Page 48 - The Swan CV Edition 4 April 2020

THE VIEW FROM THE GATE
PETE FOSTER
I think I have been working on the gate now for about 15 years! That’s a fair few people who I have happily taken money off over the years. Over those years I seem to have built up a reputation for being a little over- zealous in making sure that people pay. One particular incident that springs to mind is a certain lady who was in a rush, being late and drove straight through the gate without paying. Needless to say, being of a quiet and timid nature, I plucked up the courage and asked said lady for the £3.00 entry fee(It was a long time ago when the fee was £3.00) when I returned
to the clubhouse. At which point three pound coins came hurtling through the air, in my direction, at some speed. I duly put the coins in the bag and bought the lady a drink at half time at which point she had calmed down and we kissed and made up.
People often ask me why I keep doing the “GATE JOB” as it means missing out on the majority of the first half of the 1st team games, VP’s pre-match dinners, Sponsor’s day buffets etc.etc. However, think of what I gain. I no longer do as much as I used to at the club, things move forward and we all get older and longer in the tooth. But every 1st team Saturday I get to see and say hello to most of the people coming through the door. Young, Old, Male , Female, I can chat, laugh, joke without not slowing the flow too much. (Possibly?) It keeps me in touch with all parts
of the club and it is one of the best spots for all the latest gossip. I also have to add that counting the money and adding it up in what can only be described, as a scrooge like manner, is very satisfying knowing that it’s going straight into the clubs coffers.
One of my pet hates is alacado’s from away teams who think they can just walk in to the ground without paying the same as everyone else. Most are absolutely fine and are happy to pay, as they know it’s an important part of a club’s income. However, a few
are particularly obnoxious with the“Iamonthe committee I never pay attitude” when I confront them(“confront them” are the right words I think) most will pay. However I have been known to chase down Mercedes and Jaguars and confront the occupants into
paying. Once unsuccessfully, from alacado’s who came from a team in the Humber area.(I shall not name the team)who were adamant they would not pay.Definitly not cricket!
In this current time of 2metres of social distancing, I can’t wait to get back on that gate sticking my head in car windows, taking money of course, chewing the cud and enjoying rugby.
KEEP WELL & SAFE Pete Foster
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