All Charlton fans must surely take great pride and pleasure in the exploits of The Upbeats. Their smiles have lit up some very dark days in the recent history of our club. Long may they flourish.

Demelza help children and young people who have a terminal condition to receive the care and attention they need to live the most fulfilling life they can. They have a children’s hospice in Eltham.

This local charity is run entirely by a dedicated team of hard working volunteers. They  provide facilities to enable disabled children to enjoy horse riding to help them reach their true life potential.

One of the saddest aspects of our recent history has been the fracturing of the strong bond between the club and its fans. We feel it is now appropriate to use the money collected by fans, from fans, in a positive way to promote fan engagement.

This is a brilliant initiative, conceived and run by volunteers, to preserve and display the heritage of our great club for the local community and supporters. In celebrating the past, we look to the future.

CAST is the democratic and representative voice of supporters and aims to achieve a healthy, balanced and constructive relationship between the club and its fans. This donation is to be held “ring-fenced” within the CAST accounts and used as they see fit in helping to rebuild the active fan base and their relationship with the club.

This particular cause is unfortunately shrouded in uncertainty. Much depends on the willingness of the club to allow it to be re-established at Sparrows Lane, and on the willingness of fans to take on the re-planting and maintenance done for so many years by Jean Huelin and her husband Richard. However, we are donating £591 towards the cost of this and we are indebted to CAST who have kindly agreed to hold this amount separately ring-fenced, for future use. In the event that the garden is not eventually re-established, this sum will be split equally between the Museum and CAST.