Football Programmes Centre

Simon of Hinckley · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 3

Hi all,It's my first post and so I'll introduce myself-my name is Simon and I run the club/online shops for Hinckley United Football Club.The shop has approx 5,000 programmes from the 60's onward (although most are 70's onward).
I have 2,000 various league & 3,000 various non-league covering all levels of the pyramid.In addition I stock around 250 football books and 60 or so non league titles along with around 130 non league badges.
I'm planning to start what I hope will be an annual programme fair at our home,the Greene King Stadium,on saturday august 1st.
I would think our 'Starlight Suite' is easily large enough for 25 dealers to attend.
We are positioned well,inbetween Coventry and Leicester,with easy access from the M1,M6 & M69 and from those I've seen advertised not many programme fairs take place in the heart of the midlands.
I'd like to encourage vendors to come and after talking to our General Manager this morning I'm able to offer pitches at just £20 each.
Can any of you guys offer me any advice regarding advertising such an event?Any guidance at all would be very gratefully recieved.
Many thanks.

foxes1 · Joined: 30 Nov 2008 Posts: 1223 Location: Leicester

I would suggest you contact the local clubs, like Leicester City, Coventry City and others in the Midlands area and try to get adverts in their progs (But you will have to be quick especially with the season soon to end).
You could also advertise in the Leicester City Supporters Club Programme Shop at the Walkers Stadium, I know they usually hold a sale there on F A Cup Final morning, so it may be worthwhile you visit it (I'll try and find out if they are having it this year).
There are also a few dealers in the Midlands area like Colin Boulter, Kelvin Weatherer.

Barrett · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:56 pm Post subject:

Hi Simon, there is a guy on here called ManCityMark who has recently expressed an interest into having his own pitch at a few different fairs. This may be a big help to him to start out and get to know various dealers. I'll let him know about this.

andyfromboston · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 429

Colin Boulter lives in or near Hinckley.

I think he'd be happy to help you out.

Barrett · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:12 pm Post subject:

Simon, I was wondering.

Would it be possible to get some kind of advertisement for the website at the fair if you do go ahead?

Maybe just as people pay to get in they can be given a leaflet explaining about the website and forum?

We could design it and send you over a draft to see if you approve of it?

foxes1 · Joined: 30 Nov 2008 Posts: 1223 Location: Leicester

Colin Boulter usually has a stall at Leicester Fair on F A Cup Final morning.

PRESTON WCFC · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Posts: 234

Simon

Please could you PM me any details. We are looking to set up a fair at Worcester City in the new season and could possibly help one another out.

I would have booked a pitch myself as I deal in non league programmes although I unfortunately have a wedding to attend !!!
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www.nonleagueprogrammes.webs.com

Simon of Hinckley · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 3

Thank you all for your input.
I do know Colin as it was he who suggested I should do something along these lines,he's a great guy and we do swaps quite often.There's many groundhoppers and collectors call in on a regular basis and everyone has always been very impressed by the range and condition of the programmes I stock.
As for handing out a flyer advertising this site,it'd be no problem at all.
Whilst the idea is in its infancy,feedback I've recieved on here and elsewhere makes me think it's a viable proposition.I have tonight recieved funds and intend to place adverts in the non league paper and 'when saturday comes' and I can visit club websites to promote it for free.
I just hope it all comes off.