The night was a great success with about 80-100 people in attendance.

The evening began with an opening speech from the interim chair, then an excellent Q & A from our esteemed panel of guests. Later follwed two excellent sections on the Valley Party, and some Trust updates from Pompey ST and Supporters Direct. It was the first time CAS Trust had put on such an event and some was money was made for the Trust after costs.

CAS Trust would like to say a huge thank you to guests and fans alike who helped launch the trust but more importantly celebrate the achievements of the last 20 years including our magnificent return to the Valley.

We were blessed with 5 legends from the era who fair play to them have no obligation to come to these things. Without wanting to single one or two of them out, it must be said of Mark Kinsella, he missed a reserve match to come down we believe, and was also the first player to commit allowing us a headliner for publicity - he is every bit the man we saw on the pitch in person, and an old 'skool' leader of men. Also Keith Peacock for representing the club with his statesman like grace; and Gritty Nelse and Kinsey for supporting the event with excellent comments and stories. We were in competition with one maybe two other events, that they chose to appear for us speaks volumes about them I feel.

Also a big thank you to Richard Murray who arranged to put some money behind the bar, and sent a special message saying "without the supporters we probably wouldn't have a football club now and certainly not the fabulous stadium we now have". I have never had the pleasure but hope to thank him in person one day for that and everything he has done for our club which should not be underestimated or forgotten.

Thanks all those who spoke, and in particular the Valley party group who stood up and said some words towards the end. It was absolute pleasure to award them all our role of honour for their efforts.

As interim Chairman I would also like to personally thank the following people.

The heavy lifters in CAS Trust, every bit helps but some of these guys just don't know how to say no (to a drink in some cases). In particular all the gang who helped out last night, it is a team effort believe me.

Geoff Doyle Essex Addicks, without his influence and generous donation he advocated from the branch we would not have the luxury of funds to drive our membership publcity, nor the design and inspiration for Trust News. I hope perhaps we can revive the branch somehow.

Ben Hayes, will probably tell me off for mentioning him, but I regard him as one of the gems in the Addicks Fan arsenal. And to Bromley Addicks also big supporters of the trust idea and donors, and first to offer to affiliate - a process we hope to put into place soon.

Jean Huelin, can't thank you enough for your common sense approach, support, and general excellentness.. what a woman.

John Commerford, we hope to visit you guys in Ashford very soon.

Dom from Eltham, trying to do something to make a difference, keep it up Dom you have all the support we can give you.

David Hall, whom I have actually never met, but have exchanged a zillion emails with and one brief telephone conversation, provided us with this free website, and very low cost solution for membership system meaning we didn't have to go for a something less ideal. Expect more from David very soon, keep watching the site.

Phil Sands from Pompey Supporters Trust who gave an impromtu speech.

Ben Shave from supporters direct, what a great job to have and Ben provides excellent support and encouragement, top man.

Phil Webster, DJ who MC'd for us at the last minute, with a rather fluid running order, and having to wrestle the mic off me. Also provider of that fantastic picture of the Valley that adorns this website and CAS Trust news.

Gregory Warran for taking the photos last night, expect to see his work on this site very soon. To see his other work go to www.talkinginwhispers.com.

Last but not least to all the trust supporters new and old, thanks for your support this thing is nothing without that, particularly our subscribers, members, likers, and Twitter followers

It was a great climax to a lot of hard work from a lot of people. I personally am looking forward to a nice rest (some hope) 🙂 over xmas after our meeting next week to concentrate on my joke writing and public speaking delivery..

We are building foundations here, slowly and surely. This trust can give fans of the club a network to channel our energies for the good of our club in good times and bad. We can start by rebuilding our supporters groups, listening to fans, engaging with the club and hopefully building mass membership.

Spread the word: Sign up, your Trust needs you!