By Chris Slavin
Tempus Delay Analysis stole the show at a fiercely contested quiz night that once again highlighted the success of AFC Wimbledon's increasingly popular Business Club.
The fifth club event was staged at the Garratt & Gauge pub in Wimbledon with around 40 people getting together for a night of networking and laughs-a-plenty, apart from when it was time for the serious business of counting the scores!
There was a hushed silence as all in attendance waited to find out the team that would scoop the coveted prize - a match day hospitality package at a future AFC Wimbledon game!
The quizmaster – our very own Commercial Director Ivor Heller - then announced that a fantastic score of 34 out of 40 had won it for Tempus Delay Analysis (the victorious team are pictured above).
In truth, the battle for quiz supremacy came second to the value of the event with more businesses showing interest in being a part of AFC Wimbledon's future at a time when the club is poised for a return back to its spiritual home in Merton.
Amanda Menassa, Marketing Coordinator at WSM Partners LLP, an accountancy firm in Wimbledon, attended an AFC Wimbledon Business Club event for the first time.
"It's nice to meet people in a very informal environment and get to know people in a relaxed way, rather than at a business meeting," said Amanda. "I'm aware of AFC Wimbledon moving back to the local area and it's ideal to have a community club moving back to where it belongs. I don't support any football team, but maybe I should be following Wimbledon now! This has been very good fun."
Ray Baxter, Commercial Director at Insite Graphics, is another local businessman who believes it's an ideal time to get involved with AFC Wimbledon.
"It's superb that AFC Wimbledon are moving back to the area and we want to be a part of that local community," said Ray. "We are located at Garratt Lane, just a few hundred yards away from where the new stadium will be and we are interested in helping AFC Wimbledon out in terms of printing. We work in countries across Europe, specialising in providing printing for signage and hoardings at events and exhibitions.
"The whole story of AFC Wimbledon starting as a phoenix club and rising through the levels is one that you want to succeed and to be a part of. It's really attractive that Wimbledon is fan-owned because businesses will want to be involved with a real community club. We are wholeheartedly behind the club and see the benefits of AFC Wimbledon moving back to Merton. I think the support they are going to get from the community, including local businesses, is going to be tremendous."
Anwar Sheikh, Director of Khanage Indian Restaurant, was pleased to relax a bit more at this AFC Wimbledon Business Club event after hosting the last one just around the corner! Anwar, who showed he knew plenty of star Wimbledon players from the past in the sporting round, is delighted to be involved with the club.
"I talked about the Business Club with Ivor at Wimbledon Theatre and it was something we wanted to be involved with," said Anwar. "It was a coup for us to host the last event and we hope to be a part of things when AFC Wimbledon move back to Plough Lane. I am thrilled that the club are moving back here. I used to be live by South Park Road in Wimbledon and I remember the successes of the club in the past. It's a great thing that the club has risen back up again."
With five well attended events so far since its launch, it's fair to say that the AFC Wimbledon Business Club is also on the rise – and roll on the next monthly meeting at Wimbledon Brewery in March!
For more information about the AFC Wimbledon Business Club and getting involved, e-mail pietro.palladino@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk or contact 020 8547 3336.
You may be interested in the next event on Thursday, 22 March, which is an Ale tasting and tour, at Wimbledon Brewery. Get in touch with Pietro using the details above for more details, or to sign-up.