Up the Brewers.

So what did I do when I was in Burton. For a start, I went to a football match, an invitation from the Director, Ben Robinson, to join him and his guests in the Directors box. The hospitality was first class, drinks, waitress service and a nice three course meal. The club mascots paid us a visit.  Notice I have a yellow and black brooch, Burton Albion's colours, which I made the night before. 

I couldn't pin Ben down for a photo this time, but here is one taken three years ago when I was there.

Profiteroles with cream and chocolate sauce, lush.

There was a programme on every chair. A nice souvenir for me.

I haven't been in a box before at a football match, so didn't know what to expect. I didn't think I would need my coat, so I left it in the car. When Ben explained that we would probably be going out onto the terraces to watch the match, I had to go and fetch my coat. Luckily I had a big jacket with a hood, which kept the cold out.

Our seats were just above the tunnel where the players come out onto the pitch. There was quite a lot of press there, with their expensive cameras and long lenses. The match was relayed onto the big screen inside the box, so I could have watched it there, but I wanted to experience the atmosphere in the stadium. The Southend boss was just below us, and he shouted his instructions all the way through the match. I don't know how he kept it up, he must have been hoarse after that.

The first half was a little bit slow, but the pace soon quickened in the second half when the Brewers played flat out to even up that score. At half time we went back into the box where the tables had been cleared of the meal debris, and re-laid for coffee and biscuits.

Back out onto the pitch and some fancy footwork and a lot of hard slog, paid off......

They managed a goal to even it up, and that's how the score ended.

It was an enjoyable experience, good to see the crowds cheering for their teams. There is a dedicated and loyal following for Burton Albion Football Club, and the first class facilities at the stadium makes it a family friendly place to go.

I was in the town centre on Thursday and spotted the club's stand selling memorabilia. People like to buy their gifts for Christmas at this time of the year. A good photo opportunity, whip the camera out.

I can't see me becoming a real footie fan, but it was a great experience, and I met some nice people. Here's the link to their website.

More pics of my Burton visit tomorrow. Toodle pip.  ilona