WITH eight consecutive away league fixtures, as well as cup trips to the likes of Mangotsfield, Billericay and Braintree, it would be easy for the Terras to have had barely any support away from home in recent weeks.

But the Weymouth Away Travel Club, run by avid supporters Brian Walbrin and Merv Sharp, along with many other helpers, keep costs down for the Terras’ faithful through coach sponsorship, holding bingo nights, meat draws, raffles and Pete Pavey’s football forecast among other fundraising activities to subsidise travel expenses.

And as well as making travel for fans cheaper, every player that makes an away trip on the coach goes completely free of charge.

“We have been fully doing it since around 2012, when Biddie (Nigel Biddlecombe) wanted us to go on our own and do it as the Travel Club,” said Walbrin, who along with the rest of the Travel Club has raised around £40,000 over the last two seasons.

“We have four or five helpers as well who all chip in and it works really well. It’s all hard work but it’s worth it in the end, especially this season when things are going well and the team are winning.

“We have great support and we’d like to thank all the sponsors and people who donate prizes because all the money that is raised goes to the cost of the coach.

“When you see some other prices it’s nice that we can subsidise it and it’s nice to be able to take fans away rather than make it so expensive.”

Sharp added: “Brian and I were sat around a coffee table having a bacon roll one morning and he asked me if I’d like to get the coach going again.

“He deserves a big pat on the back for what he does, I am his right-hand buddy and I help organise things when he’s away but a lot of it is down to him and all the other people that help us.

“We would like to thank everyone who has helped and sponsored us in the past and everyone who is likely to help and sponsor us in the future.”

Showing his gratitude, manager Jason Matthews added: “From my point of view, it is really appreciated. Brian, Merv and all the others do a fantastic job, and for the last few away games, the atmosphere has been unbelievable.

“It is like we are one big family now and it is a good place to be on the coach when we win. It is very much appreciated from all of us at the club.”

  • To book your place on the coach with the Travel Club for future away games, contact Walbrin on 07778579352.