The Imps’ oldest supporters’ group, Lincoln and District Football Supporters Club have agreed to work alongside the Red Imps Community Trust to become stronger together during these difficult times.
Lincoln and District have been heavily involved with Lincoln City Football Club since its formation in 1954, raising well over £1.6 million through a variety of fundraisers including weekly bingo sessions which continued to run on Monday nights at LNER Stadium until the pandemic called a halt last year.
In 1965, Brian Baldam was appointed full-time organiser for the Lincoln and District Football Supporters Club, where he served for over 50 years before retiring.
During Baldam’s tenure, the Lincoln & District Football Supporters Club introduced and organised the ballot for the Lincoln City Player of the Season award during the 1969/70 season. The award remains a key part of the Imps’ end of season celebrations with recent winners of the Lincoln & District Football Supporters Club Vic Withers Trophy including Michael Bostwick, Neal Eardley, and Paul Farman.
Brian Baldam’s son, Chris has explained how they have made the decision to start a new chapter in the Lincoln and District Supporters Club’s history by working alongside the Red Imps Community Trust.
“We have a wealth of history at the Lincoln and District Football Supporters Club and due to my dad’s recent retirement, as well as the current pandemic, it is vital we find a way to protect that,” said Chris.
“We want to continue to raise funds for the football club and with events like the weekly bingo, we are pleased that the Red Imps Community Trust have offered their full backing and support with assisting us when it’s safe to return. There is a great opportunity to raise vital funds for the club, especially with social events we have missed out on over the previous 12 months.
“I’m personally delighted that the Red Imps Community Trust have come forward to recognise this and invited me to join their board. I have also become a Trust Member in recognition of our shared goals which is to safeguard our beloved Lincoln City Football Club and its community.
“With this in mind, it has been decided that the Lincoln and District Football Supporters Club will transfer their shareholding in Lincoln City Football Club to the Red Imps Community Trust. This will make both organisations stronger going forward with the shareholding going into a safe organisation.”
Red Imps Community Trust, Supporters Director Rob Bradley spoke highly of the partnership, discussing the benefits the two organisations will receive: “We are happy to have created a link with Lincoln and District Football Supporters Club and under the current circumstances we want to help them for the future.
“The fundraising Lincoln and District have done over the years has been fantastic and if we can help them with future events, then that is another contribution we can make together to help the club remain sustainable with local funding from supporters.
“The Red Imps Community Trust have always wanted its members to feel part of the football club, as have Lincoln and District, so coming together is something we are very delighted to be involved in.
“We are pleased to be seen as safe hands and if supporters’ groups work together, it creates a good atmosphere because we are all involved for the same reasons and that is to help the football club.”
Lincoln City Football Club would like to thank both the Red Imps Community Trust and Lincoln and District Football Supporters Club for their continued support.
