The Ipswich Town Independent Supporters' Trust, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, Supporters Direct and Ipswich Town's Community Trust, is set to publish a new book featuring the footballing memories and experiences of Blues fans of all ages.
The Ipswich 'Til I Die project is based on an existing concept which has proven very successful at other clubs and is designed to capture the personal stories and club-related memories from a wide range of supporters. Real Ipswich Town stories told by real Ipswich Town fans.
Players and managers may come and go, but it's the fans who give the permanent character to a club like Town. And so, as a celebration of the fans, this book will reveal the funny, the absurd, the emotional, the peculiar or unbelievable that is part and parcel of following the Blues.
Who is the club's longest standing fan? Who has the funniest Ipswich tale? Who travels the farthest to get to home matches? Who has seen more matches than anyone else? Who are our record breakers? Get in touch so these and many other stories get into the new book.
Storytelling sessions will also be held in the club and around the town as part of the memory-gathering process, further details of which will be available soon.
In addition to producing an entertaining read, the publication of the book will give a number of benefits to the club, Ipswich Town Ist and to the community. Free copies of Ipswich 'Til I Die will be distributed to local schools, libraries and community groups, strengthening the club's links with the local community.
Revenue from the book will go to the club's Community Trust and to Ipswich Town Ist to be used for community-based schemes. Funding for the project has been provided by Ipswich Town Ist, the National Literacy Trust, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Football Foundation and Supporters Direct.
If you have a story or set of experiences about either yourself, a family member, a neighbour or friend which you feel deserves to go into the book please get in touch with Legend Publishing. Either email your 200-300 word stories to david@legendspublishing.net, post them to 18 Darby Crescent, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5LA or telephone Steve on 0790 6802432 to talk about your story. The deadline for contributions is October 31st 2008.