Time for a Donation?

[procswrongfoot]

Question: What does the best dressed millionaire wear when he arrives back at Gatwick, on a flight home from Bermuda?

Answer: A Gloucestershire County Cricket Club hoodie top of course !!!
(We don't normally get such national exposure on BBC News).

According to the Financial Times, Aaron Banks told them in June 2017 that he had "founded and sold" a listed insurance company - BRIGHTSIDE. (Although the relevant article then suggests that he was merely a director who sold his significant shareholding in the company).

Rather wish that these Bristol millionaires with a spare £8m to splash around, would make a significant donation to our hard up County Cricket Club.

[rcotswold]

I'm not to sure GCCC would wish to be associated with the above said person! I quote from a newspaper to-day ......”Arron Banks, who claims to have spent £8 million of his own money bringing about Brexit, now says he regrets voting for it because the process has “unleashed demons”. He’s right. Those demons include viciousness, divisiveness and xenophobia for political ends. They also include smug stupidity. You’ll find variants of all these demons, true, across the political spectrum, but there is one man who is the ultimate avatar of them all, and that man is Arron Banks. Perhaps he regrets unleashing himself.”

It's bad enough having a Patron that actively pursues efficient tax techniques utilising the many off-shore havens that exist; and also as a major sideline involved in a very contentious housing development that virtually the whole of Cirencester and immediate villages is against. That in itself brings into question the decision by the GCCC committee to request his appointment to this 'figurehead' position.
Do 'ordinary, genuine' members wish to be associated with these people?

[procswrongfoot]

The trouble is, like it or not, this individual already has some form of association with our club.

My comment regarding making a significant donation to our County Cricket Club, was made somewhat tongue in cheek (sorry on reflection I should have added a suitable emoji symbol).

As to our patron....completely pointless and unsuitable readily spring to mind. The original appointment decision smacked of some form of shallow social climbing ego trip. From a distance, I followed with interest the Cirencester planning application debacle.

On a more general note, I have absolutely zero faith in the planning process in this country.....power, privilege and influence always seems to circumvent natural justice.

Footnote: A couple of years back, I did wonder if a certain billionaire, Stephen Lansdown, might actively get involved with our club, given his love affair with Bristol sport. Alternatively, perhaps there is a Russian out there with a rouble or two to spare.

[procswrongfoot]

Interesting opinion article by Neil Maggs (Bristol Live of 7th November), where Maggs was similarly puzzled over the wearring of the club hoodie.

To quote:
'Why was he wearing a Gloucestershire Cricket Club hoodie? For a man of his wealth, perhaps not the most fashionable of clubs, or indeed items of clothing.
They say no publicity is bad publicity, so would Gloucestershite Cricket Club itself be pleased with this free publicity being jettisoned around the world, or be cringing at unwillingly seeing their club badge become embroiled in international allegations of scandal?'

After several hours of intense research, Neil Maggs eventually got a statement from the club:

'Aaron Banks is not officially associated with GCCC, and is not a member of the club. We are aware that he is one of the many fans we are lucky to have, but not one that has any direct involvement with us'.

So there: Thought at the very least that this multi millionaire would somehow manage to fund the exclusivity of a Glos Premium Club Membership, where he could "network" with his chums (rather than actually watch the cricket).

But no: Apparently, just an ordinary fan (presumably with ticket purchasing history). Obviously a man of the people, rather than from the canopies and champagne quaffing set.

So, next time you sit down next to someone wearing an old style Glos hoodie, it just might be............

(Footnote: Having re-checked the original FT article, Banks had sold his Brightside shares (reportedly for around £22m), a few years before the naming rights to The Brightside Ground were sold. So no apparent financial link there it would seem.

[rcotswold]

......."But no: Apparently, just an ordinary fan (presumably with ticket purchasing history). Obviously a man of the people, rather than from the canopies and champagne quaffing set...quote..."

Not too sure bankrolling those lying deceitful Brexiteers Farage, Gove, Boris J etc etc..... would make this individual a man of the people....!

But relieved he isn't a GCCC member!