This week, Oxford United and Oxford United in the Community are celebrating the EFL’s Week of Action by shining a light on programmes which make a difference across our county.
Today, we’re championing the Manor Club with help from three of United’s longest-serving supporters Mark Pratley, Robert Talbot and Roland Clements.
The trio have cheered on the U’s for a combined 166 seasons and became friends thanks to the Manor Club, a monthly event for United fans aged 50 upwards featuring a club legend as a guest speaker.
It provides an important social outlet for fans who otherwise might not have the opportunity to make new connections or engage in conversation during the week due to their living arrangements.
For Mark, a former driver of the U’s’ away supporters’ coach, the Manor Club has helped him remain connected to the club while he has been unable to attend games because of illness.
“I can’t attend fixtures these days,” said Mark. “But I still support the club for every kick of every game and listen to the matches on radio.
“Since I retired from work, not much happens during the week and getting out and about is difficult – that’s the reality of being older.
“The Manor Club to me is an excellent, social, day out where I have a reason to meet up with friends and enjoy some food. I look forward to it every month.”
Joining Mark around his regular table in the far corner at Cowley Workers Social Club on the first Wednesday of each month is Robert Talbot from Eynsham.
Robert has never missed a Manor Club event since it was established in 2017 when a dozen supporters would attend. Now, there are over 100 regular visitors who have heard from Malcolm Shotton, Des Buckingham and James Constable already this season.
Robert said: “I’ve made a lot of friends supporting United for more than 70 seasons, but I’ve made even more connections since coming to the Manor Club.
“Winning the Milk Cup in 1986 is my best memory supporting the club. To meet and listen to Malcolm Shotton at this year’s first Manor Club was a real treat and a great day out.”
Driving Robert and Mark to each Manor Club is Roland ‘Roly’ Clements, who celebrated 40 years as a United matchday steward as a surprise guest of honour when Des Buckingham’s side defeated Preston 3-1 in August.
Roland completes the two-hour round trip from his flat in Stanford-in-the-Vale to Cowley Workers Social Club via Eynsham so Robert and Mark can be part of the day.
“I live on my own, and unless I’m at the football the majority of my time is spent in the four walls of my flat by myself,” said Roland. “When Mark stopped driving, I offered to take us all to each Manor Club and we’ve been going together since.
“It’s not an afternoon out, but a day out for us. We’ll enjoy a coffee before the Manor Club starts and have a cup of tea and cake at Robert’s house before going home. Roger (Hiscock), Rosie and Oxford United in the Community do a fantastic job putting the Manor Club on each month and deserve a lot of credit for it.”
The next Manor Club for the Over 50s will take place at Cowley Workers Social Club on Wednesday, December 4, where Steve Perryman MBE will be guest speaker.
Perryman holds the record as the most capped Tottenham Hotspur player in the club’s history with 866 appearances to his name before joining United in 1986. Tickets are priced £7 and can be purchased online, in-person or over the phone until midday on Monday, December 2.
No tickets will be available on the day, doors open at 11.30am with food provided. All proceeds from the event will support Oxford United in the Community’s work to inspire happier, healthier and better-connected communities.
#EFLWeekOfAction2024.