Thursday 2 May 2013

Haringey and Waltham Development FC

Thursday 2nd May kick off 19:45

Haringey and Waltham Development FC 1 v London APSA 0
Essex Senior League
Coles Park
White Hart Lane
London N17

FootballFans.eu


Attendance -16 - yes that's right!
Weather : A gorgeous day - no cloud cover - resulted in a cold evening.
Customer Service : Excellent - just look at those kebabs!

H&WD were formed in Oct 2000 as Mauritius Sports Association. The club previously played at Avely FC, in season 2008/09 they moved to Waltham Lodge in Walthamstow E17 - Hence the name Waltham. In 2011/12 the club moved to it's current home in Haringey -therefore it seemed appropriate to add Haringey to their title. They're one of football's  true nomads - can you help to find a home for them Oaksey? 

I've previously visited Coles Park for a game between the landlords Haringey Borough and Royston FC on 30/04/11. Well, well, well how things have moved on - I heard on the hopping grapevine that the ground has undergone some re development this season, so I thought I better investigate. Firstly, there's a new clubhouse - if any of you have visited Coles Park in the past, you will know that the clubhouse was literally a tin shack comprising of two shipping containers and a tea point. No expense has been spared with the new establishment, and I can confirm the bar stocks are also fine.

Meet Haringey's three amigos and their "wheel barbeque"
They've even laid "tarmac"in  the car park.
However, the allotments are still in situ and...
I'm very pleased to confirm that urban decay is still very much in prevalence in Tottenham. This is despite the best efforts of the Haringey council to re generate the area....I think some one keeps scuppering their efforts????  
Also, the opposition on our previous visit - Royston FC gained promotion that season to the Southern League Central Division. Their ground was visited on 1st April 2013 - see their link on the sidebar for a full report.


In the foreground is another new feature - the "Cow Shed" stand. Apparently, the word on the street is the stand failed a H&S inspection and thus cannot be used - luckily they don't get big crowds. 
Here's Steve - the H&WD Club sec - he always stands behind the goal with his plastic bag containing newspapers - apparently it brings luck to the team! Depends on the newspapers I suppose - best to avoid Murky Murdoch publications - oops is that libellous?
It's good to see the multi coloured flimsy being very much "en vogue" this season.
The W3 bus (see big red object in foreground) - provides easy access to the ground from Wood Green Station, and if stay on a few stops you will arrive at White Hart Lane (WHL) Stadium. The Flysouth country retreat is not far away.....why not pop round for a cuppa and enjoy the WHL experience. Guided tours are available, however it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 
The "Oaks" like it so much here -they taken root. Note the floodlight in RH corner of pic - there's a story behind this. 
More of the floodlight, when the ground was being re developed one of the builders JCB's accidentally knocked the floodlight down and the insurance "paid out" for a new one. Sounds like a case of don't come to work tomorrow, there's gonna be a fire in the warehouse tonight.
One of the council's more customer friendly signage - Warning Razor Wire - it's a close a shave between this one and other ground signage.......
Quite progressive for this level - sponsored bus shelters.
The Cow Shed stand - which failed H&S regs.
However much you try to improve Haringey - you can't keep urban decay down for long. So much so that Tottenham was voted the Urban Decay capital of Europe for 2012 - let's face it - it's the only way Tottenham are likely to qualify for Europe!  
Coles Park is also s historical site - here is a "A frame" for a medieval "siege" machine - the fore runner of the modern day catapult - but on a much larger scale.
















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