Mike Siddall Appointed Friends of Grace Road Chair

Mike Siddall has been appointed Chair of Friends of Grace Road (FoGR), the volunteer supporters’ group that raises funds for the Club.

Mike, former CEO of Leicestershire CCC, takes over the role from Roy Bent, who had been interim Chair since the late John Stew retired due to ill health.

Discussing his appointment, Mike said: “I would like to thank Roy for his hard work as interim Chair and for the many years of service he has given to FoGR.

“The group will continue with its main fundraising activities, which include selling its famous home-made cakes & hot drinks from the kiosk on the ground floor of the Meet, selling 50/50 raffle tickets at T20 games, running Lucky Squares competitions, and holding an Annual Quiz night each November.

“Our number of volunteers has dwindled over recent years and we have decided to concentrate on our four key fundraising activities. We are always on the look-out for more volunteers and helpers “ if anyone would like to assist us, please call me on 07907 892665.”

FoGR’s fundraising endeavours date back to November 1970, with the Friends' first contribution to the Club presented in June 1971.

The first event, a rummage sale, was the catalyst for a long and varied series of activities, now spanning more than 50 years. Dances, skittle evenings, ‘knit-ins’, fashion shows, book sales, Christmas markets, treasure hunts and sports quizzes, to name a few, have all helped raise funds for the Club.

FoGR have gone from strength to strength since, handing over a record donation of £15,000 following the 2022 campaign, which has since been reinvested into facilitating refurbishments at Uptonsteel County Ground.