Charlie - Guest Speaker

As for the event itself, well it really was good to get together with so many genuine and devoted fans and spend the entire evening talking about the mighty reds. There was also the major bonus of Charlie George as guest speaker. A man who clearly believes that support from the fans really can and sometimes does make a huge difference. He sited Fairs Cup night and Liverpool's recent European triumphs as being prime examples where, in his opinion, fan support played a massive part. Charlie held an open question and answer session and was, as ever, very forthright and entertaining, although understandably he did somewhat follow the Club party line when it came to ticketing issues such as pricing. It was lovely however to hear that he still hates Tottenham, despite coming within a gnat's whatsit of joining them. It's also good to know he can still play to a crowd even though it is now in a very different way to when I watched him from the North Bank terraces.

The F A Cup resplendent in it's red and white ribbons was also on show at the meeting and those attending had a chance to have their picture taken with the delightful old trophy, although sadly we were not allowed to touch it. A shame really because for me there is an almost obsession desire to raise it above my head whenever I get within a few yards of the famous shining bit of silverware. When you get a good close up of the Cup there can be no doubting that the red and white ribbons really do suit it down to the ground and should be a permanent addition.

For the benefit of anyone who doesn't know, REDaction are an independent group of Arsenal fans totally unconnected to the Club but who endeavour, quite sensibly, to work with the Club in order to generate an improved atmosphere at the Highbury Library. Their basic philosophy, when asked why the atmosphere at Highbury is not all it could, or indeed should be, is to pose the question: So what are you doing about it? Not only do they pose the question but they also then get on and do something about it, in fact many things.

The author with the F.A.Cup - Which one is the oldest?

To date they've got the WHL '71, ANFIELD '89 and other banners on show, They've run some 'North Bank Knees Ups'. Organised two End of Season Fancy Dress away days, with great success. They are responsible for the fabulous ‘Great Arsenal moments' film montage, which is regularly shown pre-match on the big screens. Two giant banners have been produced and are regally taken to away games. Then there was the resurrection of the huge 02 shirt, which has now had three outings to Cardiff. They were responsible for the singing section at last season's League Cup game against Everton which, if you were there you'll know, was highly effective. There have been two major card displays at Highbury including the salute to the 49ers. Additionally they've been handing out freebies such as flags, bowler hats and beach balls, plus much, much more. Not all their ideas come to fruition and not all of their ideas take off quite as planned, but the point is they give it a go and learn from their mistakes. With the Club now providing a budget for REDaction their continued involvement on match days looks fairly assured but their commitment implies our involvement and if we want the atmosphere to improve then we have to participate. So what will you be doing about it next season?

One of REDaction's major goal's looks almost certainly to have become a reality in that there will almost certainly be a singing section at the new stadium in the North West Corner in a section that will hold about 600. The idea being that like minded Gooners who want to create some seriously noisy support will at long last be able to get together rather than be dispersed around the four stands in small pockets as they are now. You too might become part of this new REDsection if you contact redaction@btinternet.com quoting your name, membership status (gold, silver or red) and membership number. Personally I think the Club should be congratulated for making this particular proposal a distinct possibility. But what it will need are noisy punters of a mind to get determinedly behind their team rather than sit on their arses and nibble prawn sandwiches whilst moaning at the genuine enthusiasts doing their bit for the cause.

REDaction deserves your support because they are trying to achieve an atmosphere the vast majority of true fans want – this cannot be attained however without our active assistance.