Contact club reception to book
THERE ARE still places available for the rest of the season on the Supporters' Trust-organised free stadium tours of St James Park that take place before home games.Stadium Tour co-ordinator Andy Bratt explains what is involved and how you can book:
"There are four Trust Members who currently lead the Trust tours on a matchday (and sometimes on other days by arrangement ). The guides are: Martin Weiler who, amongst many other things, is a key member of the Exeter City History Group and a present Trustee; Bernadette Coates and Andy Bratt are past Trustees, and our newest recruit is Dave Luxton who brings his experience as a long-standing Exeter Redcoat leading historical tours within the City itself.
"The tours are only possible due to the support and encouragement we get from officials at the club itself. Particular mention must go to Richard Knight, Andy Gillard and the Stadium Safety staff who give a most interesting description of their work on our matchday tours."
We find that those who come on the tours seem to really enjoy them and are surprised at just how much history is wrapped up in SJP. Only a few weeks ago Dave took a family round whose son uses a wheelchair and regularly comes to matches. Afterwards Dave wrote....
“I am pleased to say that we made a 12-year-old boy VERY happy. He said it was the happiest day of his life and his face when he went into the dressing rooms and then back up the tunnel was a joy to behold. I found it to be a very humbling experience.
"At the end of the tour we had a new junior trust member and his parents also kindly donated £20.00 to club funds. It was a pleasure to take them around the ground.”
And then this testimonial came in just this week from a parent who Dave took round before the ill-fated Oxford game....
"Just to say thank you ever so much for giving Toby and myself the opportunity to see behind the scenes given that the game was postponed today.
"Although Toby was very quiet / shy during it all he hasn't stopped talking about doing it again and seeing all the players shirts. He can't wait to tell his mum about the parrot too. Many thanks once again and you will hopefully see us again soon."
We hope to see you before one of our final games this season. Who knows - it may be your last chance to see behind the scenes in the Old Grandstand! Just contact Reception and they will put you in touch with the Trust tour guides.
*Please note we are not sure that we will be able to run a tour before the Plymouth Argyle game, and a tour before Newport would have to be quite an early start because of the kick-off time.