THE run-up to Christmas is a busy period for most people, but, this time, for Forever Bury (Bury FC Supporters' Society) activists, the celebration season has been particularly hectic.

First there was the Fans' Survey conducted during the Exeter City game. The results have now been analysed. The Bulletin, hopefully, will have details of the survey results at a later day.

Just one point to make for now.

The last question asked was: "Are you a member of Forever Bury and if not, why not?"

No prizes for guessing the answer given by most non-members: "Nobody has asked me to join" followed by "I don't understand what it is all about."

Having overcome their amazement at these answers, the board of the Supporters' Society have resolved to do something about them. A membership drive is now being planned for the New Year.

Meanwhile, new fundraising ideas continue to be brought to fruition.

Another project started this week with the launch of an "Open The Box" game which will be played to coincide with every home match.

Most people will be familiar with the game, first popularised on TV and now used as a fundraiser in pubs and clubs throughout the land.

Suffice to say that for the Bury FC game, tickets cost £1, on sale all week prior to every Saturday home game at the Social Club.

The draw will take place at 2.30pm in the club on match days.

The initial jackpot is £100, if the jackpot is not won the prize money is left in to accumulate for the next game.

On a more serious note, the Forever Bury board has decided to formalise its calendar in 2003. Meetings will be held at the Social Club on the third Thursday of each month.

There will be meetings for board members only, one month, alternating with open meetings for everyone the next month.

The first open meeting for allcomers will be on Thursday, January 17, 2003. The next meeting, on Thursday, February 21, will be 'Board members only.' The March meeting will be open to all. . . you get the idea!

STOP PRESS: A phrase not often heard or seen anymore.

The long-awaited bottled version of the locally brewed Forever Bury beer has finally arrived in town.

Two hundred gallons was sent to Scotland to be bottled but problems arose with the labels and it has taken longer to get the bottled beer back across the border than was originally anticipated.

Anyway, it has got here in time for the big derby game with Rochdale tomorrow and, of course, for Christmas.

Which leads to the final thought: A Very Merry Christmas to all Bulletin readers.