Welcome news today that Charlton Athletic will finally have a Museum - CAM
Fans will be able to view Silverware, Medals and various other memorabilia and historical effects, telling the story of our beloved club; once the project is complete - something which CAS Trust has asked fans views on, and fully supports. Similarly to Valley Gold and CAS Trust the Museum it is understood it will be separate to the Football Club and funded by Fans.
This afternoon saw the launch of the Museum website which can be viewed on this easy to remember url www.thecharltonathleticmuseum.co.uk
Ken Sinyard, CAS Trust Liaison and Museum Trustee commented today:
"I was invited by Ben Hayes in the summer to consider the idea of a Charlton Athletic Museum, and participate in this project.
I have long held as a fan the idea of showcasing the history,and achievements of the CAFC , and it's unique history, and despite conversations with people who have considered the idea in the past this has not happened.
This idea is long overdue to me, and I feel will be supported and warmly
acknowledged by all Addicks and former players/managers as a fitting contribution especially as our 20th year back at the Valley comes to an end.
The club, through 'custodians' like Mick Everett, and former Kit man John Rook have retained a great amount of Charlton history thankfully, and the issue has always been how to showcase this is an appropriate setting. I was delighted like all my fellow trustees that the club have decide to house this collection, which will be self financed by fans.I have been involved with the graphics, and the website, which is now up and running and can be found on: www.thecharltonathleticmuseum.co.uk
At this stage it is a brief introduction as to the aims and purposes of the museum, how to contact them, and if you wish to make a donation.
The museum is a charitable trust, and is wholly independent from CAFC.
I was invited to do this, as I have done quite a bit of graphic work for various supporters groups, our own CAS Trust news (TNT), and hope that every trust member supports this exciting enterprise, as the museum needs
every fan to play there part in this to make it a success.
I am particularly keen that the museum is going to be involved with educational and younger fan's, and hopes to secure finance to have an online collection for all Addicks, for this and future generations, with a possible lottery grant.
If you have something that you think the museum might be interested in please contact mick.everett@cafc.co.uk, all the details of where to send donations are on the site.
The area will exhibit a number of items including the shirt worn by Colin Walsh on the return to The Valley in 1992 and Clive Mendonca's hat-trick boots, shirt and match ball from the famous Wembley victory in 1998 as well as more vintage pieces such as artefacts from the Addicks' FA Cup final triumph of 1947.
Mick Everett also commented:
“Fans have never had the opportunity to see much of this memorabilia so not only does it give them the chance to get up close to some interesting historical artefacts, it also allows us to ensure that certain items don't fall by the wayside.
“Things have been lost, damaged, or just carelessly stored away over the years so this museum will now give some assurance that our history is in safe hands.”
“We've already been in contact with certain people who have very generously agreed to loan us some fantastic, priceless items,” added Everett.
Finally Ken added:
"If you would like to support this great project, then please come forward.
"With the welcome support of the CAFC Board, I am hopeful that fan's like me and you can take an active role in building something special, however limited your time is , your support will endorse why we are doing this."
BR/KS