As a member of the OBE's that was, I was talking to a fellow exile on the train yesterday about revamping this group. Mainly to find out travel plans, lifts, meet ups etc. I know there are still a lot of us travelling regularly. It will not be like the old OBEs as a fund raiser for the club, just travel plans. What do people think?

Count me in if just for match travel plans.

More than happy to go back to where it all started

Yes I'm in as well please.

Was a member of the original OBEs back in the day. Back in the UK after 25 years overseas so made around 20 games last season- was great to do a few meet ups and bump into some of the original members. Travel by train from Surrey so yes count me in re travel. What's the best was of doing this - online ? whatsapp ?

rgds Dave

Nice idea. All for it

yes 2 of us here would be interested.

Ok, a few responses there. Let's try to update each other about cheap travel and lifts etc. My next away game hopefully is Port Vale 1st Sept, so far cannot find a decent route and price by train.

Can people please let me know where they are travelling from. Thanks. Alan.

Hi Alan

Travelling from Rugby in the lovely Warwickshire

Hi Alan

I'm in Minehead, deepest Somerset

Sounds a great idea.

I 'm in Frome - travelling from the other side of deepest Somerset.

Ok, I'll show my ignorance. What is an OBE? Please, no comments about honours. It must have something to do with the word exile but I don't know the OB bit.

bedeck wrote:Ok, a few responses there. Let's try to update each other about cheap travel and lifts etc. My next away game hopefully is Port Vale 1st Sept, so far cannot find a decent route and price by train.

I find the 'Football Grounds Guide' website a mine of information. Especially for the nearest train station and walking directions.
Port Vale seems to be a tricky one.

pembsexile wrote:Ok, I'll show my ignorance. What is an OBE? Please, no comments about honours. It must have something to do with the word exile but I don't know the OB bit.

Hello Pembsexile! It actually started out from a meeting in my house in Kenilworth in the early nighties. Myself, the late Bob Basden, Rosemary Basden (Hatfield) and Chris Curtain (Hatfield) started a group called the “Over the Bridge Exiles”. Pre internet days of course, the group objectives were to assist in getting people to games (OBE qualification was living at least 25 miles from Newport), monthly newsletters and proving funds for the then manager Tim Harris to help strengthen the squad. The group developed to over 100 active members. There are still many OBE’s on this message board and many were involved in the administration the leadership of the group. They were good times and many friendships were built as a result.