FANTASTIC RESPONSE AT THE CLUB TO HORRIFIC WATER BILL !

Following Saturday’s announcement regarding the huge water rates bill, the club promised supporters an update as soon as possible and we can bring that to everyone now!
As things currently stand, the Millers have a Water Rates invoice of £10,381.35 and 14 days from last Friday to pay it.

The Millers expected a larger invoice for the summer months as they have no choice but to water the pitch during that period, to ensure the pitch is up to the required standard for step 4 football.

A invoice for that period had not been received, so on Thursday last week, the club chased it up and were told by Water Plus that they had held it back because they thought the reading must be wrong as the bill was much higher than usually paid.
It was explained to Water Plus that the club expected a bigger invoice and had budgeted for it and it was not a problem, the summer bill is always above £2,000 and the given price increases, the club had set a side £3,000 so was expecting an invoice around that amount.
The club were told that the invoice was for much more and could we confirm the reading.
The reading was correct and the invoice landed on Friday morning.

Following the invoice the club Chairman notified senior committee members at the club and e mailed their contact at Severn Trent as the club understands Severn Trent run Water Plus.

The club obviously want the meter checked, need to ensure there is no leak and have been offered help from local Mp Michael Payne who coincidentally was at the game on Saturday v Stockbridge.

The club have made several suggestions and points with regard to the invoice and are waiting for a response from Severn Trent, an extension to the period to pay the bill is the least the club will need.

Either way and even if the Millers obtain a reduction for whatever reason, it is clear there will be a significant amount to pay and the club have instantly started to raise money in an attempt to deal with this.

The club have faced huge financial challenges in the past, not least at the end of the 2022-2023 season when they received an horrendous Electric bill which they eventually covered with fund raising and donations.

The fantastic Millers fan base have already stepped up to the plate and two supporters, unconnected and wishing to remain in the background have both said they will donate £1,000 each towards the bill.

The Annual Christmas Draw was launched 2 weeks early on Saturday and Michael Payne sold over £100’s worth in tickets for the club during the second half of Saturday’s game.
Chairman Mick Garton has sold £280 worth of tickets over the weekend, with Vice Chairman Barry North buying £100’s worth of those off his colleague at the head of the club.
The cover picture shows a queue of people waiting to buy tickets from Michael Payne who was holding court in the packed Howard Mitchell Sportsbar.

Supporter Chris Frame was selling tickets in the Boot Room on Sunday and Kelly at a gathering at the ground, also on Sunday, between them they sold £112’s worth and Kelly collected a further £50 in donations.

Deputy Commercial Manager Gaz Bee has vowed to launch another Super Football card raising £500 for the club and a £500 prize for the winner, he will attempt to fill this in time for the Christmas draw on Saturday 21st December, a tough ask, but he will give it a go.

Boatsy has today spoke to a former Nottingham Forest legend about doing a speakers event at the ground in the first quarter of 2025 and received a positive response.

A number of supporters have approached committee members following the announcement which was made at half time on Saturday to ask how they can help.

In the short time while the club pursues the options outlined above, we have 3 numbers available in the 200 club draw, numbers 159, 162 and 167.
If we could fill the 200 club up again and get a waiting list, that would help.

We have a handful of tickets left for the Murder Mystery on this coming Friday at just £40 each to include a buffet at the Howard Mitchell Sportsbar and less than 10 tickets are still available for the Christmas Lucheon with Steve Howie on Friday 29th November from 1pm, tickets to include Christmas dinner are also £40.

Any fund raisers bringing money into the club will help, particularly buying tickets for the Christmas draw while we wait to see if Michael Payne can make any progress with help for the club.

If anyone can support any of the above, or as any other ideas to help clear this gigantic bill, please ring Boatsy on 07907 064189.

Finally we finish this update with the positive interview with our new local Mp Michael Payne and Alistar’s brilliant pre match rendition of the “Last Post” before last  Saturday’s game at Stoke Lane.