PREPARATIONS for the new season at Gigg Lane continue apace.

We welcome Joe O'Neill, a striker on a season-long loan from Preston North End, who chose Bury on the advice of Pawel Abbott, a firm fans favourite during his loan period here last season.

Perhaps the most welcome return to the club, however, is Gordon Sorfleet as press officer. Forever Bury, and more particularly our over-worked secretary Simon Egan, are delighted that Gordon has taken back control of the club web site.

The players have returned to begin pre-season training, albeit without Nelson, Billy and Newby who finished in the top three places in May's Forever Bury Player of the Season awards (sponsored by Tower FM and the Bury Times).

The impact lessens when we look at last season's Forever Bury Player of the Month awards. Nelson won the January and March awards, sponsored by Drury's Menswear of Ramsbottom, and Clive Ingram Photography.

We expect to see Glyn Garner and Lee Connell featuring prominently in the first team. Glyn won the February award, sponsored by the Garsdale Country Inn and Restaurant of Woodhill Road, Bury. Lee won the April award, sponsored by Urban Menswear of 13 Tithebarn Street, Bury.

Our thanks go to the sponsors of all the awards, we hope they will renew their sponsorship this season.

Talking of renewal, all existing Forever Bury members should have received their membership renewal notices. We hope you have already re-joined but if this has slipped your mind, please do so soon.

This is an excellent time for new members to join Forever Bury and get the benefit of a full 12 months membership. Next week's bulletin will feature some of the discounts available to our members.

Many of us have recouped the subscription by using the various discounts from our sponsoring firms throughout the borough.

If you need convincing of the benefits of getting involved in helping your football club, come to the next Forever Bury open meeting in the Social Club on Thursday, July 31, 7.30pm, for existing and prospective members.

As well as many of the Forever Bury directors, some of the Bury FC directors will be attending.

The club AGM takes place on July 24 so the open meeting represents the first chance for fans to question the directors about any changes to be announced -- not to be missed!

Although the players, director, management and staff have been able to take a holiday this summer, our own Robbie the Bobbie has continued working without a break.

Robbie's recent schedule has included St Andrew's CofE primary school in Radcliffe; St Joseph's and St Bede's primary school, Bury; Radcliffe Hall school, Radcliffe; Greenmount primary school; the club's five-a-side competition in Ramsbottom; Lowercroft primary school, Bury, and Chantlers School, Bury.

If you would like to meet the great man, head for Unsworth Primary School, Blackley Close, on Sunday, where Robbie will be at the school fair which starts at 11.30am.

The following Sunday, July 20, Robbie supports an excellent cause -- a fun run from the Bolholt Hotel, Walshaw, starts at 2pm, in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust.