORM (350.9KB)
Blues would like to again thank Howard for his years of dedicated time and effort in support of the club and wish Andy Barwell the best of luck in taking over the running of Friends of the Blues forthwith, whilst recognising the continued support of Matthew Rawlinson and Martin Clarke, alongside some new blood joining THE team.
Bedford Blues Chairman, David Gunner, added: “We will never be able to thank Howard enough for the immense contribution he has made to our club. We don’t expect him to be a stranger; even since his relocation to Wales, he has continued to make matchdays and run the Friends of the Blues to great success. On behalf of the Board of Bedford Blues and the wider Blues Family, thank you Trav.”
