Background
Established
in February1994, the main objective of DCSCWCB is to enable long distance
supporters to travel to games as economically as possible as well as to
provide a ticket allocation for all First Team matches. The Branch is
family orientated and encourages membership from supporters of all ages
Ticket Allocation
Despite the Rams’ rise in fortunes to the Premiership and many sell-out games at Pride Park, the Branch still receives an allocation of 50 tickets for every match home and away including FA Cup ties (where ground capacities permit). The Branch has a general policy of only supplying tickets to members, so supporters should register all family and friends who wish to join. Friends and family who reside at different addresses will require separate memberships.
Social Activities
The Branch has grown from only a handful of members to over 300 and is the second largest Derby Supporters Branch after London. Now celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Branch can look back on many excellent social events. These include weekends away in Blackpool and Southport, numerous weekends in Derby involving hospitality as guests of the Club and twice as guests of the Chairman, Lionel Pickering, at his pub the “Yew Tree” near Ashbourne. Regular annual events include the Rams Awards nights with the First Team squad that is only open to members of the Official Supporters Clubs. The Branch takes an active role in the Official Supporters Clubs network and is represented at meetings at Pride Park.
Travel
As the Branch has grown and
success on the field has gathered pace, we have been able to organise
travel to virtually all but a handful of away games. In providing this
service we have run quality executive travel to games including Man City
(away -League Cup, midweek), Newcastle (away), Middlesborough (away). This
provides a vital service to members who might not otherwise be able to
travel. In the 98/99 season we ran around 35 coaches to matches. Apart
from a small payment for the home and away ticket organisers, that
contributes to their phone costs throughout the season - no member receives any financial reward from the Branch.
Coach Collection Points
Currently the Branch has the following pick up points: Cheltenham Railway Station, Wychbold (J5/M5), and M42 /J4, (Tesco’s). Apart from London Branch, DCSCWCB are the only Rams Branch south of Loughborough and we are delighted to hear from new supporters to our wide catchment area.
Newsletters/flyers
The “West Country Ram” is
produced 5/6 times per season and includes news/reviews/comments and all
the latest travel & ticket information. In addition we produce
flyers from time to time to cover cup games and any emergency
ticket/travel information.
300
Club
To help support the aims of the Branch a 300 Club was launched in the 1999/2000 season. The cost is £2.50 per month ( by standing order or yearly cheque in advance) with 50% of the income every month being returned in prize money. The 300 Club is open to both members and non-members of DCSCWCB.