AVFPA Newsletter - 7

Welcome to the monthly e-letter from Aston Villa Former Players Association, keeping you up to date with the news, events and happenings within the organisation. W: www.astonvillafpa.org

SUPPORT FOR LORD MAYOR`S APPEALS

Aston Villa FPA Chief Executive Neil Rioch and General Secretary Karl Court were guests of the Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Birmingham earlier this month to discuss the Aston Villa FPA`s support of two events in association with the Lord Mayor`s Parlour.

The first, which is scheduled to take place in February 2011, will be a weekend 'Health Festival` staged at Star City in Birmingham, during which an attempt will be made to set a new world record number of health checks.

Aston Villa former players will be participating by having health checks themselves, and also promoting the importance of regular health checks to the general public.

The second event will see the restoration of what was the annual Aston Villa Old Stars v Birmingham City Old Stars charity football match for the Lord Mayor`s Trophy and Lord Mayor`s charities appeals.

More information on both events will be made public in due course.

NEW BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

The Aston Villa FPA is pleased to announce our new 'business partnership` with Kanoo Travel, who are now our official travel partner.

Kanoo Travel, an ABTA bonded franchise partner of American Express Travel Services, specialise in tailor-made luxury holidays for the discerning traveller, and have over 20 offices located in England, Scotland and Wales.

Exclusive discounts on all holiday/travel bookings will be available to all Aston Villa FPA members and business associates, and special offers will be emailed out monthly. These will include exclusive 'Kanoo Box Office` packages for West End theatres, major Sports events and Entertainment events/concerts.

Full details and direct links will be emailed next month and will appear on our website shortly

ANOTHER 1ST THANKS TO STOKE CITY FPA

At the recent Stoke City v Aston Villa Premiership fixture Pat Heard, Tony Morley, Chris Nicholl and Neil Rioch were delighted to be the first people to participate in Stoke City Former Players Association`s new arrangement with their club for the current football season.

At each Stoke City home match, four former players of the visiting club are invited to be hosted by four members of Stoke City FPA in the excellent Tony Waddington Suite, along with resident MC Terry Conroy, the former Stoke City & N. Ireland player.

After a pre-match meal with our hosts and two other special guests, Tony Morley was interviewed by Terry Conroy in various suites and lounges, which was very well received by supporters of both clubs.

PAT HEARD DRIVING SCHOOL

Do you or a family member or friend require driving lessons? Want to be taught by a European Cup winner?

Former Aston Villa European Cup winner Pat Heard, a fully qualified Advanced Driving Instructor, has recently launched his own driving school. Although mostly working the north Birmingham areas of Great Barr, Kingstanding, Sutton Coldfield, Streetly, Four Oaks and Walsall, Pat will be happy to travel to other destinations if required.

For you, a family member or friend, and subject to your location, Pat is offering the 'First Lesson Free` then the next 4 lessons at £14 each, i.e. 'First 5 lessons for only £56`, with special 'exclusive` discounts for block booking.

A lovely new Citroen DS car is used to learn in - morning, afternoon, evening and at weekends. For more information or to book, please call Pat Heard on 07720 846686.

IT SHOULD BE A FASCINATING READ

Former Aston Villa star Bobby Thomson, one of very few to have played for Aston Villa, Birmingham City & Wolves, will be signing his newly published Autobiography in Waterstones book store, Bull Ring, Birmingham at 11am on Saturday 23rd October. Former teammates will also be in attendance.

25 YEARS SERVICE - WELL DONE 'SID`!

2010 marks Gordon Cowans` 25th year of service to Aston Villa football club. The Aston Villa FPA sends their congratulations to 'Sid` for this great 'Silver Anniversary` achievement, and also on his recent promotion to 1st team coach. We wish Gordon and the new management team every success.

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