Later this month the Carlisle United Supporters’ Club London Branch will host a virtual book launch event for Jon Colman’s new ‘Bolts from the Blues’.
Open to all United fans to attend, the virtual event on the evening of Tuesday 13 October will see Jon discuss his new book, reveal how it came about and share some of the stories it contains.
**We are delighted to confirm that ex Blues Malcolm Poskett, Chris Billy and Francois Zoko will be joining author Jon Colman at the online event**
Registration for the event is now open. Click HERE to register - fans are encouraged to sign-up early to avoid disappointment.
Launched last month ‘Bolts from the Blues’ recalls some of the most memorable moments in Carlisle United history and hears from the men behind them, as they remember those days and nights as well as open up on their careers at Brunton Park.
The man behind the book, Jon Colman, is familiar to all United fans as an award-winning journalist and Carlisle United reporter for the News & Star.
The virtual book launch will be the latest in a series of virtual events run by the London Branch over recent months.
With the Branch player sponsors for all of United’s goalkeepers this season, members were recently treated to an evening with Magnus Norman in which the capital-born stopper shared an insight into a journey from Worcester Park to Carlisle via Southport and Rochdale, chatting comfortably with attendees.
At the Branch’s recent AGM, Carlisle United chief executive Nigel Clibbens took part in a Q&A session in which members were able to put their own questions directly to him on a range of issues.
The Branch has also been running a virtual pub - Hit The Virtual Bar - each match day to bring members across the country, and indeed the world, together and help its community stay connected during these changed times.
The virtual book launch event will, however, be the first in a number of special events which will be open to all Carlisle United fans to join over the coming months.
Attendees will get an opportunity to share an evening in conversation with Jon Colman as he lifts the lid on his experience putting together ‘Bolts from the Blues’, shares extracts and tells the stories behind the stories.
There will also be some very special guest appearances from personalities whose iconic moments feature in the book’s pages, as well as the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book.
For each copy sold on the evening, 20% of the cover price will be donated to North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Covid-19 appeal, in addition to Jon’s own proceeds which are also being donated to the appeal.
Looking ahead to the event, Jon Colman shared his excitement at the chance to discuss the book with United’s fans: “I'm very grateful to the London Branch for staging this event and I'm really looking forward to chatting to fans about the book - along with a very special guest or two.
“I am thrilled with how well it has been received so far, and I hope supporters will continue to enjoy reliving some of the Blues' most memorable moments.
“Every copy of the book that is sold on the night will benefit an extremely good cause and support people who have done, and are continuing to do, amazing work to help our community at a challenging time.”
As part of their busy start to the season the London Branch have also recently supported improvements to the tunnel area at Brunton Park, including new tunnel covering, and will soon begin an exciting new partnership with Carlisle United’s Ladies team. Click HERE to read the tunnel sponsorship article.
Speaking about the season, incoming London Branch chair, Dave Brown, said: “It’s a challenging time for Carlisle fans everywhere but it also offers opportunities.
“We have always welcomed exiled blues everywhere and this season the online programme has meant that we have been able to interact with lots of members that we don’t always get to meet that often.
“The night with Jon Colman is the first of a number of events this season that we will be opening to non-members and promises to be an excellent start.”
The virtual ‘Bolts from the Blues’ book launch event will take place on the evening of Tuesday 13th October, starting from 8pm with the waiting room opening from 7.30pm.
The event is free and open for all United fans to attend but those wishing to join should register in advance to secure their place.
Should interest be high then numbers may be capped, and so fans are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment.
Click HERE to register - fans are encouraged to sign-up early to avoid disappointment.
The Carlisle United Supporters’ Club London Branch has been the organisation for exiled supporters of Carlisle United since 1974, with members across the UK and indeed the world.
As well as a range of virtual events, members enjoy regular email newsletters, complimentary copies of the Branch’s Hit The Bar! fanzine and frequent donations and sponsorships of Carlisle United.
Other benefits, when it is safe to do so again, include an away match ticket deposit scheme and group travel, a season ticket scheme, a Branch football team, regular social events and an annual Summer Trip to a cultural destination.
Membership costs just £20 a season, but new members can currently take advantage of a special rate of just £10 for their first season as a part of the Branch community.
To join online today visit https://membermojo.co.uk/cusclb or for more information email info@cusclb.com.