In 1895, Radstock Wanderers affiliated to the Somerset Football

Association as Radstock Town – and so began the long journey that the club is on today. That should have seen 2020 being celebrated as the club’s 125th Anniversary, but unfortunately the pandemic put paid to those plans. However, it did provide the stimulus and opportunity to improve the facilities at Southfield and that, in hindsight, is probably a more fitting acknowledgement to the founders of the club than a dinner or two!

Many of you will have seen the fantastic improvements to the social club which will provide a real benefit to the local area and the new patio, which enjoys stunning views across unspoilt countryside, but what is not so obvious are the other works that have been completed and are planned for the immediate future.

The plumbing in the dressing rooms has been refurbished and a new tank fitted, electrical fittings have been upgraded, lighting improved and the whole place decorated. The covered area outside of the clubhouse has had the old acrylic roof panels removed and new profile steel sheets fitted. Those improvements will be complimented in the next couple of months with the installation of new perimeter fences and pitch side barriers, thanks to the help and support of Radstock Town Council, an upgrade to the grandstand and the commencement of a major refurbishment of the playing surface.

Everything that has been achieved though would not have been possible without the support of local businesses, the energy of club members, the support of Radstock Town Council and the Football Foundation. Therefore, Radstock Town FC would like to put on record its thanks to the following companies for their donations of equipment, materials, expertise and time: Darren Wilkins Electrical, Pete Rubrich at Spread It and Lay It, Stuart Collins at Hayeswood Construction, Andrew and Ellis at Kingman Joinery, Jamie at Jackson’s Roofing, Tony Hucker TV Services, A37 Vans, plus members and players: Ben Padfield, Charlie Cook, Sam Harrison, Liam Watson, Nathan Townsley, Jamie, Darren and Lucas Purnell, Mike Jenkins, Lee Chubb, Chai Francis, Russ Beveridge, Rich and Lucy Bowring, James Rustell, Joshua Singtothong, Simond Millard, Mike Hill, Jason Matthews, Jack and Stacey Metcalf, Danielle and Mandy Pearce, Craig Button, Rich Sobers, Ian Lanning and Shelley Seymour, who are amongst many others without whose efforts it simply wouldn’t have happened.

The history of football in Radstock goes way back past 1895, in fact if programme notes written for a game in 1937 are accurate, it was more like 1835! Which, if it were to be proved, would make the club one of the oldest in the world!

Whenever it started, in all that time a Radstock team has never competed beyond the Western League, but with the enthusiasm and the yearning for success running through Southfield at the moment, the quality of the football being played and the natural talent in the club, who knows what the future will bring?

To ensure the club is ready to embrace the opportunities a brighter future will bring, we are looking for more volunteers to help on matchdays and for help with pitch preparation, as well as for two specific roles – a sports therapist and kit person. So, if you can spare a few hours to help the club then please get in touch – you can certainly be assured of a warm welcome. For more information, please call: 07730 458486.

Dave Wilkinson